SmithsonianCampaign

james smithson society

1

   

ensp

James Smithsonrsquos Legacy

It is amazing to see the museums through the eyes of our children As Smithson Society members we are part of a group of people who want to give back

mdashLAUrA And MAttHeW MAASdAM Washington dC

Cover Henri-Joseph Johns James Smithson 1816 National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian

The SmiThSonian inSTiTuTion was founded through an extraordinary act of philanthropy British scientist James Smithson (1765ndash1829) had a passion and a vision He believed that science and knowledge benefit people everywhere and that sharing them freely could change the world for the better

Although he never set foot in America Smithson believed in the promise of a new nation and that the United States would play an important role in human progress

Smithson bequeathed his entire estate ldquoto found at Washington under the name of the Smithsonian Institution an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledgerdquo

In 1846 Congress created the Smithsonian which today is the worldrsquos largest museum and research complex Smithson never could have imagined the exciting discoveries and scholarship his generous gift made possible

We invite you to join the James Smithson Society and build on this remarkable legacy

As a member of a national community of philanthropists you join others who provide significant support throughout the year to keep the institution they cherish at the forefront of discovery

Whether your passion is science history art culture or education you can pursue it at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian belongs to every American

As a James Smithson Society member

your annual gift helps us share the nationrsquos

collections and broaden access to our

scholarship and resources It supports the

work of our talented curators researchers

and educators Membership offers a

unique opportunity to connect with

endeavors across the Smithsonian that

are making a difference in the world

james smithson society Membership

   

A Lifelong Relationship with the Smithsonian

My familyrsquos long association with the Smithsonian has been an important part of our lives Itrsquos been an incredible experience to watch it expand and realize its worldwide reach mdash PAt JernIgAn

virginia

James Smithson Society members Jerrold Levy and Maria Arias (left) and donors Alsie Cluff Annette Cluff and Mildred Smith at the Annual Smithsonian Weekend Recognition Dinner held at the Smithsonian American Art Museumrsquos Renwick Gallery

PRoViDe CRiTiCaL SuPPoRT

At no other institution does your philanthropy fuel groundbreaking work in as many disciplinesmdash from leading research in science and history to distinguished scholarship in art and culture

Across the Smithsonianrsquos 19 museums nine research centers the national Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute we are preserving our nationrsquos heritage saving species discovering new planets helping to sustain earthrsquos biodiversity providing educational experiences for school children and telling the many stories of what it means to be American You can help

through your James Smithson Society membership you can explore as an insider the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian while you support the endeavors and outreach of every museum and research center Your annual giving at this level provides a stable source of funding which allows the institution to remain flexible and launch its most vital new initiatives

eXPanD YouR hoRiZonS

A James Smithson Society membership is an opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with the Smithsonian and connect to everything it does

Behind-the-scenes tours events engagement with our experts and the opportunity to meet other James Smithson Society members with diverse interests are part of the experience

You can see and learn firsthand about progress to transform the national Museum of American Historyrsquos west wing what researchers are uncovering around the globe and what the director of your favorite art museum is planning

Whether your passion lies with our nationrsquos achievements in space portraiture of great Americans sustaining our oceans or preserving the worldrsquos endangered languages membership is a way to deepen your connection

2 3

Because the Smithsonian is free and open to all children and adults of all ages can visit again and again to explore a wide range of interests the Smithsonian can educate us inspire us and unite us mdash dIAne SCott-JoneS

Maryland

Smithson Society members Barbara Bonessa Alan Perkins Richard McCrary Laura Peebles and Ellen Fingerman behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History with Qrius Education Center Manager Efrain Tejada

Join the James Smithson Society

James Smithson Society members make an annual gift of $2500 or more these gifts provide vital funds which support every museum research center and program across the Smithsonian

DeePen YouR ConneCTion

When you join the James Smithson Society you make an important investment in the Smithsonian In appreciation of your generous support we invite you to learn and discover at members-only events around the country and in Washington dC including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues tours led by curators and scholars the Secretaryrsquos Keynote Address and a formal dinner with Smithsonian leadership

JameS SmiThSon SoCieTY membeRShiP

S dillon ripley Circle $ 2500 and above

Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $ 5000 and above

Joseph Henry Circle $10000 and above

John Quincy Adams Circle $25000 and above

LeArn More ABoUt MeMBerSHIP At SMItHSonSoCIetYorg or ContACt JAMeS SMItHSon SoCIetY dIreCtor LAUrA BroUSe-Long At 2026332027 BroUSeLongLSIedU

The Smithsonian is one of the wonders of the world and a source of pride for our country Our financial foundation is provided by Congress the American people and generous donors willing to invest in ideas

The Smithsonian has launched a $15 billion fundraising campaign the most ambitious in history for a cultural institution The campaign will spur our 19 museums nine research centers and the National Zoo to spark discovery tell Americarsquos story inspire lifelong learning and reach people everywhere

SmithsonianCampaign

4

1

   

ensp

James Smithsonrsquos Legacy

It is amazing to see the museums through the eyes of our children As Smithson Society members we are part of a group of people who want to give back

mdashLAUrA And MAttHeW MAASdAM Washington dC

Cover Henri-Joseph Johns James Smithson 1816 National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian

The SmiThSonian inSTiTuTion was founded through an extraordinary act of philanthropy British scientist James Smithson (1765ndash1829) had a passion and a vision He believed that science and knowledge benefit people everywhere and that sharing them freely could change the world for the better

Although he never set foot in America Smithson believed in the promise of a new nation and that the United States would play an important role in human progress

Smithson bequeathed his entire estate ldquoto found at Washington under the name of the Smithsonian Institution an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledgerdquo

In 1846 Congress created the Smithsonian which today is the worldrsquos largest museum and research complex Smithson never could have imagined the exciting discoveries and scholarship his generous gift made possible

We invite you to join the James Smithson Society and build on this remarkable legacy

As a member of a national community of philanthropists you join others who provide significant support throughout the year to keep the institution they cherish at the forefront of discovery

Whether your passion is science history art culture or education you can pursue it at the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian belongs to every American

As a James Smithson Society member

your annual gift helps us share the nationrsquos

collections and broaden access to our

scholarship and resources It supports the

work of our talented curators researchers

and educators Membership offers a

unique opportunity to connect with

endeavors across the Smithsonian that

are making a difference in the world

james smithson society Membership

   

A Lifelong Relationship with the Smithsonian

My familyrsquos long association with the Smithsonian has been an important part of our lives Itrsquos been an incredible experience to watch it expand and realize its worldwide reach mdash PAt JernIgAn

virginia

James Smithson Society members Jerrold Levy and Maria Arias (left) and donors Alsie Cluff Annette Cluff and Mildred Smith at the Annual Smithsonian Weekend Recognition Dinner held at the Smithsonian American Art Museumrsquos Renwick Gallery

PRoViDe CRiTiCaL SuPPoRT

At no other institution does your philanthropy fuel groundbreaking work in as many disciplinesmdash from leading research in science and history to distinguished scholarship in art and culture

Across the Smithsonianrsquos 19 museums nine research centers the national Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute we are preserving our nationrsquos heritage saving species discovering new planets helping to sustain earthrsquos biodiversity providing educational experiences for school children and telling the many stories of what it means to be American You can help

through your James Smithson Society membership you can explore as an insider the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian while you support the endeavors and outreach of every museum and research center Your annual giving at this level provides a stable source of funding which allows the institution to remain flexible and launch its most vital new initiatives

eXPanD YouR hoRiZonS

A James Smithson Society membership is an opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with the Smithsonian and connect to everything it does

Behind-the-scenes tours events engagement with our experts and the opportunity to meet other James Smithson Society members with diverse interests are part of the experience

You can see and learn firsthand about progress to transform the national Museum of American Historyrsquos west wing what researchers are uncovering around the globe and what the director of your favorite art museum is planning

Whether your passion lies with our nationrsquos achievements in space portraiture of great Americans sustaining our oceans or preserving the worldrsquos endangered languages membership is a way to deepen your connection

2 3

Because the Smithsonian is free and open to all children and adults of all ages can visit again and again to explore a wide range of interests the Smithsonian can educate us inspire us and unite us mdash dIAne SCott-JoneS

Maryland

Smithson Society members Barbara Bonessa Alan Perkins Richard McCrary Laura Peebles and Ellen Fingerman behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History with Qrius Education Center Manager Efrain Tejada

Join the James Smithson Society

James Smithson Society members make an annual gift of $2500 or more these gifts provide vital funds which support every museum research center and program across the Smithsonian

DeePen YouR ConneCTion

When you join the James Smithson Society you make an important investment in the Smithsonian In appreciation of your generous support we invite you to learn and discover at members-only events around the country and in Washington dC including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues tours led by curators and scholars the Secretaryrsquos Keynote Address and a formal dinner with Smithsonian leadership

JameS SmiThSon SoCieTY membeRShiP

S dillon ripley Circle $ 2500 and above

Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $ 5000 and above

Joseph Henry Circle $10000 and above

John Quincy Adams Circle $25000 and above

LeArn More ABoUt MeMBerSHIP At SMItHSonSoCIetYorg or ContACt JAMeS SMItHSon SoCIetY dIreCtor LAUrA BroUSe-Long At 2026332027 BroUSeLongLSIedU

The Smithsonian is one of the wonders of the world and a source of pride for our country Our financial foundation is provided by Congress the American people and generous donors willing to invest in ideas

The Smithsonian has launched a $15 billion fundraising campaign the most ambitious in history for a cultural institution The campaign will spur our 19 museums nine research centers and the National Zoo to spark discovery tell Americarsquos story inspire lifelong learning and reach people everywhere

SmithsonianCampaign

4

   

A Lifelong Relationship with the Smithsonian

My familyrsquos long association with the Smithsonian has been an important part of our lives Itrsquos been an incredible experience to watch it expand and realize its worldwide reach mdash PAt JernIgAn

virginia

James Smithson Society members Jerrold Levy and Maria Arias (left) and donors Alsie Cluff Annette Cluff and Mildred Smith at the Annual Smithsonian Weekend Recognition Dinner held at the Smithsonian American Art Museumrsquos Renwick Gallery

PRoViDe CRiTiCaL SuPPoRT

At no other institution does your philanthropy fuel groundbreaking work in as many disciplinesmdash from leading research in science and history to distinguished scholarship in art and culture

Across the Smithsonianrsquos 19 museums nine research centers the national Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute we are preserving our nationrsquos heritage saving species discovering new planets helping to sustain earthrsquos biodiversity providing educational experiences for school children and telling the many stories of what it means to be American You can help

through your James Smithson Society membership you can explore as an insider the breadth and depth of the Smithsonian while you support the endeavors and outreach of every museum and research center Your annual giving at this level provides a stable source of funding which allows the institution to remain flexible and launch its most vital new initiatives

eXPanD YouR hoRiZonS

A James Smithson Society membership is an opportunity to build a lifelong relationship with the Smithsonian and connect to everything it does

Behind-the-scenes tours events engagement with our experts and the opportunity to meet other James Smithson Society members with diverse interests are part of the experience

You can see and learn firsthand about progress to transform the national Museum of American Historyrsquos west wing what researchers are uncovering around the globe and what the director of your favorite art museum is planning

Whether your passion lies with our nationrsquos achievements in space portraiture of great Americans sustaining our oceans or preserving the worldrsquos endangered languages membership is a way to deepen your connection

2 3

Because the Smithsonian is free and open to all children and adults of all ages can visit again and again to explore a wide range of interests the Smithsonian can educate us inspire us and unite us mdash dIAne SCott-JoneS

Maryland

Smithson Society members Barbara Bonessa Alan Perkins Richard McCrary Laura Peebles and Ellen Fingerman behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History with Qrius Education Center Manager Efrain Tejada

Join the James Smithson Society

James Smithson Society members make an annual gift of $2500 or more these gifts provide vital funds which support every museum research center and program across the Smithsonian

DeePen YouR ConneCTion

When you join the James Smithson Society you make an important investment in the Smithsonian In appreciation of your generous support we invite you to learn and discover at members-only events around the country and in Washington dC including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues tours led by curators and scholars the Secretaryrsquos Keynote Address and a formal dinner with Smithsonian leadership

JameS SmiThSon SoCieTY membeRShiP

S dillon ripley Circle $ 2500 and above

Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $ 5000 and above

Joseph Henry Circle $10000 and above

John Quincy Adams Circle $25000 and above

LeArn More ABoUt MeMBerSHIP At SMItHSonSoCIetYorg or ContACt JAMeS SMItHSon SoCIetY dIreCtor LAUrA BroUSe-Long At 2026332027 BroUSeLongLSIedU

The Smithsonian is one of the wonders of the world and a source of pride for our country Our financial foundation is provided by Congress the American people and generous donors willing to invest in ideas

The Smithsonian has launched a $15 billion fundraising campaign the most ambitious in history for a cultural institution The campaign will spur our 19 museums nine research centers and the National Zoo to spark discovery tell Americarsquos story inspire lifelong learning and reach people everywhere

SmithsonianCampaign

4

Because the Smithsonian is free and open to all children and adults of all ages can visit again and again to explore a wide range of interests the Smithsonian can educate us inspire us and unite us mdash dIAne SCott-JoneS

Maryland

Smithson Society members Barbara Bonessa Alan Perkins Richard McCrary Laura Peebles and Ellen Fingerman behind the scenes at the National Museum of Natural History with Qrius Education Center Manager Efrain Tejada

Join the James Smithson Society

James Smithson Society members make an annual gift of $2500 or more these gifts provide vital funds which support every museum research center and program across the Smithsonian

DeePen YouR ConneCTion

When you join the James Smithson Society you make an important investment in the Smithsonian In appreciation of your generous support we invite you to learn and discover at members-only events around the country and in Washington dC including the Annual Smithsonian Weekend receptions in prominent Smithsonian venues tours led by curators and scholars the Secretaryrsquos Keynote Address and a formal dinner with Smithsonian leadership

JameS SmiThSon SoCieTY membeRShiP

S dillon ripley Circle $ 2500 and above

Samuel Pierpont Langley Circle $ 5000 and above

Joseph Henry Circle $10000 and above

John Quincy Adams Circle $25000 and above

LeArn More ABoUt MeMBerSHIP At SMItHSonSoCIetYorg or ContACt JAMeS SMItHSon SoCIetY dIreCtor LAUrA BroUSe-Long At 2026332027 BroUSeLongLSIedU

The Smithsonian is one of the wonders of the world and a source of pride for our country Our financial foundation is provided by Congress the American people and generous donors willing to invest in ideas

The Smithsonian has launched a $15 billion fundraising campaign the most ambitious in history for a cultural institution The campaign will spur our 19 museums nine research centers and the National Zoo to spark discovery tell Americarsquos story inspire lifelong learning and reach people everywhere

SmithsonianCampaign

4

mdash

We support the Smithsonian because it shows every visitor the creativity history art and technology of our great nation

MICHAeL And gretCHen KrISS Washington

Smithsonian James Smithson Society JameS SmiThSon SoCieTY anD SmiThSonian giVing CiRCLeS

S Dillon Ripley Center 1100 Jefferson Drive SW Suite 3150 PO Box 37012 MRC 712 Washington DC 20013-7012 smithsonsocietyorg | 2026332027

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