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Official Guide to the Smithsonian
The go-to guide for visitors who want to maximize their experience at the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and National Zoo
The Smithsonian holds more than 155 million artifacts and specimens in its trust. The Official Guide to the Smithsonian makes navigating the world’s largest museum complex more efficient and fulfilling. Featuring a huge amount of history, highlights, and pertinent museum information, the colorful guide is designed to enrich time spent in the Smithsonian’s incredible galleries and museums on the National Mall, the Washington metropolitan area, and New York City.
The new 2021 edition features major updates for all the museums. This includes a full treatment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the most recent Smithsonian museum, as well as the Deep Time hall at the National Museum of Natural History, their new fossil hall that displays towering fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures to explore the epic story of Earth.
Each detailed section presents the history of the museum and offers a fully illustrated, gallery-by-gallery tour. It also includes all the practical information such as location, hours, phone numbers, public transportation, services, tours, dining, gift shops, special attractions for children, and website addresses. With so much to see and do across the vast Smithsonian collections, this is the definitive source of information in one place.
The Smithsonian holds more than 155 million artifacts and specimens in its trust. The Official Guide to the Smithsonian makes navigating the world’s largest museum complex more efficient and fulfilling. Featuring a huge amount of history, highlights, and pertinent museum information, the colorful guide is designed to enrich time spent in the Smithsonian’s incredible galleries and museums on the National Mall, the Washington metropolitan area, and New York City.
The new 2021 edition features major updates for all the museums. This includes a full treatment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the most recent Smithsonian museum, as well as the Deep Time hall at the National Museum of Natural History, their new fossil hall that displays towering fossils of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures to explore the epic story of Earth.
Each detailed section presents the history of the museum and offers a fully illustrated, gallery-by-gallery tour. It also includes all the practical information such as location, hours, phone numbers, public transportation, services, tours, dining, gift shops, special attractions for children, and website addresses. With so much to see and do across the vast Smithsonian collections, this is the definitive source of information in one place.
240 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2021
24 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Smithsonian Institution
3,793 books39 followersFounded in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution or simply the Smithsonian is a group of museums, education and research centres created by the United States federal government "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge"
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 4, 2022
It is so unfortunate that the ISBN reflects the title posted here, when the actual title of the book is DISCOVERY AND REVELATION: RELIGION, SCIENCE, AND MAKING SENSE OF THINGS. It is a companion book to the Smithsonian exhibition, "Discovery and Revelation," at the National Museum of American History. In no way could it be considered a "Guide" because it doesn't reference everything contained in the exhibition ... and no one would be taking it along to read while visiting!
It reminded me of an especially vibrant issue of "Smithsonian Magazine." Each "chapter" is about the length of an article. (Indeed, my introduction to the book came from reading a Smithsonian article about Cotton Mather, often regarded by modern audiences as a religious fanatic, and the surprising information that he was a huge proponent of smallpox inoculations ... a stance that put him at odds with many religious leaders.)
The articles are presented chronologically and gathered into three broad categories:
* Who are we?
* Where are we?
* How should we live?
It is often thought that Religion and Science are disciplines destined to be constantly at odds with one another. Yet, there is evidence time and again of scientists embracing Religion and theologians embracing Science. Many attempts were made to "cross the boundaries" to promote understanding and acceptance.
Of course, it didn't work out that way on many occasions. Early in the book, the Reader learns that Benjamin Franklin became the subject of a great deal of criticism for his invention of the lightning rod to protect buildings (many of them churches). It was suggested that his device was thwarting the Will of God.
Some of the major highlights for me included:
* "An Almanac of Strange Dreams," Benjamin Banneker's publication detailing a mixture of scientific observations and predictions along with Visions that brought together Science and Religion.
* "Religious Freedom and the Air We Breathe," discussing Joseph Priestley whose life was fascinating. In addition to "discovering" oxygen, he was a chemist, a minister, a natural philosopher, and political theorist who strove to promote religious tolerance.
* "The Bible Surgeon," providing the background of the famous Jefferson Bible.
* What Hath God Wrought" explores the many responses to the invention of the telegraph ... including religious ideas and movements.
* "The Anatomy of the Soul" covers the story of the Phrenology movement which was debunked in Europe and embraced in America.
* "Playing Dice with the Universe." A fascinating article about Albert Einstein.
* "Immortal Life" was an entirely new discovery for me ... HeLa cells. This was a fascinating overview of the discovery of first "immortal human cell line," including the scientific advances and ethical implications that arose from it!
* Your Brain on God" analyzes what happens during deep meditation, and how the brain can be manipulated to reflect some amazing occurrences.
I was particularly drawn to this book because of the "Anti-Vax" movement which has frequently been linked to Religious and moral objections. DISCOVERY AND REVELATION shows that this is not something new. It has been part of an intriguing (and sometimes disturbing) "dance" between Religion and Science that has lead to many uncomfortable conflicts. The best "take away" that I found from the book was that it caused me to seriously reflect on my own beliefs and responses, and to reinforce a willingness to be more open-minded to diverse opinions.
It reminded me of an especially vibrant issue of "Smithsonian Magazine." Each "chapter" is about the length of an article. (Indeed, my introduction to the book came from reading a Smithsonian article about Cotton Mather, often regarded by modern audiences as a religious fanatic, and the surprising information that he was a huge proponent of smallpox inoculations ... a stance that put him at odds with many religious leaders.)
The articles are presented chronologically and gathered into three broad categories:
* Who are we?
* Where are we?
* How should we live?
It is often thought that Religion and Science are disciplines destined to be constantly at odds with one another. Yet, there is evidence time and again of scientists embracing Religion and theologians embracing Science. Many attempts were made to "cross the boundaries" to promote understanding and acceptance.
Of course, it didn't work out that way on many occasions. Early in the book, the Reader learns that Benjamin Franklin became the subject of a great deal of criticism for his invention of the lightning rod to protect buildings (many of them churches). It was suggested that his device was thwarting the Will of God.
Some of the major highlights for me included:
* "An Almanac of Strange Dreams," Benjamin Banneker's publication detailing a mixture of scientific observations and predictions along with Visions that brought together Science and Religion.
* "Religious Freedom and the Air We Breathe," discussing Joseph Priestley whose life was fascinating. In addition to "discovering" oxygen, he was a chemist, a minister, a natural philosopher, and political theorist who strove to promote religious tolerance.
* "The Bible Surgeon," providing the background of the famous Jefferson Bible.
* What Hath God Wrought" explores the many responses to the invention of the telegraph ... including religious ideas and movements.
* "The Anatomy of the Soul" covers the story of the Phrenology movement which was debunked in Europe and embraced in America.
* "Playing Dice with the Universe." A fascinating article about Albert Einstein.
* "Immortal Life" was an entirely new discovery for me ... HeLa cells. This was a fascinating overview of the discovery of first "immortal human cell line," including the scientific advances and ethical implications that arose from it!
* Your Brain on God" analyzes what happens during deep meditation, and how the brain can be manipulated to reflect some amazing occurrences.
I was particularly drawn to this book because of the "Anti-Vax" movement which has frequently been linked to Religious and moral objections. DISCOVERY AND REVELATION shows that this is not something new. It has been part of an intriguing (and sometimes disturbing) "dance" between Religion and Science that has lead to many uncomfortable conflicts. The best "take away" that I found from the book was that it caused me to seriously reflect on my own beliefs and responses, and to reinforce a willingness to be more open-minded to diverse opinions.
July 23, 2023
Picked up several "like new" copies at our massive used bookstore today for $1 each; one for me and extras for family/friend gifts. Three bucks very well spent!
Only thing notably outdated is they still called them the Sackler and Freer galleries" back then, in pre-opioid-crisis days, whereas they were together "rebranded" (if not technically renamed) "The National Museum of Asian Art" in 2019, in a move that "has absolutely nothing to do with international protests over the Sackler family’s connection to the opioid crisis."
Sure. Whatever you say.
Only thing notably outdated is they still called them the Sackler and Freer galleries" back then, in pre-opioid-crisis days, whereas they were together "rebranded" (if not technically renamed) "The National Museum of Asian Art" in 2019, in a move that "has absolutely nothing to do with international protests over the Sackler family’s connection to the opioid crisis."
Sure. Whatever you say.
February 15, 2023
This is what you would likely buy if one wanted to visit more of the Smithsonian Institution than just one or two of the museums cause there really are quite the variety of collections that have been recognized by being given their own building.
Of course it needs to start with the history of the Institute itself - it's not very long - and then on to visiting. Most of the various museums and centers are located on the National Mall in Washington, DC with a few further out and a couple underground. There is actually a Metro stop available so one doesn't need to find parking. Hours, shops, phone number and website and a brief history of the specific museum with an outside photo and some photos of pieces in the collection.
Ready - just around the National Mall area, there is the Castle itself, National Air and Space Museum. National Museum of Natural History. National Museum of American History. National Museum of African American History and Culture. National Museum of the American Indian. Freer Gallery of Art. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. National Museum of African Art. Arts and Industries Building. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. National Postal Museum. National Portrait Gallery. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum - dedicated to the future of art, both traditional and innovative.
Further out in the Washington Metro area is the Anacostia Community Museum and the National Museum.
In New York City is the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the George Gustav Heye Center which is connected with the National Museum of the American Indian. And there are other research centers and institutes across the United States which are connected with the Smithsonian.
For example the Whipple Observatory near Tuscon, Arizona - yes, that's the identifier on page 35 and yes, it is corrected to Tucson in the written description of the Center of Astrophysics but one would think that the editor would have caught it. Certainly as I'm typing this review, the spellchecker is not liking the different spelling.
Anyway, the Smithsonian has been a center for learning, education and history for over 150 years. And it keeps growing. The sixth edition will likely have a couple more museums or centers recognized as people yearn for the knowledge and pieces of not only our history but the world's.
2022-232
Of course it needs to start with the history of the Institute itself - it's not very long - and then on to visiting. Most of the various museums and centers are located on the National Mall in Washington, DC with a few further out and a couple underground. There is actually a Metro stop available so one doesn't need to find parking. Hours, shops, phone number and website and a brief history of the specific museum with an outside photo and some photos of pieces in the collection.
Ready - just around the National Mall area, there is the Castle itself, National Air and Space Museum. National Museum of Natural History. National Museum of American History. National Museum of African American History and Culture. National Museum of the American Indian. Freer Gallery of Art. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. National Museum of African Art. Arts and Industries Building. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. National Postal Museum. National Portrait Gallery. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum - dedicated to the future of art, both traditional and innovative.
Further out in the Washington Metro area is the Anacostia Community Museum and the National Museum.
In New York City is the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the George Gustav Heye Center which is connected with the National Museum of the American Indian. And there are other research centers and institutes across the United States which are connected with the Smithsonian.
For example the Whipple Observatory near Tuscon, Arizona - yes, that's the identifier on page 35 and yes, it is corrected to Tucson in the written description of the Center of Astrophysics but one would think that the editor would have caught it. Certainly as I'm typing this review, the spellchecker is not liking the different spelling.
Anyway, the Smithsonian has been a center for learning, education and history for over 150 years. And it keeps growing. The sixth edition will likely have a couple more museums or centers recognized as people yearn for the knowledge and pieces of not only our history but the world's.
2022-232
May 6, 2015
Complete guide to the Smithsonian museums, including highlights of each as well as travel infromation. Beautiful pictures.
August 23, 2023
This book was inspired by an exhibit at the National Museum of American History. There are three sections to the book and a total of 25 short chapters. In general, the chapters cover a single subject and are arranged chronologically. The book also includes many photographs of artifacts and components in the exhibit. Here’s a summary and/or notable quotes from each section and chapter.
Introduction:
As expected, the introduction sets the stage for the book by introducing an example where a scientific discovery, that there is electricity in the atmosphere during storms, intersected with and challenged how some people perceived the source and results of lightning. Then the authors go on to look at three big questions where science and religion have significant input and overlap. Finally, the methodological goal in the approach to researching this subject and presenting the results is described.
Part 1: Revelations
Here the reader is acquainted with the interplay and interconnectedness of the Scientific Revolution and the American Revolution.
The Mechanical Monk
The Mechanical Monk is an “automation of a friar” from the 16th century and symbolizes the changing views on religion. “Where the word “religion” had once referred to the dutiful performance of religious obligations, over the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it increasingly came to be understood as a set of beliefs or an inner state of mind.” p21.
And Yet It Moves
This is a short overview of the religious and political environment in Galileo’s day and how his discoveries and his attitude were received.
Something of Ye Small-Pox
In the 1700’s Cotton Mather advocated for inoculation against the smallpox virus but was met with opposition. “If inoculation worked, then God was not in control, and if God was not in control, many feared they would not have their greatest source of solace just when they needed it most.” p31. But over time the new medical procedure proved very effective and many began to view it positively.
A Pharmacist's Herb Garden
Sister Francis Xavier Herbert helped establish the Ursuline Religious Community and School in New Orleans where she grew herbs for medicinal purposes.
Electric Fire
“Like Cotton Mather’s support of inoculation, Franklin’s experiments with electricity raised what would prove to be a perennial American theological concern: that new technologies and scientific discoveries might subvert the moral order of the universe.” p39.
Thomas Paine’s Clockwork Universe
Thomas Paine deconstructed from Christianity to Deism largely because he found scientific reasons and explanations more persuasive than religious ones.
An Almanac of Strange Dreams
Almanacs were a common method of communication and contained a wide range of information from the weather forecast to the lunar cycle to poetry and dreams to snippets of scripture. Benjamin Banneker, a black man, used his almanac to combat racism as well as share astronomical information and his dreams.
Religious Freedom and the Air We Breathe
Joseph Priestly, a chemist and minister, discovered oxygen. He was English but dissented from the Church of England and moved to the US seeking religious freedom.
Part 2: Evolutions
Contemporary with Darwin’s discoveries were other great scientific and technological advances like “the telegraph, electricity, and photography” which “had surprising spiritual repercussions.” p57.
The Bible Surgeon
Joseph Priestly influenced the faith and reasoning of Thomas Jefferson who eventually cut and pasted parts of the Bible together that didn’t include anything supernatural.
A Family Affair
Husband and wife, Edward and Orra Hitchcock worked together to research and illustrate scientific findings, striving to make them as “palatable as possible” to correct misunderstandings, prejudices, and ignorance. P61.
What Hath God Wrought
The invention of the telegraph transformed communication. It was also thought by many as evidence of the ability to communicate with the spirits.
Our Celestial Visitant
A comet in 1843 coincided with one of the predictions for Jesus’ second coming and fueled an interest in astronomy.
The Anatomy of the Soul
“Phrenology is best remembered as a failed theory, and yet it was also something more: a cultural phenomenon that blurred the boundaries between the mind and brain, the body and self, and religion and science.” p83.
Darwin in America
“Countering polygenism as poor science and faulty theology, [Asa] Gray wrote a number of influential tracts on the possibility of reconciling evolutionary theory with theistic belief, aiding the reception of Darwinism in America.” p86. This chapter highlights people from multiple religions that wrestle with evolution and their faith spanning a spectrum from full acceptance to dogmatic opposition of evolution.
Quilting the Cosmos
Harriet Powers created a unique and exceptional Bible quilt that intermixed “biblical scenes with cosmic wonders of her era.” p93.
Conflict or Agreement?
Although there were numerous examples of science and religion in harmonious dialogue, “as the nineteenth century gave way to the twentieth, the relationship of science and religion was, in the eyes of some Americans, no longer marked by mere conflict, now it would be all out war.” p98. “Christian Science was neither the first nor last religion to embrace some form of science in America. During the nineteenth century, practitioners from a variety of religions and spiritual practices – including Mormonism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and diverse indigenous traditions – articulated their own visions of how science could be harmoniously integrated into their practices and worldviews.” p99.
Part 3: Complexity
“Religion, science, and technology continued their entwined American history in the Twentieth century. … As a nation of immigrants, America continues to be shaped by new religious and scientific ideas.” p101.
Her Heavenly Radium
“Before its negative health effects were understood, radium was added to consumer products to give them a miraculous glow.” p105. Radium was also the subject of many sermons and spiritual discussions, including the topic of creation and the age of the earth.
Religion on the Radio
“Spreading well beyond the intentions of preacher broadcasters, radio did more than preach the Christian message to remote places; it wrote a gospel of its own.” p109.
Trial of the Century
John Scopes was found guilty of violating the Butler Act by teaching evolution in 1925 in Dayton, TN. The trial publicized and fueled the perceived conflict between science and religion.
Playing Dice with the Universe
This chapter looked at Albert Einstein – his immigration to escape religious (ethnic) persecution, and his “radical ideas,” both “scientific and religious.” p121.
Immortal Life?
“By way of her cells, Henrietta Lacks has been one of the most significant figures in American history. Yet the circumstances of HeLa’s origins have raised serious ethical questions about medical consent, race, and the rights that individuals have over their own bodies.” p124.
Earthrise
Apollo 8 orbited the moon and took the famous and beautiful picture of an earthrise. The astronauts chose to read Genesis 1:1-10 to the largest listening audience ever, about a billion people. The response was significant and mixed with much appreciation but some objection and hostility.
Your Brain on God
“The brain has remained a “magnificent and mysterious source of insight, for scientists and religious practitioners alike. It has facilitated, in the study of meditation, new exchanges between science and religion. From God Helmet hackers to Buddhist brain scans, the brain has inspired new ideas about what religion might be.” p133.
The Technology of Prayer
“Islamic prayer technology has helped new generations close the gap between traditional practice and modern life and, in some cases, seem to create meaningful variations of ritual and experience.” p139.
Conclusion
This book was completed about a year into the COVID-19 pandemic which illustrated so clearly that the beliefs held by some religious people are in conflict, perhaps even war, with science. For other religious people, their faith beliefs were not threatened by embracing scientific findings. “The COVID-19 era has provided the subject explored through Discovery and Revelation unwished-for relevance. It was a stark reminder that the questions addressed in this book, as well as the exhibit that inspired it, are not matters of abstraction or theory but the very stuff of human lives.” p141. “This also has been a moment in which scientific opinion has proved as divisive for some religious communities as the early days of the evolution debate. “Listen to the scientists” became a mantra for those who wanted to limit in-person meetings to combat infection while “church is essential” served as a rebuttal for those who insisted the freedom or religion ought to offer exemptions to houses of worship hoping to gather their flocks.” p142.
Notes, Index, Acknowledgments, and Illustration Credits follow the body of the book.
I very much enjoyed reading this book and looking through history and the often surprising responses to new discoveries by people of faith. Looking back, some of the conflict seems silly framed in our current knowledge so maybe many of our contemporary issues bringing conflict into religious communities will fade with time too. I was surprised that there wasn’t anything on modern young earth creationism and the Intelligent Design movement since they are so prevalent in America today and organizations who promote these ideas reject evidence-based science because of their theological commitments. It seems like this topic would have been worthy of discussion, particularly since it’s so widespread compared with several of the other subjects covered herein. I definitely recommend this book for people interested in an introduction to the history of the intersection of science and religion. There were many intriguing illustrations too that added depth to the discussions.
Introduction:
As expected, the introduction sets the stage for the book by introducing an example where a scientific discovery, that there is electricity in the atmosphere during storms, intersected with and challenged how some people perceived the source and results of lightning. Then the authors go on to look at three big questions where science and religion have significant input and overlap. Finally, the methodological goal in the approach to researching this subject and presenting the results is described.
Part 1: Revelations
Here the reader is acquainted with the interplay and interconnectedness of the Scientific Revolution and the American Revolution.
The Mechanical Monk
The Mechanical Monk is an “automation of a friar” from the 16th century and symbolizes the changing views on religion. “Where the word “religion” had once referred to the dutiful performance of religious obligations, over the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries it increasingly came to be understood as a set of beliefs or an inner state of mind.” p21.
And Yet It Moves
This is a short overview of the religious and political environment in Galileo’s day and how his discoveries and his attitude were received.
Something of Ye Small-Pox
In the 1700’s Cotton Mather advocated for inoculation against the smallpox virus but was met with opposition. “If inoculation worked, then God was not in control, and if God was not in control, many feared they would not have their greatest source of solace just when they needed it most.” p31. But over time the new medical procedure proved very effective and many began to view it positively.
A Pharmacist's Herb Garden
Sister Francis Xavier Herbert helped establish the Ursuline Religious Community and School in New Orleans where she grew herbs for medicinal purposes.
Electric Fire
“Like Cotton Mather’s support of inoculation, Franklin’s experiments with electricity raised what would prove to be a perennial American theological concern: that new technologies and scientific discoveries might subvert the moral order of the universe.” p39.
Thomas Paine’s Clockwork Universe
Thomas Paine deconstructed from Christianity to Deism largely because he found scientific reasons and explanations more persuasive than religious ones.
An Almanac of Strange Dreams
Almanacs were a common method of communication and contained a wide range of information from the weather forecast to the lunar cycle to poetry and dreams to snippets of scripture. Benjamin Banneker, a black man, used his almanac to combat racism as well as share astronomical information and his dreams.
Religious Freedom and the Air We Breathe
Joseph Priestly, a chemist and minister, discovered oxygen. He was English but dissented from the Church of England and moved to the US seeking religious freedom.
Part 2: Evolutions
Contemporary with Darwin’s discoveries were other great scientific and technological advances like “the telegraph, electricity, and photography” which “had surprising spiritual repercussions.” p57.
The Bible Surgeon
Joseph Priestly influenced the faith and reasoning of Thomas Jefferson who eventually cut and pasted parts of the Bible together that didn’t include anything supernatural.
A Family Affair
Husband and wife, Edward and Orra Hitchcock worked together to research and illustrate scientific findings, striving to make them as “palatable as possible” to correct misunderstandings, prejudices, and ignorance. P61.
What Hath God Wrought
The invention of the telegraph transformed communication. It was also thought by many as evidence of the ability to communicate with the spirits.
Our Celestial Visitant
A comet in 1843 coincided with one of the predictions for Jesus’ second coming and fueled an interest in astronomy.
The Anatomy of the Soul
“Phrenology is best remembered as a failed theory, and yet it was also something more: a cultural phenomenon that blurred the boundaries between the mind and brain, the body and self, and religion and science.” p83.
Darwin in America
“Countering polygenism as poor science and faulty theology, [Asa] Gray wrote a number of influential tracts on the possibility of reconciling evolutionary theory with theistic belief, aiding the reception of Darwinism in America.” p86. This chapter highlights people from multiple religions that wrestle with evolution and their faith spanning a spectrum from full acceptance to dogmatic opposition of evolution.
Quilting the Cosmos
Harriet Powers created a unique and exceptional Bible quilt that intermixed “biblical scenes with cosmic wonders of her era.” p93.
Conflict or Agreement?
Although there were numerous examples of science and religion in harmonious dialogue, “as the nineteenth century gave way to the twentieth, the relationship of science and religion was, in the eyes of some Americans, no longer marked by mere conflict, now it would be all out war.” p98. “Christian Science was neither the first nor last religion to embrace some form of science in America. During the nineteenth century, practitioners from a variety of religions and spiritual practices – including Mormonism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and diverse indigenous traditions – articulated their own visions of how science could be harmoniously integrated into their practices and worldviews.” p99.
Part 3: Complexity
“Religion, science, and technology continued their entwined American history in the Twentieth century. … As a nation of immigrants, America continues to be shaped by new religious and scientific ideas.” p101.
Her Heavenly Radium
“Before its negative health effects were understood, radium was added to consumer products to give them a miraculous glow.” p105. Radium was also the subject of many sermons and spiritual discussions, including the topic of creation and the age of the earth.
Religion on the Radio
“Spreading well beyond the intentions of preacher broadcasters, radio did more than preach the Christian message to remote places; it wrote a gospel of its own.” p109.
Trial of the Century
John Scopes was found guilty of violating the Butler Act by teaching evolution in 1925 in Dayton, TN. The trial publicized and fueled the perceived conflict between science and religion.
Playing Dice with the Universe
This chapter looked at Albert Einstein – his immigration to escape religious (ethnic) persecution, and his “radical ideas,” both “scientific and religious.” p121.
Immortal Life?
“By way of her cells, Henrietta Lacks has been one of the most significant figures in American history. Yet the circumstances of HeLa’s origins have raised serious ethical questions about medical consent, race, and the rights that individuals have over their own bodies.” p124.
Earthrise
Apollo 8 orbited the moon and took the famous and beautiful picture of an earthrise. The astronauts chose to read Genesis 1:1-10 to the largest listening audience ever, about a billion people. The response was significant and mixed with much appreciation but some objection and hostility.
Your Brain on God
“The brain has remained a “magnificent and mysterious source of insight, for scientists and religious practitioners alike. It has facilitated, in the study of meditation, new exchanges between science and religion. From God Helmet hackers to Buddhist brain scans, the brain has inspired new ideas about what religion might be.” p133.
The Technology of Prayer
“Islamic prayer technology has helped new generations close the gap between traditional practice and modern life and, in some cases, seem to create meaningful variations of ritual and experience.” p139.
Conclusion
This book was completed about a year into the COVID-19 pandemic which illustrated so clearly that the beliefs held by some religious people are in conflict, perhaps even war, with science. For other religious people, their faith beliefs were not threatened by embracing scientific findings. “The COVID-19 era has provided the subject explored through Discovery and Revelation unwished-for relevance. It was a stark reminder that the questions addressed in this book, as well as the exhibit that inspired it, are not matters of abstraction or theory but the very stuff of human lives.” p141. “This also has been a moment in which scientific opinion has proved as divisive for some religious communities as the early days of the evolution debate. “Listen to the scientists” became a mantra for those who wanted to limit in-person meetings to combat infection while “church is essential” served as a rebuttal for those who insisted the freedom or religion ought to offer exemptions to houses of worship hoping to gather their flocks.” p142.
Notes, Index, Acknowledgments, and Illustration Credits follow the body of the book.
I very much enjoyed reading this book and looking through history and the often surprising responses to new discoveries by people of faith. Looking back, some of the conflict seems silly framed in our current knowledge so maybe many of our contemporary issues bringing conflict into religious communities will fade with time too. I was surprised that there wasn’t anything on modern young earth creationism and the Intelligent Design movement since they are so prevalent in America today and organizations who promote these ideas reject evidence-based science because of their theological commitments. It seems like this topic would have been worthy of discussion, particularly since it’s so widespread compared with several of the other subjects covered herein. I definitely recommend this book for people interested in an introduction to the history of the intersection of science and religion. There were many intriguing illustrations too that added depth to the discussions.
September 1, 2008
I'm always pressing this book into the hands of out-of-town guests, in hopes that they'll get a better idea of the breadth of the Smithsonian museums in nearby DC. Most people, I find, don't fully appreciate the breadth of the Smithsonian collections and head lemming-like for the Natural History and American History museums. But there's much more to the Smithsonian than that, as this lushly illustrated guide illustrates. Each of the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, or collections is nicely represented, with all the necessary practical information for visitors. It's a great book to browse through before laying a 'plan of attack' for ambitious visitors or for my own use on frequent trips downtown. I was even able to use it while visiting New York, for as I learned there are branches of the Smithsonian in other cities as well.
June 3, 2017
I have always enjoyed reading guidebooks and travel guides, just for fun. This book highlighted aspects of each of the existing Smithsonian museums as of about 2002. It does not cover anything new, nor any new museums. Some museums, along with their exhibits were described in greater detail, such as the Air and Space, and Natural History museums. It also provided background and history of how the Smithsonian came to be. I have always wanted to visit Washington D.C., and these museums so this was an enjoyable book for me.
March 9, 2011
A fantastic book that goes more in depth for many of the Smithsonian museums. If you plan on visiting DC and want to visit the Mall then do yourself a favor and pick this guide up. I read it at night and then visited the different museums during the day. I found this guide to give me a plethora of additional information, to highlight areas I'd want to see and give a brief preview, and to give me those "don't miss" exhibits that I might have walked on by.
If you are touring DC I recommend this nifty guide with
. If you plan on focusing on any of the following museums then pick up their individual books - not only do they give you the best tour guide around but you get a wonderful memento that will bring back memories for years to come!
If you are going to the Natural History museum consider:
or
If you are going to the Air and Space consider adding this one:
If you are headed off to the National Gallery of Art look at:
(this one is out of print and pricey!)
If you enjoy architecture then try
And if you enjoy flowers and gardens and are visiting DC when these are in bloom or at least green (I went in the winter lol) then check out
Headed off to the American Art museum? Try America's Art: Masterpieces from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
If you are touring DC I recommend this nifty guide with
. If you plan on focusing on any of the following museums then pick up their individual books - not only do they give you the best tour guide around but you get a wonderful memento that will bring back memories for years to come!If you are going to the Natural History museum consider:
or
If you are going to the Air and Space consider adding this one:
If you are headed off to the National Gallery of Art look at:
(this one is out of print and pricey!)If you enjoy architecture then try
And if you enjoy flowers and gardens and are visiting DC when these are in bloom or at least green (I went in the winter lol) then check out
Headed off to the American Art museum? Try America's Art: Masterpieces from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
July 27, 2011
Great comprehensive, picturesque book showing you what's in the Smithsonian museums. I read it before I visited the museums to choose which ones I'd like best and it showed a few hidden treasures that helped make my decision easier. I also noticed that it was sold in the gift shops at most of the museums. It could be a great souvenir of your visits.
December 28, 2009
Nice guide book that I would like to check out again before taking another trip to the Smithsonian. Very informative.
May 25, 2014
Definately will be a vacation destination in years to come. Can't wait!
September 12, 2016
who wouldn't love this?
October 17, 2016
great intro/overview of the Smithsonian!
December 22, 2022
3.0 / 5.0
Broad shallow overview of Smithsonian Assets. Would appreciate if it had a bit more substance, but serves its purpose.
Broad shallow overview of Smithsonian Assets. Would appreciate if it had a bit more substance, but serves its purpose.
October 17, 2014
A little outdated at this point, but still covers the highlights well.
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