ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606290003
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WASHINGTON
SOURCE: BOB DART COX NEWS SERVICE
It's still a mystery as to why James Smithson, a British scientist, bequeathed more than 100,000 gold sovereigns to the United States to establish ``the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.''
Smithson, who died in 1829, never visited America or even exchanged letters with any Americans. However, his legacy was converted to more than $500,000 in U.S. currency and eventually used to found the institution envisioned in his last will and testament.
After considerable debate in Congress, President James K. Polk signed a law Aug. 10, 1846, that established the Smithsonian Institution in the nation's capital. Since then, the Smithsonian has evolved into a true cultural institution - the world's largest museum complex.
The Smithsonian Institution is celebrating its 150th anniversary this summer with a touring exhibition, an Aug. 10 TV special on CBS, and a barrage of events and exhibits at its 16 museums and galleries and the National Zoo in Washington.
These include an ``1846 Portrait of the Nation'' at the National Portrait Gallery, an exhibit on the history of the Smithsonian Institution at the Museum of American History, and an outdoor festival on the Mall Aug. 10 and 11.
As for James Smithson, the mysterious benefactor eventually became part of the institution he originated. In 1904, Smithson's tomb and remains were brought to the Smithsonian Institution. In 1973, the founder's bones were examined by Smithsonian anthropologists who found ``his teeth were worn on the left side from gripping a pipe.''
And every year, a million or so visitors pass by Smithson's crypt in the Smithsonian Castle, with at least some pausing to view his will that enriched their vacations a century and a half later.
LENGTH: Short : 43 linesby CNB