Architectural History & Historic Preservation Division

AHHP was organized in 1986 to act as curator of the Smithsonian's diverse campus of buildings. In this role, AHHP strives to foster a superior understanding of the heritage of the Smithsonian buildings through preservation, research, and education. The many activities of this division can be separated into three primary areas of responsibility:

Architectural History--maintaining a collection of archival records related to the Institution's architectural history.

Historic Preservation--using the architectural history as a base, the division is responsible for preservation of the Smithsonian's historic structures, many of which are local and national landmarks.

Collections Management--supervising the maintenance of the Castle Collection of antique furnishings and art objects in use throughout many of the public spaces of the Smithsonian Institution Building, The Castle.

AHHP currently is not accepting applications for internships or fellowships.

View the Architectural History & Historic Preservation Strategic Plan 2015-2019 >>

1849 completion of Smithsonian Institution Building (the Castle)

The Castle collection was established in 1964.

3,421 objects in the Castle Collection

1,083 Castle Collection objects in active use in the Castle