The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is a place that tells the story of the United States and the world’s history and culture. It’s like a treasure chest filled with important things like old stuff, art, and things from the past. But, what is the most valuable thing in the Smithsonian?
It’s not an easy question to answer because the Smithsonian has a lot of different things, like science stuff, technology, art, and history stuff. So, figuring out the single most valuable thing is a tough job. In this article, we’ll take a tour of the Smithsonian Institution and learn about some of the most important things they have, along with their interesting stories.
The Hope Diamond: A Special Gem
One of the candidates for the most valuable thing in the Smithsonian is a famous blue diamond called the Hope Diamond. This diamond is not just pretty; it’s also mysterious. Many people are fascinated by it because of its stunning beauty and the spooky stories about it. The Hope Diamond was once called the French Blue, and it made its way to the United States, ending up with a famous jeweler named Harry Winston. Today, you can see it at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, and it’s worth hundreds of millions of dollars. But what makes it even more special is the mystery and legends that have surrounded it for a long time.
The Star-Spangled Banner: A Tough Flag
Another important thing in the Smithsonian is the Star-Spangled Banner. This is the American flag that was flying over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. It got all torn up during a big battle, but it inspired Francis Scott Key to write the United States national anthem. The fact that this old, beat-up flag is still around shows how much it means to the United States. You can see it at the National Museum of American History. It’s not worth a lot of money, but its history and the way it makes people feel about the United States make it a strong contender for the title of the most valuable thing in the Smithsonian.
The Wright Flyer: A Big Deal in Aviation
In the history of flying, the Wright brothers were the first to make a huge change in how people travel. Their invention, the Wright Flyer, was the very first machine that could fly with an engine and be controlled by the people inside.
The Wright Flyer isn’t just a piece of history; it shows what people can do when they’re determined and creative. You can see it at the National Air and Space Museum, and it means a lot to people who love airplanes and history. Because of how it changed the world, it’s a top contender for the most valuable thing in the Smithsonian.
The First Ladies’ Inaugural Gowns: A Trip Through American Fashion
The Smithsonian has a cool collection of fancy dresses worn by the First Ladies of the United States. These dresses tell a story about how fashion and culture in America have changed over time.
Each dress shows what was stylish at the time and who the First Lady was. From the simple dress Martha Washington wore to the more modern designs worn by recent First Ladies, these dresses show how the role of the First Lady has changed and how American fashion has evolved. Together, they tell a big story about politics and style in America, making them valuable in their way.
The Apollo 11 Command Module: A Huge Step for Humans
The famous words “one giant leap for mankind” were said by astronaut Neil Armstrong when he walked on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission, where this happened, was a big deal for human smarts and willpower. The command module that brought the astronauts back to Earth is like a symbol of this amazing achievement.
This spaceship, now at the National Air and Space Museum, isn’t just an amazing piece of technology. It’s also a symbol of how people can explore what they don’t know. The Apollo 11 Command Module is a sign of how brave people can be and what humans can do, which is why it’s a strong choice for the most valuable thing in the Smithsonian.
The Star Wars Filming Model: A Cool Thing from the Movies
The Smithsonian has some cool things from pop culture, and one of the best is the original model used in the Star Wars movies. This model helped make the Star Wars movies look real and took people to a whole different galaxy.
The Star Wars movies by George Lucas were super popular and made a big mark in movie history. The model, made with a lot of care to make the Star Wars world look real, is special in the Smithsonian’s collection. It played a big role in changing our culture and is still loved today, making it valuable because it connects fantasy with reality.
The Spirit of St. Louis: A Brave Plane
The Spirit of St. Louis is not just any airplane; it’s a symbol of bravery and clever thinking. Charles Lindbergh flew this special plane on the first nonstop flight from New York City to Paris.
Lindbergh’s amazing journey got the whole world’s attention and showed how far planes could go. The Spirit of St. Louis is now at the National Air and Space Museum, reminding everyone of Lindbergh’s incredible feat and how people in the early days of flying were brave and inventive.
The First Telephone: A Game-Changer in Communication
The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell was a big deal in the world of communication. It completely changed the way we talk to each other. In the Smithsonian’s collection, you can find early telephones that show how this technology evolved. These devices are not only historical records of the telephone’s development but also reminders of how it transformed the way we connect and share information.
The Greensboro Lunch Counter: A Symbol of Fighting for Equal Rights
During the civil rights movement in the United States, there were many brave acts, and one of the most famous ones was the Greensboro sit-ins. The Greensboro Lunch Counter, where four African American students took a stand against racial segregation, has become a symbol of the fight for civil rights.
This simple yet powerful artifact represents the struggle for equality and justice. It reminds us of the people who refused to accept unfair treatment and started a movement that changed history.
The Star Trek Starship Model: Exploring New Frontiers
The original model of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek is part of the Smithsonian’s collection. This starship carried Captain Kirk and his crew on their adventures in space. Star Trek has always been about a future where people work together and explore the universe.
The model of the USS Enterprise is a symbol of that vision and a special artifact that connects fans to the show’s hopeful ideals.
The Star-Naming Certificate: A Personal Touch to the Cosmos
For those who dream of the stars, getting a certificate to name a star in the night sky is a special gift. It’s become popular over the years, allowing people to remember their loved ones in the cosmos.
However, there’s some debate about whether these certificates mean anything in astronomy. Still, they hold sentimental value for many, making them unique and personal gifts. The Smithsonian includes these certificates, sparking discussions about whether we should be able to name stars for ourselves.
The Original Kermit the Frog: The Magic of Puppets
Jim Henson’s Muppets are beloved by people of all ages, and at the heart of this puppetry magic is Kermit the Frog. The original Kermit, created by Henson himself, is a cherished artifact that represents the wonder of puppetry and the timeless charm of the Muppets.
From “Sesame Street” to “The Muppet Show,” Kermit has been a beloved character, entertaining and educating generations. The original Kermit puppet, with his unique design and personality, has a special place in the Smithsonian’s collection.
The First Computer: A Look Back at the Computing Revolution
Computers have changed everything in the modern world, and it all started with the very first computer. The Smithsonian’s collection includes early computing devices that tell the story of how computers began to change the world.
These early computers, with their complicated designs and limited abilities, show how far technology has come. They remind us of the people who started the digital age.
The Star of India: A Dazzling Gem with a Fascinating History
The Star of India is the largest sapphire in the world, and it’s incredibly beautiful. This blue gemstone has a long history, including a daring theft and recovery. Its size and stunning beauty make it an important part of the Smithsonian’s gem collection.
The Star of India is a symbol of luxury and the allure of precious gemstones. Its captivating blue color and exciting history make it a top choice for the most valuable artifact in the Smithsonian.
The Edison Light Bulb: Shedding Light on History
Thomas Edison’s invention of the practical light bulb changed how we live and work. The Edison light bulb collection at the Smithsonian shows how this groundbreaking technology evolved.
These early light bulbs, with their complex designs and historical importance, offer a peek into the world before electric lighting. They remind us of Edison’s creativity and how much his inventions affected society.
The Enola Gay: A Plane That Made History
Few artifacts in the Smithsonian’s collection are as historically significant as the Enola Gay. This B-29 bomber plane dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, a pivotal moment in World War II and world history.
The Enola Gay has been the subject of much debate. Some see it as a symbol of the end of a brutal war, while others view it as a reminder of the destructive power of nuclear weapons.
The Gunboat Philadelphia: A Relic from the Revolutionary War
The Gunboat Philadelphia is a relic from the American Revolutionary War, a time when the nation fought for its independence. This gunboat was captured by the British during the war and its recovery and preservation are important parts of history.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Smithsonian Institution’s extensive collection of artifacts is a testament to the richness of history, culture, and human innovation. Choosing the most valuable artifact is tough due to the wide range of things in their collection. Each artifact has its unique value, whether it’s the mysterious Hope Diamond, the historic Star-Spangled Banner, the pioneering Wright Flyer, or the inspiring Apollo 11 Command Module.
