Routledge Smithsonian Stories: Chronicle of a Golden Age, 1964-1984

Explore the transformation of one of the world's most famous institutions in Smithsonian Stories: Chronicle of a Golden Age, 1964-1984. This book looks beyond the idea of the Smithsonian as just the "Nation's Attic" to reveal its evolution into a massive museum complex and research center. Author Wilton S. Dillon examines the twenty-year leadership of S. Dillon Ripley, often called the "Sun King." During this period, Ripley worked to reinvent the Smithsonian, aiming to build a great university supported by its many museums. While many people see the museums, few realize the institution's deep roots as a center for basic research and its role in higher learning. This book provides a look behind the scenes at how the Smithsonian functions as a key contributor to global knowledge and serves as a cultural ministry for the United States. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of American museums, cultural diplomacy, and the development of major scientific and educational institutions.