What better place to immerse oneself in Americana than at the Smithsonian Institution?
Visit one of 16 museums Beat the heat and scoot on into one of the Smithsonian’s 16 museums and galleries as well as its spectacular castle and the National Zoo. Established in 1846, the Smithsonian received initial funding at the bequest of James Smithson. As an independent trust, the Smithsonian contains more than 140 million artifacts and specimens. Its research center is “dedicated to public education, national service and scholarships in the arts, sciences and history,” according to the web site. Once every item in the Smithsonians myriad archives and libraries is added to the count, the number will rise to 268 million and continue to swell to epic proportions! While it is impossible to detail each museum or gallery’s jewels, let’s look at a few of particular interest. The Castle is where it all began. The Castle The imposing castle is hard to miss in the heart of Washington, DC. Designed by James Renwick Jr., best known for his architectural masterpieces including St. Patrick’s C
