Smithsonian Magazine

Smithsonian Magazine takes you on a journey through history, science, world culture and technology with breathtaking images from around the world.

contributors

discussion

Plot Twist! • The much-maligned soap opera has been resurrected as prestige TV

Guiding Lights • HOW AMERICA’S FROTHIEST EXPORT HAS TACKLED WEIGHTY ISSUES ON TV AND RADIO WORLDWIDE—AND IMPROVED PEOPLE’S LIVES

AMERICA’S FIRST POSTER CHILD • In 1855, this girl energized the abolitionist movement. For the first time, we tell her story

Publish or Perish • CAN AN OBSCURE 19TH-CENTURY LITERARY FORM HELP CORRECT WIKIPEDIA’S NOTORIOUS GENDER BIAS?

WRITTEN OUT OF HISTORY • A new study reveals just how few women are required reading in America’s schools

VEILED MEANING • An artist finds joy in a colorful yet complicated symbol

Inside the Marble Palace • As Sandra Day O’Connor retires from public life, we take you behind the scenes of her debut as the first female justice

The O’Connor Court • THE DECISIVE VOTE IN OVER 300 CASES, SHE SHAPED THE LAW ON MAJOR ISSUES LIKE THESE

A New Order in the High Court • WHEN RBG ARRIVED, A SUPREME SISTERHOOD TOOK ROOT

Revisiting America’s Lawrence of Arabia • WITH ARCHAEOLOGY AT A STANDSTILL IN WAR-TORN YEMEN, WE CHRONICLE THE DISCOVERIES OF THE SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURER TURNED OIL TYCOON WENDELL PHILLIPS, WHOSE TRAVELS IN THE 1950S YIELDED ANCIENT TREASURES AND CONTROVERSY

The Power and the Passion • Since the turn of the 20th century, the story of women in the United States is one of struggle, persistence and breakthroughs. A dozen artifacts from the National Museum of American History chronicle profound changes in the life of the nation

THE MYSTERY OF Lake Malawi • In the second largest lake in Africa, fish evolution is taking place at an explosive rate. Why? Scientists are diving into the question

STRING THEORY • RHIANNON GIDDENS TRAVELS THROUGH TIME TO CREATE NEW MUSIC FROM LOST DIMENSIONS OF AMERICAN CULTURE

CELEBRATING SOUND • The 2019 “Smithsonian Year of Music” features major releases and more than 1,000 performances, workshops, exhibitions and more

THE BANJO’S EVOLUTION • The centerpiece of America’s musical tradition draws on diverse cultural influences, from West Africa to the Spanish and Portuguese empires

New Pill Reverses Memory Loss in an Amazing Way • Developed by top Israeli doctor; study shows key ingredient reverses years of mental decline and may also prevent dementia; initial users in America report improvements in memory, concentration, and thinking power

ask smithsonian • YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE’VE GOT EXPERTS