Scholarly Panel, Book Talks and Two New Exhibits Opening Throughout the Year
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives will launch a dynamic lineup of exhibitions and public programming starting in May as part of the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 celebrations. Drawing from its extensive collection of rare books, archives and artworks, Libraries and Archives will present a new display in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, a new exhibition in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and a range of interactive events. Audiences will have opportunities to connect more deeply with American history, art and science during this milestone year for the nation. All offerings are free, but some events require registration.
Spring and Summer
City of Knowledge: Science, Place, Power
Thursday, May 14, noon–1 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Hall, Philadelphia
The City of Knowledge, a four-part, cross-institutional program series that contemplates urban centers as sites of scientific power, has examined Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia to answer two key questions: how has science shared a history with urban places, and why should the place of science matter when writing about the history of science? The final event of the series will be hosted at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia with scholars Susan Brandt and Domenic Vitiello. The interactive panel will encourage dialogue between panelists and the audience about Philadelphia’s contributions to scientific advancements in early America during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The event is free, but registration is required.
“Imagining Bison”
Thursday, May 21, 2026–summer 2027
National Museum of Natural History, ground floor
A display of objects drawn primarily from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ rich collections honoring the American bison, the nation’s mammal, will open at the end of May on the ground floor of the National Museum of Natural History. Curated by Kirk Johnson, the museum’s Sant Director, the exhibition traces representations of bison from Indigenous drawings and early scientific illustrations to photographs and publications documenting the Smithsonian’s pivotal role in early bison conservation efforts. Highlights include a hand-colored book illustration of an American bison pre-dating the Declaration of Independence, an original $10 “buffalo” bill from 1901 and a powerful 1888 bison portrait created to combat the species’ near-extinction. More information about the exhibit is online.
From Seeds to Stories: A Conversation with Christopher DeMario
Friday, June 12, 4–6 p.m.
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. N.W.
From horticultural innovations in flower hybrids to inspiring the war and victory gardens of the 20th century, the Burpee company is a staple of American agriculture, and, even 150 years after its founding, Burpee continues to be the world’s largest home garden and seed company. Christopher DeMario, author of The Burpee Seed Company: Planting U.S. History since the Nineteenth Century published by Smithsonian Scholarly Press, will discuss the history of the Burpee family enterprise and the 200 boxes of archival business records donated to the Smithsonian that detail this family legacy. After the conversation, attendees can join a garden party-style reception in the atrium.
Fall
Feathers, Forensics, and the Smithsonian: A Conversation with Chris Sweeney
Thursday, Sept. 17
Studio Theatre, 1501 14th St. N.W.
Award-winning journalist and author Chris Sweeney joins Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for a conversation about his new book The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne. The world’s first forensic ornithologist, Roxie Laybourne pioneered the techniques for bird identification—solving aviation incidents, tracking poachers and shaping modern science—while at the National Museum of Natural History. Sweeney will give a behind-the-scenes look at how he used Libraries and Archives’ materials and archives to uncover Laybourne’s remarkable life story.
“American Stories: Artists’ Books from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives”
Opening October 2026
Smithsonian Libraries Gallery, National Museum of American History, First Floor, West
Works of art inspired by books delve into personal, collective and national histories in Smithsonian Library and Archives’ new exhibition, “American Stories,” featuring more than 40 artists’ books from its collection. The exhibition explores American identity and experience through this versatile and inventive medium, and includes a commemoration of Hawaii’s native culture, a Louisiana community’s rituals as a hurricane rolls in and an artist’s celebration of her heritage through African and American fabrics. A variety of artists’ books will be on view, including one-of-a-kind works, examples from famed American artists including Sol LeWitt and Ed Ruscha, and recent acquisitions from contemporary artists. Accompanying workshops and public programs will be announced later this year.
About the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives is an international system of research libraries and an institutional archive. With 44,000 cubic feet of archival materials and a comprehensive collection of print and electronic materials covering art and design, history and science, the Libraries and Archives serve as a resource for the Smithsonian Institution, the global research community and the public. Locations are in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, New York City and the Republic of Panama.