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Today in History
May. 07, 1840
The second deadliest tornado in U. S. history hits Natchez, Mississippi
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Science & Nature
In Search of the Mysterious Narwhal
Ballerina turned biologist Kristin Laidre gives her all to study the elusive, deep-diving, ice-loving whale known as the "unicorn of the sea"
By Abigail Tucker
Travel
Harboring History in Pensacola
In Florida's panhandle, vibrant Pensacola stakes its claim as the oldest European settlement in the United States
By Donovan Webster
History & Archaeology
George Koval: Atomic Spy Unmasked
Iowa-born and army-trained, how did George Koval manage to steal a critical U.S. atom bomb secret for the Soviets, that is only now coming to light?
By Michael Walsh
Arts & Culture
Edward Steichen: In Vogue
A painter by training, Edward Steichen changed fashion photography forever
By Owen Edwards
History & Archaeology
Object at Hand: Favorite Things
As the magazine's Object at Hand column turns 20, we look back on some of the treasures inside the Smithsonian Institution
By Owen Edwards
History & Archaeology
Dancing for Mao
A photograph of a 5-year-old girl made her famous in China—and haunted the man who took it
By Jennifer Lin
History & Archaeology
Finding Feisty Fungi in Antartica
On treeless Antarctica, wood fungus is feasting on polar exploration relics
By Emily Stone
Travel
Big Sur's California Dreamin'
Untrammeled wilderness and new age enclave, Big Sur retains its rugged beauty and quirky charm
By James Conaway
History & Archaeology
The Kentucky Derby’s Forgotten Jockeys
African American jockeys once dominated the track. But by 1921, they had disappeared from the Kentucky Derby and would not return for nearly eighty years
By Lisa K. Winkler
Travel
Chicago Eats
From curried catfish to baba ghanouj, Chicago serves up what may be the finest ethnic cuisine going
By Jamie Katz
Arts & Culture
Near Misses in the Genius Department
A brief look at the brilliant minds that just missed this year's cut for genius grants
By Yoni Brenner
Science & Nature
Discovering the Titanoboa
As part of a multi-organizational team, Smithsonian scientist Carlos Jaramillo uncovered the fossils of a gigantic snake
By Bruce Hathaway
Think Fast
In its 1929 debut, the Academy Awards bestowed golden statuettes to winners in how many categories?
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Smithsonian Videos
Feeding the Leopards
Caretakers feed the new baby clouded leopards at the Zoo's research facility in Virginia
Edward Steichen's World War II Photographers
At 62 years old, Edward Steichen convinced the U.S. Navy to let him gather a team of photographers to capture the men serving their country in the Pacific Ocean during World War II
Underwater Archaeology in Pensacola Bay
Researchers from the University of West Florida are slowly uncovering the remains of a 16th-century shipwreck of a Spanish galleon in the shallow, murky waters near Pensacola
Discovering Titanoboa, the world's largest snake
Fossils found in Colombia indicate that the world’s largest snake lived 60 million years ago.
The Endangered Gorillas of the Congo
In the Virunga National Forest, the mountain gorilla population sits in the middle of a war zone in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
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In The Magazine
May 2009
CultureSpotter
New at Viva Mexico Take a tour of Mexico's 31 vibrant and diverse states through luscious video and our interactive map. Now in the all-new "Mexican Culture" section.
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Travel & Adventure
Canadian Adventure by Rail: Toronto to VancouverExperience the beauty and grandeur of the Canadian West as you journey from Toronto to Vancouver aboard historic railways (Aug. 13-22, 2009)
Sojourners
Love to travel? We've collected some of the best offerings from our most valued travel partners, across the country and around the world
Great Escapes
What's your dream trip? Whether it's an exotic getaway or snowcapped holiday, get ready to pack your bags because your next great escape begins right here.
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Where to Live Next
Check out the 15 cities and towns in our guide to cultured retirement—then tell us what you think
The Smithsonian Life List
Keeping our readers' interests in mind, we've traveled the globe in search of destinations certain to inspire
Excavation at Stonehenge
Two renowned Stonehenge academics share stories from their archaeological dig at the ancient site
Energy Innovators
Smithsonian profiles six individuals who boldly explore new energy sources and radically rethink how we can all live more energy efficient
Two Hundred Years of Abraham Lincoln
This year, the country commemorates the 200th birthday of our beloved 16th president, Abraham Lincoln
EcoCenter: Energy
What are governments, companies and households doing to conserve energy and pursue a "greener" future?
Your Kind of Town
What makes your city, suburb or small town special? Share a favorite memory or anecdote about your hometown
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