Act of Congress establishes the Smithsonian Institution
Item
Title
Act of Congress establishes the Smithsonian Institution
Description
James Smithson, an English scientist, specified in his will that if his nephew, Henry J. Hungerford, died without heirs, his estate should be given to the United States to found an institution "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Smithson died in 1829 and his nephew died in 1835, without heirs, leaving $508,318 to the people of the United States. In August 1846, President James K. Polk signed an act creating the Smithsonian Institution, to be established in Washington, DC, either in a building of its own or in a wing of the Patent Building.
Source
Smithsonian Libraries. View original.
Date
08/10/1846
18460810
Coverage
1830-1859
Type
Openings and Dedications
topic
design & monuments
museums