Why the Smithsonian almost didn't exist

[nitpicker]

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34905028

Why the Smithsonian almost didn't exist

2 hours ago

The world's largest museum and research organisation is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of its founder. But it was pure luck that the Smithsonian Institution was ever created.

Inside a small crypt near the entrance of the Smithsonian castle on Washington's National Mall is a memorial to James Smithson, an English scientist who is roundly praised for never having fathered any children. If he had, his vast fortune would not have been given to America to found the research organisation that bears his name - the Smithsonian Institution.

His nephew should also share some of the credit as Smithson's wealth initially passed to him. But he too died childless and thanks to a clause in Smithson's will, the money was bequeathed to the US to establish an organisation "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men".

That two wealthy men should leave no heirs is perhaps the first stroke of luck that led to the creation of the Smithsonian, and there is much scholarly speculation as to how this happened.

Pamela Henson, the Institution's historian, says it was partly because Smithson was illegitimate. Although he was recognised by his family and inherited lots of money, he was unable to marry a woman of any social status. She also says he may have been gay. But neither explains how he must have guessed that his teenage nephew would also die without children. "And we will probably never know, because all of James Smithson's papers were burned in a fire at the castle in 1865," she says.
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[Paka]

1. K&R

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.

[appalachiablue]

2. K & R. Great article, thanks. I never knew all this and I worked there, d*mn.

Last edited Sun Nov 29, 2015, 10:32 AM - Edit history (1)

James Smithson (1765-1829) was born in Paris. When his parents died he inherited a fortune from his mother.
http://siarchives.si.edu/history/james-smithson