The Smithsonian Institution

Describes the origins and history of the Smithsonian Institution, which began with the unusual bequest of Englishman James Smithson, and outlines the current branches and activities of the Smithsonian. Reenacts, auditorially, the debate in Congress over the exact use of the money and shows the early role of the Institution as a research organization and disseminator of scientific information under director Joseph Henry. Follows the Institution, under the leadership of Spencer Baird, as it became a documentor of natural history and a museum.