Smithsonian Magazine

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

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Smithsonian Magazine

Treasures and Trouble • A RENOWNED BLUES ARCHIVE UNCOVERS A RICH MUSICAL HISTORY—AND POSES QUESTIONS ABOUT A HISTORIAN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO HIS SUBJECTS

the scroll • A GLIMPSE AT OUR DIGITAL OFFERINGS

Still Making a Big Splash • Loved and loathed, Barbie stirs fresh controversy at age 64

Not Your Average Beau • HE BEGAN AS BARBIE’S SIDEKICK. OVER TIME HE BECAME A MAN OF HIS OWN

IN FULL BLOOM • Cities weren’t the only subject that fascinated this acclaimed Futurist

The Mother of Soul Food • Edna Lewis did more than anyone to elevate Southern food to haute cuisine

Savory Sample • BRING SOME OF LEWIS’ EARTHY MAGIC INTO YOUR KITCHEN

MONUMENTAL • The strange and wonderful nature of one of America’s most prized building materials

Is This the Last of Its Kind? • Contemplating the portentous history and uncertain fate of an exceptionally rare flower

Printing the Buddha • AN 11TH-CENTURY COLLECTION OF APHORISMS IS A TREASURE OF CHINESE WOODBLOCK PRINTING

Lord of the Fireflies • A Delaware scientist searches bogs and beaches to discover delightful new species

READY. SET. GLOW! • The life cycle of the most common firefly species, Photinus pyralis

The Authentics • Artists in Puerto Rico resist modern trends to preserve the truth of native culture

HANNAH & ANNE • AS THE HOLOCAUST BEGAN, TWO JEWISH GIRLS BECAME FRIENDS IN AMSTERDAM. ONE WAS ANNE FR ANK. THE OTHER SURVIVED. AND NOW HER MEMOIR TELLS THEIR STORY

1,000 MILES TO GO • IN A SINGULAR TEST OF SKILL AND COURAGE, THE WORLD’S LONGEST PADDLING RACE PROCEEDS DOWN TH E WILD YUKON RIVER. NOT EVERYONE FINISHES

Don’t Be Puzzled • YOU CAN FIND NINE ANSWERS IN THESE PAGES

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