Today in History

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When I opened the computer this morning, I found two notable events on this day in history. The first took place in 1793 and the second in 1846. Two famous institutions opened to the public on this day. The first was a building that used to be a royal residence with 537 paintings and 184 objects. Today it holds almost 35,000 works and is the most visited museum in the world. This museum is found in Paris, France, and is the Louvre Museum. The second institution has a nickname 'the nation's attic. In 1838 when the last remaining heir of James Smithson passed, 104,960 gold sovereigns were given to the US to found an institution for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men, as stated in his will. Thus began the Smithsonian Institute named in honor of the donor. The Smithsonian Institute comprises 19 museums and a zoo. And it's free to the public. Congress accepted the legacy given to the US in July 1836. It was John Quincy Adams who persuaded Congress to preserve the money given for an institution of science and learning. On August 10, 1846, President James K. Polk signed the legislation establishing the Smithsonian Institute. It has become the largest museum complex and 'the nation's attic'. It is also National S'more's Day, so enjoy a s'more's. As for me, I'm going back to bed. I was up until 10:30 last night. The Packers won 31-17, and I still got up at 3 this morning with 4.5 hours of sleep. I will return to check notifications in a couple hours. I hope your day is a good one. Thanks for reading. Picture credit Wikimedia Commons