James Smithson's Gift

Objects and Property

In 1848, Professor Robert Hare of the University of Pennsylvania presented a set of chemical and electrical apparatus to the Smithsonian, the first artifacts given to the Institution after Smithson's own. In the years since then, people from all walks of life have made donations of all types--and often one gift has been the catalyst for many more. From a single dress to an art collection and building to house it, each gift has played a role in shaping the Smithsonian Institution.

Peacock Room

In 1906, industrialist Charles Lang Freer donated his extensive collection of Asian and American art to the Smithsonian Institution; he also gave a building to house the collection, the Freer Gallery of Art. Freer's example was followed by Joseph H. Hirshhorn in 1968 and Arthur M. Sackler in 1981.

In 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft (1861-1943) donated her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian Institution. This single gift was the impetus for families, friends, and collectors to donate clothing and possessions from preceding presidents' wives to form the First Ladies' Collection. Subsequent first ladies have also helped to make "The First Ladies' Gowns" one of the Institution's most popular exhibitions.

Helen Herron Taft's Inaugural Gown

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, came into existence when Robert Lee Forest donated Java Farm to the Smithsonian in 1962. Since then, SERC has grown to a significant ecological research and education center.

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