The world’s largest museum complex was founded on this day in history, Aug. 10, 1846. The Smithsonian Institution was first created by President James K. Polk, who signed the Smithsonian Institution Act into law after the death of English scientist James Smithson,
On this day in history, April 24, 1800, President John Adams — the second president of the United States — approved the appropriation of $5,000 for the purchase of “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” according to