Uncover the Secret World of Soil

There are more living creatures in a shovel full of rich soil than human beings on the planet. Yet more is known about the dark side of the moon than about soil. These are just a few of the fascinating facts visitors can learn at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History new exhibition, “Dig it! The Secrets of Soil,”.

The 5,000-square-foot exhibition reveals the complex world of soil and how this ecosystem underfoot supports nearly every form of life on earth. Developed by the National Museum of Natural History and supported by Founding Sponsor the Soil Science Society of America, “Dig It!” includes interactive displays, hands-on models, videos, and 54 soil monoliths representing soils from each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia. See Dig It! Highlights>> (PDF) and a walk-through guide to the six sections of the exhibition (PDF)

Related publications, online activities, and a Traveling Tour will reach millions of additional people. Learn More About the Exhibition >>

How and Why Did The Fertilizer Institute Decide To Be Lead Sponsor?

Read the President's Letter from the July, 2008, TFI Advocate newsletter (PDF); used with permission of TFI.

TFI President Ford B. West: "We believe there is no greater role for soil than its function in food production. When we initially weighed the risks and benefits of this partnership, we couldn't yet picture children digging their hands into soil, moving panels to understand the layers beneath their feet or their parents realizing the critical role of soil fertility in feeding future generations.

Seeing the exhibit come together reminds us that we have a priceless story to tell. I encourage you to go to the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History and learn about what soils are doing for you everyday."

Thank You Donors, Volunteers, Cooperators

We'd like to take a moment to thank our Donors, Volunteers, and Project Cooperators. It is with your help and generosity that this project has become a reality. Thank you for your commitment to educating the world on the importance of soil science. View Who's Involved | Learn About Volunteering

Planning a Visit to Dig It! The Secrets of Soil?

Preferred-Rate Hotel in DC Available
If you are planning a trip to view the exhibition, stay at our preferred-rate hotel, the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C Street SW (Metro Stop L’Enfant Plaza) is 0.5 miles from the museum. Make your reservations online using the Corporate Account ID 100214235. Or, make your reservations by phone 1-800-HOLIDAY.

Learn More About the Exhibition
If you will be visiting the exhibition, visit the Learn More about the Exhibition page, the Smithsonian's Soils Exhibition Website and the Frequently Asked Questions page to help you make the most of your visit!

News

• Vote "Dig It! The Secrets of Soil" as your favorite exhibit at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum's Facebook poll.
• Patrick Drohan, Pat Megonigal, and John Havlin received the President's Citation, "for outstanding service and recognition for invaluable enthusiasm, dedication, and contributions to help raise the public awareness of soils through the Smithsonian Soils Exhibition, Dig It! The Secrets of Soil."
• A state proclamation was recently passed by the Nebraska state legislature and signed by Governor Dave Heineman that recognizes "the inclusion of the Holdrege, NE soil into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum." View Proclamation>>
• "An Experience of a Lifetime," is the first-person account of the Smithsonian's soils exhibit opening, written by Jim Culver, retired USDA-NRCS soil scientist, for The Auger, the newsletter of the Minnesota Association of Professional Soil Scientists. Read the Article(PDF)>>
• The International Union of Soil Sciences congratulated SSSA on the "outstanding achievement" of the soils exhibition, read the IUSS Letter (PDF).
• "This is the most ambitious exhibition ever dedicated to soils, a resource as important to life on earth as water and air." Patrick Megonigal Dig It! curator and soil ecologist says about the Smithsonian Soils Exhibit as part of the Traveling Tour prospectus. View PDF>>
• Discover the amazing world of soils with images and information about the Dig It! The Secrets of Soil exhibit at the Smithsonian's new Dig It! website.

SI Develops Soils Exhibition Webpage

More News

Support Sought for the Traveling Exhibition After a 1.5-year run at the National Museum of Natural History, we hope to send Dig It! on a four-year journey through the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES).The tour would increase the exhibition’s public impact about the secrets of soil. Support the Traveling Tour Additional support is needed for the traveling tour. Donation Information>> Traveling Tour Info For information on venue scheduling and sponsorship benefits, contact Jennifer Bine, at SITES, binejsi.edu