Why did Contributing Membership change its name to Friends of the Smithsonian?
In 2009, we surveyed our members about what it is they hope for in their involvement with the Smithsonian. We assessed how we can be the most responsible stewards of our members’ generosity in shaping the Smithsonian’s future, and to that end, in October 2009, the benefits and giving levels of membership were revised and streamlined under the new name, Friends of the Smithsonian. While the James Smithson Society retained its name, it now consists of four giving circles ranging from $2,500-$20,000, each named in honor of exemplary leaders in the Smithsonian’s history.
