Smithsonian Institution

When English scientist James Smithson died in 1829, he bequeathed his estate to the United States government to create the Smithsonian Institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge." In 1836, President Andrew Jackson and the United States Congress accepted the bequest, but it wasn't until ten years later that President James Polk signed the Act of Congress that established the Smithsonian, creating what would become an unparalleled museum and research complex. 

More than 175 years later, the Smithsonian Institution — a trust instrumentality of the United States — remains true to its founder's vision. The institution includes 21 museums, the National Zoo, education and cultural centers, and nine research facilities. Headquartered in the nation's capital, the Smithsonian remains closely connected to the federal government while benefiting from nonprofit status. It is home to nearly 157 million objects, works of art, and specimens as well as 2.2 million library volumes. The Smithsonian's 300 educators and 200 affiliate organizations offer robust educational programs to more than 8 million learners worldwide each year. Through its acclaimed work, the Smithsonian Institution aims to foster widespread understanding of and critical thinking about some of the world's most complex challenges, from science to art to history to social justice.