James Smithson's Institution

About this episode

This episode explores the life of James Smithson and his connection to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution.

(Host: Christine) In the mid-18th century, the illegitimate son of a British noble was born in France. In the mid-19th century, the Smithsonian Institution was founded in the United States. What do these two seemingly unrelated things have to do with each other? Find out in this week’s episode of Footnoting History, as we look at the history of James Smithson–the man behind the creation of the Smithsonian Institution. For further reading suggestions and more, please visit: https://www.footnotinghistory.com

People in this episode

Host: Christine

Topics covered

• James Smithson
• Smithsonian Institution
• history
• 18th century
• 19th century

Keywords

• James Smithson
• Smithsonian Institution
• history
• 18th century
• 19th century

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Smithsonian Institution

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