The National Mall in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Joseph Henry
[Founding of the Smithsonian Institution]
Modern civilization depends on science…James Smithson was well aware that knowledge should not be viewed as existing in isolated parts, but as a whole each portion of which throws light on all the other and that the tendency of all is to improve the human mind and give it new sources of power and enjoyment. Narrow minds think nothing of importance but their own favorite pursuit but liberal views excludes no branch of science or literature for they all contribute to sweeten to adorn and to embellish life… Science is the pursuit above all which impresses us with the capacity of man for intellectual and moral progress… and awakens… the human intellect to aspiration for a higher condition of humanity.
Joseph Henry, 1797-1878
First Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
Erected 1964 by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education.
Location. 38° 53.459′ N, 77° 1.79′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on Madison Drive Northwest west of 12th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Common Ground (here, next to this marker); Memory (a few steps from this marker); Blazing star (a few steps from this marker); Butterfly weed (a few steps from this marker); Healing (a few steps from this marker); Crape myrtle (within shouting distance of this marker); Discovery (within shouting distance of this marker); Coneflower (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
