British scientist James Smithson donated $500,000 to the United States of America to create an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. As a result of the gift, the United States Congress created the Smithsonian Institution on August 10, 1846. That $500,000 gift has grown to a vast museum operation that has an operating budget of over $797 million. Today the Smithsonian Institute is a collection of 19 museums, a zoo and nine research facilities. The Smithsonian Castle pictured here is the headquarters of the Smithsonian Institute. (Photo: February 15, 2009)
British scientist James Smithson donated $500,000 to the United States of America to create an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge. As a result of the gift, the United States Congress created the Smithsonian Institution on August 10, 1846. That $500,000 gift has grown to a vast museum operation that has an operating budget of over $797 million. Today the Smithsonian Institute is a collection of 19 museums, a zoo and nine research facilities. The Smithsonian Castle pictured here is the headquarters of the Smithsonian Institute. (Photo: February 15, 2009)
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