Institutional History Division

Purpose

To advance the knowledge and understanding of the history of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Division produces historical reports, scholarly and popular publications, and exhibits, presents lectures and public programs, develops and maintains databases, conducts and disseminates oral history and video history interviews, and publishes documentary editions relating to the history of the Institution.

Division historians provide expert information to Smithsonian staff, researchers, and the general public. They assist scholars conducting research in the history of the Smithsonian and serve as advisors to interns, visiting scholars, and predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

Institutional History Division

History division staff conduct research on the history of the Smithsonian Institution, including the history of museums, history of science, cultural history, and public history. They produce popular and scholarly publications, reports, audio/visual programs, and exhibits. They compile information on the history of the Smithsonian, including bibliographies, chronologies, image databases, and guides to special research topics. Historians present lectures and organize lecture series and symposia on topics relating to the history of the Institution. They provide research assistance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows and visiting scholars conducting research on the history of the Institution and supervise the work of interns preparing for careers in history. They also prepare historical and policy reports for Smithsonian management on topics relating to Smithsonian history and practices.

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