Top Stories: September 2024

Chandra Images, Slave Badges, Women in the Arts Stories, James Baldwin, and more.   September 2024 News See what your support makes possible.   X-rays (L-R): M16 (Eagle Nebula), Jupiter, MSH 15-52; Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Chandra X-ray Center, NASA 25 Brand-New Chandra X-ray Images Show the Beauty of Cosmic Energy To celebrate the 25th anniversary of its launch, the Chandra X-ray Observatory released 25 never-before-seen views of a wide range of cosmic objects. The images range from supernova remnants, like Cassiopeia A, to star-formation regions like the Orion Nebula, to the region at the center of the Milky Way. This montage also contains objects beyond our own Galaxy, including other galaxies and galaxy clusters. By exploring all corners of the universe, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Chandra helps astronomers tackle the biggest questions and investigate longstanding mysteries across the cosmos. Explore the Universe »     Collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Partial Gift of Harry S. Hutchins, Jr. DDS, Col. (Ret.) and his Family, dedicated to the individuals these Slave Hire Badges represent and their descendants. Shedding New Light on the Enslaved Workers Who Built Charleston The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) recently acquired a historic collection of Charleston Slave Badges. The Slave Badge system was instituted in Charleston in 1783 and required that enslaved African Americans whose labor was leased out by their enslavers wear registered identification. Thought to be the largest and most complete set of historic Charleston Slave Badges, this acquisition will bring the stories of those who navigated the landscape of slavery using their abilities, skills, and intellect to people the world over through NMAAHC's Searchable Museum. Uncover the History »     Louise Marianetti letter to her brother, 24 May 1942, Louise Marianetti papers, Smithsonian's Archives of American Art Scattered Papers Tell a More Cohesive Story of Women in the Arts Thanks to the work of the collectors, archivists, and digitizers at the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art and the support of the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative, the "small" ephemera collections (those contained in less than a linear foot) of 271 women arts administrators, art historians, designers, educators, painters, and sculptors are now available to explore online. Learn more about these women of the art world and discover some of the more memorable stories regarding their personal papers. Turn The Page »     Mike Wilkins, Preamble, 1987, painted metal on vinyl and wood, 96 x 96 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum Democracy in Dialogue Opportunity The Smithsonian's Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program supports middle and high school students as they explore local communities to better understand their unique place in the American story. Each youth group is paired with another cohort from a different part of the country to share, reflect, and celebrate our nation's collective identity. Applications for educators to participate with their students during the spring 2025 session are due by October 4, 2024. Learn More »   Polygraph (cardio-pneumo-psychograph); black tubing, paper, and arm cuff are replicas, 1921, Gift of City of Berkeley Police Department, Smithsonian's National Museum of American History Guilty or Not Guilty? Forensic techniques and analyses—from the polygraph to fingerprinting to handwriting to DNA—have been used as arbitrators of truth. But when science enters the courtroom, it brings with it the people and the history that have shaped it. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History's exhibition Forensic Science on Trial explores historic cases and how people influence the way forensic science is used in the pursuit of justice. Investigate the Evidence »     Did you know that everything in this newsletter is made possible by people like you? Support your Smithsonian and help bring knowledge to life. Donate »   James Baldwin, Istanbul, c. 1968, by Sedat Pakay, gelatin silver and chromogenic prints, © Sedat Pakay Bearing Witness During Troubled Times Commemorating what would have been James Baldwin's 100th birthday, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery exhibition This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance celebrates the ideas and life of the prolific 20th-century writer and civil rights activist. Much of Baldwin's writing probes the relative nature of identity: Can your sense of self change based on where you are, and who surrounds you? Baldwin's self-selected community—composed of fellow artists, activists, and friends—was instrumental in providing support and inspiration for his advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and his exploration of complex social themes. Read the Unfolding Story »     At the 2023 Eastern Idaho State Fair, Prairie Caldwell (Shoshone-Bannock) rides a horse painted with symbols that provide power and protection during a race. Photo by Kyle Riley/Riley's Hotshots Three Horses, One Rider, A Spiritual Tradition Indian relay horse racing is hard work, requiring dedication and commitment for a whirlwind of excitement that lasts only a few minutes. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American Indian magazine goes into the arena to tell the story of the fast-paced world of Indian relay horse racing, which is not just a sport to the Native competitors who participate, but also a cultural and spiritual tradition handed down through generations. Race to the Finish »     Scientists cryopreserved skin samples from a starry goby, a common reef fish. The samples will undergo radiation exposure testing to prepare for biological material to be sent to the moon. Photo by Zerhan Jafar, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History A Gene Bank on the Moon? With biodiversity on Earth increasingly threatened, there is an urgent need to envision innovative strategies to conserve different plant and animal species and protect ecosystems of the future. A collaboration with researchers from the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, and others, outlines a roadmap to create a lunar biorepository. This backup of life on Earth could be kept safe in a permanently dark location on the moon, without the need for power or maintenance, allowing us to potentially restore organisms if they die out. Preserving Our Biodiversity »     Is Your Estate Plan Truly Complete? We have all heard of a will, but did you know there are three other documents that are critical to creating a solid estate plan? Discover what they are—and more importantly, what they can do to alleviate undue stress for you and your family. Tell Me More »   James Smithson, c. 1765-1829 (detail), James Roberts, 1753-c.1809, Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Trivia: Ellison Shoji Onizuka—The First Asian American in Space Official NASA portrait of Ellison Shoji Onizuka Born on the island of Hawai'i, Japanese American NASA astronaut Ellison Onizuka dreamed of flying into the starry sky and wanted to be a pilot. Which space shuttle was his first mission?     We depend on the support of people like you to drive our mission: to discover and share knowledge. Support your Smithsonian today! To learn about the power of a single gift, visit si.edu/support © 2024 Smithsonian Institution 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560 Unsubscribe Privacy Policy