How the American Smithsonians Started in America

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a passion for American History and sharing that experience with others!  One of the highlights of my year is taking fifth-grade students and some parents on an educational trip to Jamestown, Virginia, Williamsburg, Virginia, and Washington, DC.  This past July was my 15th summer doing this.  The experience expands our knowledge of American History and it always provides everyone with a memory that they will carry with them forever!

Most of our time is spent in Washington, DC.  We try to include as many of the Smithsonian Institutes into our itinerary, but timing can sometime get the best of us.  There are so many to see!  We make sure that we spend quality time at the American History Smithsonian (my personal favorite!), and in some years find time to visit the Natural History and Air & Space Smithsonians.  The only problem is that when you are taking 10 and 11-year-olds to a museum - their time of engagement differs from that of adults.  We don't always get to spend as much time as we would like in these incredible museums.

The history behind how our nation started the Smithsonian Institutes is such a great story!  Below is a picture of James Smithson - the man who made this experience possible for us today!  Read about this fascinating story by visiting this link --> America's Smithsonian Institutes

Portrait of James Smithson