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James Smithson, the founding donor, was an American scientist who bequeathed his wealth to establish the Smithsonian Institution.
Answer: False
Explanation: James Smithson was a British scientist who bequeathed his wealth to the United States for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, a precursor to the Smithsonian, successfully established a botanical garden and a museum whose specimens were later passed to the Smithsonian.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Columbian Institute successfully established a botanical garden and a museum, with some of its specimens later transferred to the Smithsonian Institution.
James Smithson's will stipulated that his wealth should pass directly to the United States upon his death to found the Smithsonian Institution.
Answer: False
Explanation: James Smithson's will stipulated that his wealth would pass to his nephew, and only upon his nephew's childless death would it then pass to the United States.
After receiving Smithson's bequest, Congress immediately established the Smithsonian Institution without any debate on its mandate.
Answer: False
Explanation: After receiving Smithson's bequest, Congress debated for eight years on how to interpret its mandate, and the funds were initially lost due to defaulted bonds.
Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian's first secretary, primarily envisioned the institution as a center for historical preservation and public exhibitions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian's first secretary, primarily envisioned the institution as a center for scientific research, not historical preservation or public exhibitions.
The 'Megatherium Club' was a group of prominent politicians who advocated for the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Megatherium Club' was a group of young scientists attracted to the Smithsonian Institution between 1857 and 1866, not politicians.
The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as 'the Castle,' was designed by James Renwick Jr. and opened in 1855.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution Building, or 'the Castle,' was designed by James Renwick Jr. and opened in 1855 after construction began in 1849.
On what date was the Smithsonian Institution officially founded?
Answer: August 10, 1846
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution was officially founded on August 10, 1846.
Which individual was the primary benefactor responsible for the founding of the Smithsonian Institution?
Answer: James Smithson
Explanation: British scientist James Smithson was the primary benefactor whose bequest led to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution.
Which historical organization in Washington, D.C., served as a precursor to the Smithsonian Institution?
Answer: The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences
Explanation: The Columbian Institute for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences, established in 1816, served as a precursor to the Smithsonian Institution.
Which of the following individuals was NOT listed as a prominent early member or officer of the Columbian Institute?
Answer: James Madison
Explanation: James Madison was listed as an *honorary* member of the Columbian Institute, while the others were listed as prominent members or officers.
What was the approximate monetary value of James Smithson's bequest when it was collected in 1838, in contemporary U.S. dollars?
Answer: $500,000
Explanation: James Smithson's bequest, collected in 1838, was approximately $500,000 in contemporary U.S. dollars.
Who persuaded Congress to restore the lost funds from Smithson's bequest after they defaulted in Arkansas bonds?
Answer: John Quincy Adams
Explanation: Former president John Quincy Adams successfully persuaded Congress to restore the funds from Smithson's bequest after they defaulted in Arkansas bonds.
What was the initial vision of Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian's first secretary?
Answer: To primarily serve as a center for scientific research.
Explanation: Joseph Henry, the Smithsonian's first secretary, initially envisioned the institution primarily as a center for scientific research.
Which U.S. Navy expedition contributed extensively to the Smithsonian's early collections between 1838 and 1842?
Answer: The United States Exploring Expedition
Explanation: The United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) contributed extensively to the Smithsonian's early collections with thousands of specimens and artifacts.
What was the 'Megatherium Club' at the Smithsonian Institution?
Answer: A group of young scientists attracted to the institution between 1857 and 1866.
Explanation: The 'Megatherium Club' was a group of young scientists who were attracted to the Smithsonian Institution between 1857 and 1866.
When did the Smithsonian Institution Building, known as 'the Castle,' officially open?
Answer: 1855
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution Building, known as 'the Castle,' officially opened in 1855.
The Smithsonian Institution was initially established as a formal branch of the U.S. federal government, directly under the executive branch.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution was established as a trust instrumentality by an act of Congress, operating as a government-created entity for a public purpose, rather than being a formal branch of the federal government.
All Smithsonian Institution facilities, including its museums and research centers, are exclusively located within Washington, D.C.
Answer: False
Explanation: While most facilities are in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian also has facilities in Maryland, New York, Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, and Panama, and affiliates across 47 U.S. states.
The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City is the only Smithsonian museum that charges an admissions fee.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City is the sole exception among Smithsonian museums that charges an admissions fee, with almost all other facilities offering free admission.
The majority of the Smithsonian's annual budget is derived from private and corporate contributions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Approximately two-thirds of the Smithsonian's annual budget comes from federal appropriations, not private and corporate contributions.
As of 2023, the Smithsonian Institution's endowment was valued at approximately $1.25 billion.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of 2023, the Smithsonian Institution's endowment was valued at approximately $2.4 billion, while its annual budget is about $1.25 billion.
The Chief Justice of the United States traditionally serves as the nominal head, or Chancellor, of the Smithsonian Institution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Chief Justice of the United States traditionally holds the office of Chancellor, serving as the nominal head of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Secretary of the Smithsonian is appointed by the President of the United States and has voting power on the Board of Regents.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Secretary of the Smithsonian is appointed by the Board of Regents and serves as its secretary but does not have voting power on that body.
What is the fundamental mission of the Smithsonian Institution as stated by the U.S. government?
Answer: For the increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Explanation: The fundamental mission of the Smithsonian Institution, as stated by the U.S. government, is 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.'
How many museums, libraries, and education/research centers does the Smithsonian Institution comprise?
Answer: 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution comprises 21 museums, 21 libraries, and 14 education and research centers, in addition to a zoo and other landmarks.
Which of the following locations does NOT host additional Smithsonian facilities outside of Washington, D.C.?
Answer: California
Explanation: Smithsonian facilities outside of Washington, D.C., are located in Maryland, New York, Virginia, Florida, Massachusetts, and Panama. California is not listed as a location for direct Smithsonian facilities, though it may host affiliates.
Which Smithsonian museum is the only one that charges an admissions fee?
Answer: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Explanation: The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City is the only Smithsonian museum that charges an admissions fee; all others offer free admission.
What percentage of the Smithsonian's annual budget comes from federal appropriations?
Answer: Approximately two-thirds
Explanation: Approximately two-thirds of the Smithsonian's annual budget is derived from federal appropriations.
What was the estimated value of the Smithsonian's endowment as of 2023?
Answer: About $2.4 billion
Explanation: As of 2023, the Smithsonian Institution's endowment was estimated to be about $2.4 billion.
Who traditionally holds the office of Chancellor, the nominal head of the Smithsonian Institution?
Answer: The Chief Justice of the United States
Explanation: The Chief Justice of the United States traditionally serves as the Chancellor, the nominal head of the Smithsonian Institution.
The United States National Museum was the original administrative name of the Smithsonian Institution and was retired in 1967.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution was initially organized as the United States National Museum, a name that was administratively retired in 1967.
The Arts and Industries Building, the Smithsonian's first expansion, was funded by a direct federal appropriation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Arts and Industries Building was funded by income from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, not a direct federal appropriation.
Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscape for the National Zoological Park, which opened in 1889.
Answer: True
Explanation: Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect, designed the landscape for the National Zoological Park, which opened in 1889.
The Freer Gallery was the result of one of the Smithsonian's first major donations from a private individual, opening in 1923.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Freer Gallery, which opened in 1923, was established through one of the Smithsonian's first major donations from a private individual, Detroit philanthropist Charles Lang Freer.
The Anacostia Community Museum was established as a traditional museum in a prominent downtown Washington, D.C. location.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Anacostia Community Museum was conceived as an 'experimental store-front' museum and opened in the underserved Anacostia neighborhood, not a prominent downtown location.
The National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum both opened in the Old Patent Office Building in 1968.
Answer: True
Explanation: Both the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum opened on October 7, 1968, within the historic Old Patent Office Building.
The National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian's largest museum by floor space, opened in 1974.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian's largest museum by floor space, opened in June 1976, not 1974.
The National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery share a joint, underground facility.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery opened in 1987 in a new, joint, underground museum complex.
The National Postal Museum is housed in a building originally constructed in 1993 for its specific purpose.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Postal Museum opened in 1993, utilizing the 1904 former City Post Office building, which was not originally constructed for the museum itself.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the most recently opened Smithsonian museum, debuting in 2016.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Museum of African American History and Culture is indeed the most recently opened Smithsonian museum, having debuted in 2016.
The Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Archives merged into a single research center in 2020.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2020, the Smithsonian Libraries and Smithsonian Archives, previously separate entities, merged to form a single research center.
What was the initial administrative name of the Smithsonian Institution before it ceased to exist in 1967?
Answer: The United States National Museum
Explanation: The initial administrative name of the Smithsonian Institution was the United States National Museum, which ceased to exist administratively in 1967.
The Arts and Industries Building, the Smithsonian's first expansion, was funded by income from which event?
Answer: The 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition
Explanation: The Arts and Industries Building was funded by income generated from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.
Who designed the landscape for the National Zoological Park, which opened in 1889?
Answer: Frederick Law Olmsted
Explanation: Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscape for the National Zoological Park, which opened in 1889.
When did the National Museum of Natural History open in its current building?
Answer: 1911
Explanation: The National Museum of Natural History opened in its current building in June 1911.
Which Detroit philanthropist made one of the Smithsonian's first major donations from a private individual, leading to the opening of a museum in 1923?
Answer: Charles Lang Freer
Explanation: Detroit philanthropist Charles Lang Freer made one of the Smithsonian's first major private donations, which led to the opening of the Freer Gallery in 1923.
The Museum of History and Technology, later renamed the National Museum of American History, opened in what year?
Answer: 1964
Explanation: The Museum of History and Technology, which became the National Museum of American History, opened in 1964.
Which Smithsonian museum was described as an 'experimental store-front' and opened in an underserved community?
Answer: The Anacostia Community Museum
Explanation: The Anacostia Community Museum was described as an 'experimental store-front' museum and opened in the underserved Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
What was the first new museum building to open after the National Museum of History and Technology?
Answer: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Explanation: The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden was the first new museum building to open after the National Museum of History and Technology, debuting in 1974.
Which Smithsonian museum is the largest in terms of floor space?
Answer: National Air and Space Museum
Explanation: The National Air and Space Museum is the Smithsonian's largest museum in terms of floor space.
In what year did the National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery open in their joint underground facility?
Answer: 1987
Explanation: The National Museum of African Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery opened in their joint underground facility in 1987.
Which museum opened in the former City Post Office building in 1993?
Answer: National Postal Museum
Explanation: The National Postal Museum opened in 1993, housed in the former City Post Office building.
What is the most recently opened Smithsonian museum, inaugurated in 2016?
Answer: National Museum of African American History and Culture
Explanation: The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the most recently opened Smithsonian museum, inaugurated in 2016.
What is the primary focus of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory?
Answer: Astrophysics
Explanation: The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory primarily focuses on astrophysics, the branch of astronomy dealing with the physics of the universe.
The National Museum of Natural History holds the vast majority of the Smithsonian's total collection of specimens and artifacts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Museum of Natural History houses 145 million of the Smithsonian's specimens and artifacts, which constitutes the vast majority of the institution's total collection.
The Smithsonian's 'ethical returns policy,' adopted in 2022, prioritizes legal ownership over moral arguments for restitution of collected items.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Smithsonian's 'ethical returns policy,' adopted in 2022, permits restitution of items collected unethically, specifically prioritizing moral arguments over legal ownership claims.
The Smithsonian's 'Open Access' initiative, launched in 2020, makes digital items available for public use with strict copyright restrictions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Smithsonian's 'Open Access' initiative makes digital items available under a Creative Commons Zero Public Domain Dedication, meaning they can be freely used, modified, and shared without copyright restrictions.
How many artworks, artifacts, and specimens are collectively included in Smithsonian collections?
Answer: Approximately 156 million
Explanation: Smithsonian collections collectively include approximately 156 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens.
What was the key principle of the Smithsonian's 'ethical returns policy' adopted in April 2022?
Answer: To permit restitution of items collected unethically, prioritizing moral arguments.
Explanation: The Smithsonian's 'ethical returns policy,' adopted in April 2022, permits the restitution of items collected unethically, specifically prioritizing moral arguments over legal ownership claims.
What initiative did the Smithsonian launch in February 2020, making 2.8 million digital items freely available?
Answer: The Open Access initiative
Explanation: In February 2020, the Smithsonian launched its 'Open Access' initiative, making 2.8 million digital items freely available under a Creative Commons Zero Public Domain Dedication.
The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) manages a small, localized collection of exhibitions for D.C. residents.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) manages a large number of traveling exhibitions that visit venues across the entire country, not just a small, localized collection for D.C. residents.
The Smithsonian Latino Center was created in response to a report highlighting a lack of Latino representation within the institution.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Smithsonian Latino Center was partly prompted by the 'Willful Neglect: The Smithsonian and U.S. Latinos' report, which highlighted insufficient representation of Latino culture.
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is designed to provide internships for college students interested in museum curation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is designed to engage Latino high school students in leadership roles in the arts, sciences, and humanities, not college internships for curation.
The Smithsonian Latino Center was created in 1997 to address which specific concern?
Answer: Insufficient representation of Latino culture within the Smithsonian.
Explanation: The Smithsonian Latino Center was created in 1997 to address the concern of insufficient representation of Latino culture within the Smithsonian Institution, as highlighted by a report.
What is the purpose of the Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) offered by the Smithsonian Latino Center?
Answer: To engage Latino high school students in leadership roles in arts, sciences, and humanities.
Explanation: The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) aims to engage Latino high school students, fostering their leadership in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
Which two main magazines does the Smithsonian Institution publish?
Answer: *Smithsonian* magazine and *Air & Space* magazine
Explanation: The Smithsonian Institution publishes two main magazines: *Smithsonian* magazine and *Air & Space* magazine.
The *Enola Gay* exhibit controversy in 1995 was resolved by displaying the aircraft with extensive historical context about its role in World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Enola Gay* exhibit controversy was resolved by displaying the aircraft solely with technical data, omitting discussion of its historical role to avoid perceived bias, rather than providing extensive historical context.
Subhankar Banerjee's *Seasons of Life and Land* exhibit was moved to the basement due to its politically controversial subject matter.
Answer: True
Explanation: Subhankar Banerjee's *Seasons of Life and Land* exhibit was indeed censored and moved to the basement by Smithsonian officials due to concerns over its politically controversial subject matter.
The 2006 agreement with Showtime Networks granted the Smithsonian full control over its film archives, enhancing public access.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2006 agreement with Showtime Networks granted Showtime 'first refusal' rights over the Smithsonian's film archives, which critics argued effectively gave Showtime control and restricted public access.
President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order directed a review of Smithsonian content for 'improper, divisive, or anti-American' ideology.
Answer: True
Explanation: President Donald Trump's 2025 executive order, 'Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,' directed a review of Smithsonian content for 'improper, divisive, or anti-American' ideology.
What was the primary criticism of the *Enola Gay* exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum in 1995?
Answer: It presented only one side of the debate over the atomic bombings, focusing on victims without sufficient context.
Explanation: The primary criticism of the *Enola Gay* exhibit was that it presented a one-sided narrative of the atomic bombings, focusing on victims without sufficient historical context of its role in World War II.
The James Smithson Medal is awarded for meritorious investigations related to aerodromics and aviation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The James Smithson Medal is awarded for exceptional contributions to art, science, history, education, and technology. The Langley Gold Medal is awarded for investigations related to aerodromics and aviation.
What is the James Smithson Medal awarded for?
Answer: Exceptional contributions to art, science, history, education, and technology.
Explanation: The James Smithson Medal is the Smithsonian's highest award, recognizing exceptional contributions to art, science, history, education, and technology.