Wednesday, January 14, 2009

7. The Smithsonian Castle

7. The Smithsonian Castle
What can you tell me about this building?

1 comment:

Mrs. KarenSue Wend said...

Hi Mrs. Kerley!

It must be very different in Washington D.C. for you compared to when you and I were there last July! Much colder and LOTS more people.

I saw on your blog that you have a photo of the Smithsonian Castle, the first building of the Smithsonian Museums. Here is an interesting piece of information: my great-great-great uncle on my mother's side was named James Smithson. He is the man who gave the money to the United States to start the Smithsonian museums! He died in 1829 and didn't have any children so he said his money had to go "to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." The Smithsonian now has 19 separate museums and all of them are free to anyone who wants to visit them.

Have fun with the rest of your trip!
Mrs. Wend
Little Mountain School