This Day The Smithsonian, Great Idea (1846)
Aug 15, 2023
James Smithson, Englishman who donated money to the United States for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution, is the guest on this episode. The hosts discuss the controversies and congressional debates surrounding the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution and its museums. They also delve into the story of James Smithson and the challenges faced by the US in handling the funds. The chapter explores the concept of higher education and debates surrounding turning the Smithsonian into a library. Lastly, it examines the political implications and funding of the Smithsonian Institution.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5
Introduction
00:00 • 2min
The Significance of the Smithsonian Institution and Its Museums
02:04 • 3min
The Story of James Smithson and the Establishment of Institutions for Knowledge
04:46 • 4min
Higher Education, Libraries, and Quincy Adams' Obsession
09:11 • 5min
Political Implications and Funding of the Smithsonian Institution
13:52 • 9min