͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏ ‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
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Artist rendering of a lunar module firing its rockets near the surface of the moon

One Giant Leap for Man AND Machine

The Exploring Space Lecture Series is back at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum with a new season, “Milestones of Exploration,” examining the legacies of historic human and robotic missions while looking to what comes next! Join the museum for the upcoming talk later this month with Dr. Håvard Grip, principal engineer and robotics technologist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Space Out »
¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa illustrations featuring abstract imagery of couples dancing salsa and musicians

Salsa in the Spotlight

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino debuts its vibrant new exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa on April 18, exploring salsa’s roots, evolution, and cultural impact across the United States. With nearly 300 objects—including dazzling ensembles worn by Celia Cruz—visitors can experience the sounds, stories, and stars who shaped this iconic musical tradition. 
Feel the Rhythm »
National High School Design Competition 2026 - What would you design for your community's future?

Designing with the Future in Mind

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has announced the five regional winners of the 2026 National High School Design Competition, highlighting innovative ideas that support the future of communities across the country. Browse the winning design proposals and see how students are shaping visions for the next 250 years.
Discover the Designs »
Magnolia Trees Blooming outside the Smithsonian Castle

Earth Month in Bloom

Whether you’re wandering the Smithsonian Gardens, visiting the newest addition to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, or reading up on the impact of sea grass with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Smithsonian is the perfect place to share in the natural wonder of our planet. Celebrate the beauty of the world around us this April and beyond with resources, stories, and events from across the Smithsonian. 
See What's Sprouting »

SMITHSONIAN LEGACY SPOTLIGHT

Tax-Smart Ways to Give This Year

Two women viewing artwork by Grandma Moses in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s exhibition Grandma Moses: A Good Days Work
If this tax season left you questioning whether you missed tax-wise savings opportunities, check out these options that will help you feel prepared for the coming year and make a positive impact at the Smithsonian.
Explore Gift Options »
New Episode! Sidedoor: Tapir Caper
Illustration of a bulletin board filled with maps, images, and clues connected by red string.
A Smithsonian intern’s unexpected discovery of a tapir skull riddled with what appeared to be bullet holes sparked an investigation that would lead up the Panama Canal and decades into the past.
Unspool the Story »
James Smithson's Trivia Corner

Trivia: You Spin Me Right Round

The Smithsonian’s Carousel will make its triumphant return to the National Mall later this month, offering new generations of children the chance to take a spin through history. Before it journeyed to Ohio in 2023 to undergo extensive restorations, the carousel called the National Mall its home for over 40 years. But Washington D.C. was not the first location of this historic ride!

In which state did the Smithsonian’s Carousel reside before it made its debut on the National Mall?
New York
Maryland
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Did you know that everything in this newsletter is made possible by people like you? Support your Smithsonian and help bring knowledge to life.
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Image credits: Artist rendering of a lunar module firing its rockets near the surface of the moon, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa, 2024, Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino ILLUSTRATION Carlos Aponte; National High School Design Competition, 2026, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; Saucer magnolias blooming in the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle, 2020, Smithsonian Institution; Two women viewing artwork by Grandma Moses in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s exhibition Grandma Moses: A Good Days Work, 2025, Smithsonian American Art Museum PHOTO Albert Ting; Sidedoor Season 12 Episode 10 "Tapir Caper" Artwork, 2006, Smithsonian Institution ILLUSTRATION Dave Leonard; James Smithson, Smithsonian American Art Museum