President James K. Polk signed the Smithsonian Institution’s Bill of Incorporation on August 10, 1846 after it was approved by Congress. The bill included the provision that the Institution should include an art gallery, library, and museum. The Smithsonian was funded by the bequest of the Englishman James Smithson. (By Rebecca Solnit)
Record Data
Date Certainty
Exact
Type
Education/Culture
