Tracy Scott Forson

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Stories from this author

The Kaweah Post Office (ZIP code 93271) building in Three Rivers is one of the oldest functioning post offices in the United States, dating back to 1910. 

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Postal Service With These 15 Photographs

These shots from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest are truly a dream delivery

The eyelash viper is a relatively small species, with adults averaging from 22 to 32 inches long. Its most distinguishing feature, and origin of its common name, is the set of modified scales above the eyes that look much like eyelashes.

See 15 Photos of Sensational, Slithering Snakes

These reptiles often get a bad rap, but there are plenty of reasons to celebrate snakes

Brightly colored homes line the caldera in Santorini, a contrast to much of the blue-and-white motif.

See Greece in All Its Gorgeous Glory

These 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us of the grandeur of Greece

More than 1,800 feet high, the CN Tower, a communications hub and tourist attraction, pierces the night sky just after dusk in downtown Toronto.

From the Coast to the Capital, Enjoy an Eyeful of Extraordinary Eastern Canada

See 15 images of our neighbor to the north from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

The title Jaws doesn’t quite give justice to the sharp teeth that are the real terrifying characteristic of these marine animals.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ‘Jaws’ With 15 Shark Snapshots

The classic thriller might discourage you from getting in the water, so check out these sensational shark images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest instead

After the rain, storm clouds continue to hover above a windmill as a rainbow signals the return of the sun.

See 15 Photos of Striking Landscapes and Lively Scenes Deep in the Heart of Texas

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest remind us what makes the Lone Star State so special

In the 1500s, ballet roles for female characters were performed by men. Women entered the art form in the late 1600s and are now dominant in ballet.

These 15 Dynamic Photos Will Make You Want to Dance

Get footloose with these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest dance scenes

Just like bridges enable cars to cross rivers and lakes, raised tracks allow trains to travel over bodies of water.

Get Your Day Back on Track With These 22 Photos of Trains Around the World

Take to the rails with inspiring images of life on and around train lines

Two male polar bears square off for battles over territory and, ultimately, mating rights.

Explore the Spectacular Landscapes and Awesome Animals of Western Canada

Enjoy some northern exposure with these 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Loaded with colorful containers, a cargo ship floats right into the Port of Miami.

Set Sail With These 15 Scenes of Sensational Ships

These seafaring shots are harbored in the archives of the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Piercing eyes mesmerize through the bright hues of this artwork that decorates a wall in the port area of Rio de Janeiro.

These 15 Mind-Bending Murals Turn the Mundane Into the Memorable

See 15 images of superb street art from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Soaring through the sky can be hard work, so why not land on a flower for a nectar break?

Be Blown Away by These 15 Images of Beautiful Butterflies

These shots from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show just why butterflies have floated into our hearts

A man rides a camel in view of the remarkable Egyptian pyramids.

These Extraordinary Archaeological Sites Are a Portal to Ancient Egypt

The Valley of the Kings and other bucket-list Egyptian destinations offer a glimpse into millennia-old majesty and artistry

In England’s Lake District, a wooden footbridge connects two rocky sides of a riverbank as mountains peek out from the fog in the distance.

See 15 Serene Scenes of the English Countryside

Quaint centuries-old villages dot the rural landscapes of the United Kingdom

An 1864 statue of George Washington is silhouetted against the night sky.

Get Into the Revolutionary Spirit With These Beautiful Photographs of Boston

Massachusetts’ capital city offers American history lessons at every turn

Lightning from a summer monsoonal thunderstorm strikes in Tucson just as the sun sets. 

See 15 Photos That Will Remind You to Appreciate the Rain

Take a look at these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest pictures of this precious precipitation

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See the Spectacular Winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 22nd Annual Photography Contest

By toying with perspective, this year’s best photos capture the sublime—and the uncanny

Blue jeans poison dart frogs cannot be handled since their skin—not made of denim—is extremely toxic.  

See Fantastic Frogs in 15 Fun Photographs

Hop through these images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Completed in 2011, the Stuttgart City Library is one of the country’s most photographed locations.

Discover These 15 Enchanting Libraries Sure to Thrill Any Book Lover

Wall-to-wall books tell an interior design story without saying a word

Gelada monkeys are known for long, flowing manes that continue down their backs.

See Magnificent Monkeys From Around the World in These Shots From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

You don’t have to swing from treetops to get a close-up look at these curious creatures

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