On June 27, 1829, English scientist James Smithson, who never visited the U.S., died. His will specified that if his nephew died without heirs, then Smithson’s estate would go to “the United States [for] … an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” When the nephew died heir-less, the bequest was accepted by Congress. After much consideration, it was decided to found a museum. Today the Smithsonian is a huge network of museums, research centers, and a zoo.
