Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
2012-02-20

military > museum
The Smithsonian Institution was begun by architect James Renwick, Jr., in 1847. The exterior work was completed in 1851. This building served as a home for the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Joseph Henry and his family and for many years housed all aspects of Smithsonian operations.

Sources:

  • "Smithsonian Institution Building, the Castle," Smithsonian, http://www.si.edu/visit/infocenter/sicastle.htm. View source information 
People related to this Place
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Henry, Mary Anna

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  • Mary Henry, the daughter of the Institution's first Secretary, lived in the building throughout the Civil War period which she wrote about in her diaries. She worked in the News Boys Association and did volunteer work and benefits for wounded soldiers.
  • 2011-07-28

Henry, Joseph

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  • Henry was the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, appointed in 1846. He lived in the Smithsonian Building's East Wing with his family throughout the Civil War period.
  • 2011-07-28
  • Jan 01, 1846-May 01, 1861