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Smithsonian Institution
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The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums, education and research centres in the United States, created by act of Congress in 1846 to carry out the bequest of the British scientist James Smithson, who left his estate to found in Washington an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men, though he had never visited the country. It is now the world's largest such museum, education and research complex, with its main facilities in Washington, D.C. and additional sites in Maryland, New York and Virginia.
Facts
Founded YearSourced to the subject's own account FounderSourced to the subject's own accountJames Smithson (bequest); established by act of the United States Congress 1 SeatSourced to the subject's own accountWashington, D.C., United States 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Smithsonian Institution (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFounding section, quoting James Smithson's willQuote, Founding section, quoting James Smithson's will
to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian institution, an establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men
James Smithson (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFounded By: James Smithson, Bequest sectionQuote, Founded By: James Smithson, Bequest section
I then bequeath the whole of my property... to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase & diffusion of knowledge among men.
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