The Smithsonian Photography Initiative is a web site provided by the Smithsonian Institute with the intention of bringing “understanding of the integral roles photographs play in our lives.” The institute was established in 1846 with funds provided from the estate of James Smithson, a graduate of the University of Oxford who studied chemistry, geology, and mineralogy.  Smithson, always a shrewd investor, amassed a sizable fortune which he willed to his only heir, a nephew, with the stipulation that should the nephew die without an heir of his own, the money be used to found “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men” in America.  Smithson himself had never visited the United States and it is unclear why he made such a designation, but the money was well received and put to use through an Act of Congress that created the Smithsonian Institute.

Photography was born around the time of the inception of the Institute and it was quick to adapt the new technology.  In its early years, the Smithsonian cataloged animal and plant species, and 19th century America.  Today, the Smithsonian holds over thirteen million photographs in its collections organized by museum and discipline.  The Photography Initiative provides a look at these collections and serves as an educational tool for everyone to see and enjoy.

http://photography.si.edu/