Smithsonian Institution (SI)

National Museum of American History opens gunboat Philadelphia restoration exhibit

National Museum of American History opens gunboat Philadelphia restoration exhibit

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 (ZFJ) — The Smithsonian National Museum of American History (NMAH) opened an exhibit of the restoration of the Revolutionary War-era gunboat Philadelphia on Friday, Aug. 22. Viewing windows at “The Gunboat Philadelphia Preservation Project” exhibit allow visitors to observe the vessel’s underwater restoration in real time, conducted by a team of underwater archaeologists and maritime conservators from Texas A&M University’s Nautical Archaeology Program (under contract with the Smithsonian).
White House initiates review of Smithsonian museums for “Americanism”

White House initiates review of Smithsonian museums for “Americanism”

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 (ZFJ) — The White House has initiated a review of Smithsonian Institution museums to ensure content complies with President Donald Trump’s view of American history. In a letter to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III released Tuesday, Aug. 12, White House officials invoke the March presidential executive order Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History to perform a “comprehensive internal review” of museum materials. “This initiative aims to ensure alignment with the President’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions,” reads the letter.
Two new giant pandas debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Two new giant pandas debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 (ZFJ) — Two new giant pandas made their public debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) on Friday, Jan. 24. NZCBI Director Brandie Smith unveiled pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao in a ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit on Friday. “For over 50 years, giant pandas have been an integral part of the fabric and culture of Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the support of the communities that live and work in the District,” Smith said.