By Dennis Powell, e-Management
The first time I heard the words “The Smithsonian Institution,” I just knew nothing good could come from such a weird sounding place. Cut me some slack, I was a 5-year-old student at William B. Powell Elementary School in Washington (D.C.). At that age, I only affiliated “institutions” with people with serious issues. But my teachers quickly explained that the Smithsonian was actually a “good institution with nice people.” And boy, were they right!
As a Smithsonian Institution intern, I learned the story of an Asante (Ashanti) woman named Akua, who could not conceive; but through divine instructions crafted and carried a doll until she had a child. Generations later, women of Ghana still use Akuaba (Akua's child) dolls to assist fertility. You can view Akuaba within the walls of the National Museum of African Art on the Mall in Washington, DC.
Did You Know?
The Smithsonian Institution is comprised of the National Zoological Park (aka the National Zoo), nine research facilities, and 19 galleries and museums—making it the largest museum and research complex in the world. The organization sees more than 30 million visits every year. Two-thirds of its funding comes from federal dollars with the rest coming from private support allowing for no cost or low cost admittance to most of the complex.
My Top Smithsonian Picks
Since I’ve visited practically all of the museums and galleries in the Nation’s Capital, I have compiled a short list of my favorites.
- The National Zoological Park: My first memories of the Smithsonian were weekend trips to the National Zoo, which was located within walking distance of my childhood home. Back then, the main attraction was arguably the giant pandas Hsing and Ling Ling. Today, Panda’s are still a sensation. But, if you are in the D.C. area this time of the year (October), be sure to check out the 13th Annual Boo at the Zoo, which offers children “ages 2-12 a safe and family-friendly atmosphere to trick-or-treat, while enjoying animal demonstrations, festive fall decorations and so much more.”
- National Air & Space Museum: Thanks to one of my school teachers, I discovered this awesome place! With an average of 6 million visitors annually, the Air & Space Museum is recognized as one of the most visited museums in the world. It is certainly the one I visit most often! The museum features flight-related artifacts including the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. If you want to get an up-close view of the Space Shuttle “Enterprise,” be sure to visit the Human Spaceflight exhibit at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
- : The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that there are close to 2,000 languages spoken in Africa. Plus, there are countless cultures on the continent. So, can you imagine the incredible diversity of art coming from Africa? In high school, I certainly had no clue. Until, I reluctantly accepted an internship within the office of public affairs for the National Museum of African Art. Deciding for this internship stands as the best decision I made during that period of my life. My experience at the museum gave me an appreciation for the arts, crafts, and artifacts located within the walls of the museum, and even more broadly found throughout Africa. If you are on the Mall, be sure to check out one of the latest exhibitions, Central Nigeria Unmasked, which highlights “sculptural forms in wood, ceramic, and metal” from more than 25 ethnic groups along the 650-mile-long Benue River.
- Freer/Sackler Museums of Art: The Smithsonian has two museums—the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery—focused on Asian and Mediterranean art. Each is connected through an underground pathway. I discovered these gems in high school during my Smithsonian internship. I was fascinated with the bold pieces of art and the stories behind them. I was/am particularly fond of the Chinese bronzes and jades. Today, some of the collections from the Freer/Sackler galleries are easily accessible online. But, there’s nothing like being there in person. Be sure to check out the Chinese Flowers exhibition when you visit!
- Museum of Natural History: As a youth, this museum was my second favorite behind the Air & Space museum. Why? Well, it had dinosaurs! And what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs? Speaking of those giants from our past, the museum has the Dinosaurs in Our Backyard exhibition, which focuses on prehistoric creatures that roamed the area that is now the Washington, D.C. metro region. But, the Museum of Natural History goes beyond fossils. For instance, there is a recent exhibition called RACE: Are We So Different? The exhibition started earlier this year and concludes January 8, 2012. According to the Smithsonian, this is the “first national exhibition to tell the stories of race from the biological, cultural, and historical points of view. Combining these perspectives offers an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States.” Who knew a natural history museum would tackle such a controversial and fascinating issue?
Don’t Live in D.C.? No Problem.
The Smithsonian has affiliate museums located beyond the boundaries of the D.C. metro region. The organization’s reach stretches throughout the USA, Puerto Rico, Panama, and the Internet. So you don’t have to live in or even visit D.C. to take advantage of the great resources and information the Smithsonian has to offer.
Reality Check.
Many consider the Smithsonian Institution to be a national treasure. As a Washingtonian, I agree. Still, there is a reality check around funding for the Smithsonian. In a climate of government , could the Smithsonian Institute be vulnerable? I’d say: Absolutely! With this in mind, I plan to continue my support of the organizations that have given me so much insight into culture, art, history, wildlife, and more.
But what about you? Has the Smithsonian Institution enriched your life? What are your favorite Smithsonian museums, galleries, or organizations? Is the Smithsonian a National Institution or Treasure?