AstroReality × The Smithsonian: A New Beginning

AstroReality has landed at the Smithsonian Museum. Pick up a notebook as you walk into the museum, and take in the unique experience of one of the most amazing museums on our planet. Here you can learn about the incredible accomplishments and discoveries of the world and the United States.

The History of the Smithsonian

Nostalgia is a great feeling. Nothing really encapsulates the significance of human development quite like museums. As institutions of public interests, museums are renown for actively engaging visitors and fostering the comprehension of our cultural and natural heritage.

There’s plenty of information you can learn from a simple trip to a museum. You’re sure to get inspired by the abundance of knowledge that’s available. If you’ve got the time, you can sift through the annals of architecture, astrology, civilization, and history in a couple of hours.

The Smithsonian Institute was established as a center to increase the diffusion of knowledge among men.

When you really get to think about it, the Smithsonian holds a special place among museums. Sure, after having been recognized by the U.S. Senate in 1846, it holds an enviable history as the one institution which has sought to enhance the American national identity right from the get-go.

Yet, that’s probably not the institutions only shining beacon. The Smithsonian has achieved critical acclaim thanks to its exploits in exploration and innovation, true to the American spirit.

As believers in using history to chart the way forward, at AstroReality, we’ve partnered up with this great institution in a bid to keep enlightening the world. Before we really delve into the specifics of our alliance, a little background about the Smithsonian is in order.

Early Years

James Smithson (1765-1829), was an illegitimate child of an uber-rich Englishman.

Throughout his life, he was almost always on the road, seeking to explore new lands. Interestingly, he never once set foot on American soil during his exploits.

It’s this one particular fact that has perplexed historians over the years. As a native of another land, many people have been unable to conclusively determine why he decided to hand out the entirety of his huge estate, worth about 1/66 of the American federal budget at the time, to a foreign land.

As is almost always the case, there’s a high chance that the decision was inspired by a family feud. Still, that’s just speculation.

Others have gone as far as to speculate that his move could have arisen after having learned of American’s experimentation with democracy. Some scholars believe that his philanthropy was inspired by his close ties to the Royal Institution, an organization dedicated to the use of scientific know-how to enhance human conditions.

Having never discussed his bequest with close friends and family, the motivation behind his actions remains a mystery up to date. The only thing that’s certain is that his actions have contributed massively to humanity.

If you’d love to pay homage to Smithson, you can visit his crypt, situated on the 1st floor of the Smithsonian Castle.

Taking Shape

6 years after the English chemist and mineralogist passed away, President Andrew Jackson made a point to forward his request to Congress. After the legacy was handed over to the nation and placed in a trust, it took about 8 more years before it was passed as an act of Congress on August 10, 1846.

Having passed the litmus test of time, the Smithsonian Institution has become synonymous as a place for the advancement of education and research.

With a total of 19 museums and nine research centers, plus, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian has grown from strength to strength.

Aviation and Space Interests

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum arguably has the world’s largest collection of aviation and space artifacts.

Functioning from two landmark centers, the facility seems more than 8 million visitors past its doors annually. This attribute makes it one of the most explored museums in the nation. It has aptly become known as the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies.

The essence of flight and space travel is captured in its vast collection. Through the years, they’ve been continuously working towards, the preservation, exhibition, and studying of everything that appertains aviation and spaceflight. It’s not uncommon to find a group of scientists engrossed in the study of the universe within the Smithsonian’s walls.

AstroReality × The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian is an experience like no other, in that covers the history of the world, the history of flight and innovation, and the history of life itself. When you venture through the museum, be sure to take time to appreciate all of the displays. One way to really do that is to sit down with a notebook and sketch out what you see. It’s great drawing practice, but also gives you a further appreciation of the plane, spaceship, or dinosaur that is before you.

AstroReality is all about the details the experience of touch and the passion for learning and exploring. AstroReality’s partnership with the Smithsonian Museum is one that is geared towards fostering of the advancement of humanity through education. Being involved with the Smithsonian is also a proud moment in AstroReality’s story. We are very excited the visitors of the Smithsonian can further their learning and have a brand new experience. 

Address: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560.