The hidden history of the Smithsonian's iconic first building
In short: The Smithsonian Castle has stood for over 175 years, but its walls hold more than just artifacts. This video explores three specific secrets of the landmark, from its role in early meteorology to a near-fatal fire.
Carly Bond, Director of Architectural History and Historic Preservation, reveals how Secretary Joseph Henry utilized the Castle to help establish a national weather observation network. The building also survived a devastating fire in 1865 that nearly resulted in its total destruction.
Recent renovations have led to the discovery of speaking tubes, which were once the primary method for carrying messages throughout the interior. These findings provide a deeper look into the functional history of the institution's first building.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Three Secrets Hidden Inside the Smithsonian Castle
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