It sounds like something out of a horror movie, but throughout the early 20th century, the Smithsonian acquired more than 280 human brains as a part of racist eugenics studies. More than a quarter of the brains still held by the Smithsonian today belonged to people in the DMV. Now, a Smithsonian task force says those remains should be repatriated. The Washington Post's Nicole Dungca is here to explain the reporting that triggered an investigation.

After the interview, our executive producer Priyanka Tilve chats with the folks from our sponsor Tudor Place about about the creative and eye-opening guided tour they’ve got running through April 21.

Learn more about Tudor Place’s Ancestral Spaces tour and buy tickets today.

For more DC news, sign up for our morning newsletter Hey DC. You can also become a member, with ad-free listening, for as little as $8 a month.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

And we’d love to feature you on the show! Share your DC-related thoughts, hopes, and frustrations with us in a voicemail by calling 202-642-2654.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How the Smithsonian is Rectifying its Racist Past