Smithsonian Books

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How Larger-Than-Life Theater Actress May Yohe Overcame Fainting Spells to Find Success on the Stage

She launched a whirlwind musical theater career on the strength of her “true as steel” singing voice

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How the Smithsonian Supported Scientific Exploration During Westward Expansion

A new book on the history of the Smithsonian reveals its place alongside the nation's development

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Five Smithsonian Objects to Honor Black History Month

Learn Black history with these objects from the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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The History of the Ballot and the People Who Cast Them

Learn about the fascinating role of voting in the United States

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How the Constitution Was Drafted With Hope and Compromise

A Smithsonian curator reflects on the document that was signed this week 237 years ago

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The Smithsonian Founder Developed Poison Tests

Read about James Smithson's amazing scientific experiments to celebrate the Smithsonian's birthday this week

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The Paradox of the Declaration of Independence

The Smithsonian's secretary offers insight into one of the nation's most important documents

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The 'Friend to America' Who Helped Recognize the Country's Independence

Learn about the short-lived British prime minister who negotiated a peace treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War.

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How Do Teachers Spend Summer Break? These Two Spent Theirs in a Bomber Factory

Learn about the experiences of women supporting World War II efforts in the memoir "Slacks and Calluses."

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Delicious Recipes for Your Next Juneteenth Celebration

Try these three sweet and savory recipes to mark the holiday!

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How Portraiture Displays Desire

Read about the debate surrounding Thomas Eakins' paintings and his sexuality

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How the Language of Presidents and First Ladies Shapes the Country

Smithsonian curators explore the power of words from the White House

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The Man Behind Lincoln's Inauguration Photos

A new book celebrates the work of John Wood, the country's first federal photographer

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How the Tobacco Industry Lured Customers with Baseball Cards

With baseball season in full swing, learn about the game's entwined history with cigarettes

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How the Smithsonian Conserved the Jefferson Bible

Thomas Jefferson cut and arranged selected Bible verses to create a chronological, edited story of Jesus' life—and the conservation treatment was just as painstaking

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The Legacy of the Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, D.C., has one of the world's greatest celebrations of spring

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How Bessie Coleman Pleased the Crowds and Alienated the Critics

The daredevil aviator faces mixed public opinion in this excerpt from "Queen Bess"

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A Long Story of Freedom Seeking

A Smithsonian curator's insight into the Emancipation Proclamation

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Benjamin Banneker's Almanac of Strange Dreams

The work of mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker represents the fascinating relationship between science and religion

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