A LITTLE KNOWN FACT CONCERNING THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE:

The Smithsonian Institute has an interesting history. The Institution owes much for its development to a British scientist named James Smithson (1765-1827). Smithson was born as the illegitimate son of the 1st Duke of Northumbria. Because of his illegitimate status, Smithson could not enjoy the full privileges of a citizen of Great Britain. When he died, he left his entire estate to the United States to be used for the “establishment of the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Smithson never visited the United States.