Smithsonian Snapshot CameraSmithsonian Snapshot

A peek into our collections, one object at a time
Page from Insecta
Smithsonian Snapshot

Butterflies Are Free To Fly

These butterflies illustrate one of thousands of pages detailing natural history in Central America.
Suzanne Asbury-Oliver
Smithsonian Snapshot

Writing Words in the Sky

For more than 20 years, Suzanne Asbury-Oliver was the only professional female skywriter in the world.
Supermassive Black Hole Magnetic Field
Smithsonian Snapshot

Harvard, Smithsonian Astonomers Help Capture Magnetic Fields Close to a Black Hole

“Stay tuned for true black hole cinema.”
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Smithsonian Snapshot

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, From Gospel to Electric Guitar-Driven Rock ’n’ Roll

Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often called the "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll."
"Gamin"
Smithsonian Snapshot

Renaissance Woman Augusta Savage

Sculptor and teacher Augusta Savage used her work to challenge discrimination and promote civil and women’s rights.
"Hot" Jupiter
Smithsonian Snapshot

An Extremely Rare "Hot" Planet

A cloudless, Jupiter-like planet is discovered by astronomers at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
First gold nugget
Smithsonian Snapshot

Lucky Strike

This small piece of yellow metal is believed to be the first piece of gold discovered in 1848 at Sutter's Mill in California, launching the gold rush.
President Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball Invitation, 1865
Smithsonian Snapshot

President Lincoln’s Inaugural Ball Invitation, 1865

This Snapshot marks Inauguration Day with an original 1865 invitation to President Lincoln’s National Inauguration Ball.
Wonder Woman Jet
Smithsonian Snapshot

When Wonder Woman's Jet Made a Brief "Appearance"

"I know I parked my Invisible Jet somewhere."
Leah Chase Chef Jacket
Smithsonian Snapshot

Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cuisine

“There have been a lot of problems solved in that dining room over a bowl of gumbo.”
Navajo Code Talkers Bag
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The Unbreakable Navajo Code

Honoring the Code Talkers who helped win a war.
Dracula Stamp
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“I never drink…wine.”

This stamp depicts actor Bela Lugosi as the vampire Count Dracula. "I am Dracula. I bid you welcome."
Judi Oyama
Smithsonian Snapshot

Shredding With Judi Oyama

By age 19, Judi Oyama was a world-class professional skateboarder.
Goldfish Card
Smithsonian Snapshot

Say Hello From Smithsonian Libraries

Use one of the Libraries' cool images to mail or email a postcard.
Tattoo Equipment
Smithsonian Snapshot

A Revolution in Tattooing

Thomas Edison's surprising connection to tattoos.
Kintsugi Tea Bowl
Smithsonian Snapshot

The Beauty of Broken Objects

Kintsugi (golden joinery) and the art of embracing imperfection.
Preamble
Smithsonian Snapshot

We the People

E pluribus unum (Out of many, one).
Zen Motorcycle
Smithsonian Snapshot

Philosophy Meets Motorcycle Maintenance on a Road Trip

Thinking about the open road with Robert M. Pirsig’s 1966 Honda Super Hawk motorcycle.
Mrs. Maisel Costumes
Smithsonian Snapshot

Fashionably Funny

"Marvelous" costumes help tell the story of "Midge" Maisel, a Manhattan wife and mother who becomes a stand-up comedian.
Patricia Cowings
Smithsonian Snapshot

In Space, No One Can Hear You Say "Ahhhh"

Patricia Cowings is a scientist astronaut who helps astronauts go to space.
Basquiat
Smithsonian Snapshot

Basquiat's Presence Continues To Loom Large in Modern Art

More than 30 years after his death, Jean-Michel Basquiat remains a strong presence in modern art.
Octavia Butler Typewriter
Smithsonian Snapshot

Keys to the Future

Octavia Butler was a master storyteller and considered the godmother of Afrofuturism.
Chiura Obata, "Mono Crater"
Smithsonian Snapshot

Art That Bridges Cultures

Chiura Obata's artwork captures the "Great Nature" of the American West.
corningware casserole dish
Smithsonian Snapshot

Serving Up Holiday Classics

The iconic casserole dish with military roots.

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