It just felt like 175 years in Smithsonian in the labyrinthian Museum of African American History but I wasn’t complaining.
The 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and zoo make up what is affectionately known as ‘America’s Attic.’
James Smithson was a strange cove, a confirmed British bachelor scientist, but it was America’s fortune that he amounted his.
And bequeathed it to the amassment of a collection of museums in America.
A country he had never visited but clearly held in awe.
Washington fixture
Smithson is a fixture now mostly in Washington DC where they’re on every block.
And Maryland, New York and Virginia.
In fact for someone who never actually set foot in the US capital his name is up there in mentions with The Great Man.
I am, of course, looking forward to hearing which of the Smithsonians The Son and Heir takes in this week on his first visit there.
I’ve pointed him in the direction of the Air and Space Museum on the National Mall which was reserved for our American Travel Fair (IPW).
Alas the Newseum, a testimony to the Third Amendment, was a casualty of Donald Trump,
A strong Constitution
There are some holy scrolls that are untouchable, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
And you’ll know the Constitution’s authenticity with the misspelling of Pennsylvania.
One of the great Smithlothian gems is near the Capitol, the American-Indian Museum.
Where Robert Redford, no less, will narrate you through the history of the First Nation.
And you can browse through indigenous crafts and clothes.
And so with these treasures and much more you could easily spend 175 years in Smithsonians.
Aerican dream
With The Son and Heir and me before him flying out of Dublin with Aer Lingus there’s never been a better time to visit DC.
We can only think the absence of Aer Lingus and pre-clearance back in Smithson’s day is the main reason he didn’t visit.