Adaure Achumba is a journalist based in Atlanta, United States of America.

Smithsonian recognizes Sarasota's 'Mermaid Fountain' sculpture on the National Registry of Public Art

14 Sept 2024  |  wtsp.com  |  English  |  Public Art

The Mermaid Fountain sculpture in Sarasota, created by Nancy Goodheart Matthews, has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution's National Registry of Public Art Sculptures. This recognition highlights the whimsical and mythical aesthetics of the fountain, which features a mermaid and dolphins, and includes intricate details of Florida's flora and fauna. The artist expressed her delight at the national recognition, which she believes places Sarasota on the artistic map. The fountain is located in Paul N. Thorpe Jr. Park, where visitors can explore its imaginative details.

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Richard Assheton has half a decade's experience reporting from across Europe, Africa and Asia for news brands including The Times, the Financial Times and the Guardian, covering global events and producing exclusive news and features. His subjects are not always easy interviews: he has sought out ...

Why returning the Benin Bronzes is so complicated

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Repatriation

The article explores the complexities surrounding the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes, highlighting the historical context, current restitution efforts, and the political dynamics in Nigeria. It discusses the roles of various stakeholders, including Western museums, the Nigerian government, and the Benin royal family. The article also touches on the broader implications of repatriation in the context of colonial history and cultural heritage.

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Smithsonian Institution British Museum National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM)

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Sandy Bornstein is an award-winning travel and lifestyle journalist based in Colorado. 
Areas of Expertise:
•	Adventure
•	History
•	Food and Beverage
•	Jewish Culture
•	Intergenerational/family
•	Luxury Boomer Travel
•	Health & Wellness

Member NATJA & SATW
NATJA Travel Writing Award ...

History Comes Alive in Cochise County, Arizona

30 Jul 2019  |  www.wanderingeducators.com  |  English  |  Tourism

Cochise County, Arizona, offers a rich historical experience with attractions like Bisbee's mining history, the Queen Mine Tour, and the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum. Sierra Vista features the Coronado National Monument and Fort Huachuca Museums, highlighting military history and birding opportunities. Willcox is known for its wine festivals and historical sites, including the Rex Allen Arizona Cowboy Museum. The Chiricahua National Monument provides scenic hiking trails and historical insights. The article emphasizes the region's diverse historical and cultural attractions, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts.

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Smithsonian Institution Bisbee Tour Company Phelps Dodge Corporation Southern Pacific Railroad U.S. Army National Park Service

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Freelance journalist: science, culture, technology, travel, education & personal essays for National Geographic, SmithsonianMag, Aeon, GOOD, Discover, BBC Wildlife, Psychologies, Huck, Matador Network and more. Digital media professional: video, photography and web. I am location independent and ...

What will history say about Covid? Museums scurry to collect — and prepare to remember.

01 Mar 2021  |  Knowable Magazine | Annual Reviews  |  English  |  Historical Documentation

Museums worldwide are actively collecting artifacts to document the Covid-19 pandemic, recognizing the historical significance of the moment. Institutions like the Smithsonian, the National Museum of Singapore, and others are gathering items such as masks, medical scrubs, and digital artifacts. Curators face challenges in deciding what to collect in real-time, balancing the need for immediate documentation with the uncertainty of what will be historically relevant. The effort includes contributions from private citizens and community groups, emphasizing the importance of capturing diverse perspectives and grassroots efforts. The process is informed by past experiences with other health crises, aiming to create a comprehensive record for future generations.

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Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History Science Museum Victoria and Albert Museum National Museum of Singapore Vermont Historical Society Historical Museum of Urahoro National Archives Centers for Disease Control and Prevention US Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Dittrick Medical History Center Mütter Museum US Food and Drug Administration’s History Office Siaw-Tao Chinese Seal Carving Calligraphy & Painting Society National University Hospital in Singapore Johns Hopkins University CDC Museum Western Cape Archives and Records Service British Library World Health Organization National Museum of Singapore Royal College of Art

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Gabriela Estrada is a journalist based in México City. Her specialty is art, lifestyle and architecture.

‘The Simpsons': A Journey Through Its (Fun) References to Architecture and Design

01 Sept 2023  |  www.revistaad.es  |  Spanish  |  Design

The Simpsons, with its 32 seasons and over 700 episodes, has become an iconic television series known for its cultural and social references. The show, created by Matt Groening, has made numerous nods to architecture and design, featuring appearances by renowned architects and iconic structures. Highlights include parodies of the Smithsonian Institution, references to Frank Lloyd Wright, and a memorable cameo by Frank Gehry. The series continues to blend humor with insightful commentary on society, maintaining its relevance through meticulous attention to detail and cultural adaptation.

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Smithsonian Institution The Simpsons

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Ana Fota is a freelancer reporter based in Brussels, who covers a wide range of topics of European interest. Her work has been published by The New York Times, POLITICO, Euronews, The Parliament Magazine, The Brussels Times and more. 
Until recently, she worked for POLITICO Europe covering news ...

James H. Billington, 89, Dies; Led Library of Congress Into Digital Age

21 Nov 2018  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Digital Transformation

James H. Billington, who served as the librarian of Congress for nearly three decades, passed away at 89 due to complications of pneumonia. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, Billington significantly expanded the Library of Congress's collections and led its transition into the digital age, including the acquisition of Twitter's digital archive. Despite his achievements, his tenure faced criticism for management and technology failures. He retired in 2015 and was succeeded by Carla D. Hayden. Billington was a distinguished scholar of Russian and Soviet history and had a profound impact on the preservation and accessibility of cultural and historical artifacts.

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Smithsonian Institution Library of Congress United States Copyright Office Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Government Accountability Office

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Is there a breaking news situation? Do you urgently need first images, a LiveU broadcast, vox pops, news packages and drone shots? 

500 GBP a day. I work across Africa and Europe. 

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Researchers analyze DNA from dung to save Laos elephants

30 Nov 2024  |  www.japantimes.co.jp  |  English  |  DNA Analysis

In Laos, conservationists are employing DNA analysis of elephant dung to track and manage both captive and wild elephant populations, aiming to secure a healthy genetic pool and develop effective breeding plans. The Elephant Conservation Center, in collaboration with WWF-Laos and the Smithsonian Institution, is at the forefront of these efforts, focusing on preserving the dwindling elephant population in the country. Despite challenges, including a declining number of elephants and the impact of past logging practices, the initiative seeks to prevent inbreeding and bolster the wild population with healthier calves.

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Smithsonian Institution WWF-Laos Elephant Conservation Center

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I am a multimedia journalist whose work has appeared in The Economist, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic and elsewhere.  Since 2000, I have divided my time between the U.S. and the West Bank, covering a range of political, economic and cultural issues for print, TV and radio.

Before moving back to ...

Museum sheds light on African American history

19 Sept 2016  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Civil Rights

The Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, set to open on September 24, 2016, is a culmination of a century's efforts and an 11-year journey led by founding director Lonnie Bunch. The museum, which will display 3,000 artifacts out of a collection of 37,000, is divided into history, community, and culture sections, featuring significant items like Rosa Parks' dress and Emmett Till's coffin. Funded by Congress and private donations, the museum aims to present the African American experience as an integral part of American history. The design by David Adjaye features a bronze-colored 'corona' exterior, drawing from African and American heritage. The museum's opening is considered timely, coinciding with the Black Lives Matter movement and ongoing racial tensions in the US.

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Kate Johnson is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She covers lifestyle trends in wellness, spirituality, food, leisure and technology. She has an MA in International Journalism with distinction from London's City University and has written for Vice, BBC Good Food, Stylist and Positive ...

Whistler: Streetscapes, Urban Change

04 May 2023  |  Antiques And The Arts Weekly -  |  English  |  Historic Preservation

The article by Kate Eagen Johnson discusses the exhibition 'Whistler: Streetscapes, Urban Change' at the National Museum of Asian Art's Freer Gallery of Art, part of the Smithsonian Institution. Curated by Dr. David Park Curry and Dr. Diana Jocelyn Greenwold, the exhibition focuses on James McNeill Whistler's depictions of European city scenes and their relevance to contemporary urban issues like gentrification. The Freer Gallery's collection is exclusively showcased, with some pieces being displayed for the first time since their acquisition. The exhibition also incorporates perspectives from local activists and urban planners through the Smithsonian's Hi mobile video guide. The article touches on Whistler's life, his artistic influences, and the transformation of London and Paris during his time. It also explores the connection between Whistler's work and Victorian-era merchandising, as well as the broader social implications of his art. The exhibition runs until May 4 and marks the 100th anniversary of the Freer Gallery of Art.

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Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery of Art Colby College Museum of Art DelMonico Books

Allison Keyes is an award-winning multi-media journalist with more than 25 years of experience. Formerly a substitute host and National Desk reporter for NPR, Keyes works both at CBS News Radio and the digital arm of Smithsonian Magazine. Her more than 20 journalism awards are from organizations ...

Frederick Douglass’ 200th Birthday Invites Remembrance and Reflection

12 Feb 2018  |  www.smithsonianmag.com  |  English  |  African American History

The 200th birthday of Frederick Douglass, a prominent abolitionist and advocate for human rights, is being commemorated with various events, including a transcribe-a-thon organized by the Colored Conventions Project in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution. Douglass' legacy, including his involvement in the women's rights movement and the Underground Railroad, continues to resonate today. The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture is facilitating the transcription of Freedmen’s Bureau records to make historical data more accessible. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights into African American history and genealogy, engaging the public in preserving and understanding their heritage.

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Smithsonian Institution Colored Conventions Project National Museum of African American History and Culture Freedmen’s Bureau FamilySearch.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

Who Owns the Benin Bronzes? The Answer Just Got More Complicated.

04 Jun 2023  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Restitution of Artifacts

Deals were being finalized to return the Benin Bronzes, looted by British soldiers in 1897, to Nigeria. The Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the German government were among those returning the artifacts. However, Nigeria's outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari transferred ownership to Ewuare II, the current oba of Benin, complicating restitution efforts. This move has sparked anxiety among museums negotiating returns, highlighting the complexities of artifact restitution.

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Smithsonian Institution Metropolitan Museum of Art German government National Commission of Museums and Monuments

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Jason Mitchell is a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia.

A Sustainable Future NOAA Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Kapnick on Pricing Climate Disaster Risk

09 Sept 2024  |  www.man.com  |  English  |  Weather Forecasting

Dr. Sarah Kapnick, NOAA's Chief Scientist, discusses the agency's mission to understand and predict climate changes, emphasizing the importance of NOAA's data in managing climate risks. She highlights NOAA's role in providing critical weather and climate information, which is essential for protecting lives and property. The conversation also explores the intersection of climate science and finance, noting the growing recognition of climate risks in financial markets. Dr. Kapnick underscores the need for collaboration between scientists and financial professionals to better integrate climate data into financial models. The discussion touches on NOAA's efforts to develop new products and partnerships to address climate challenges, as well as the importance of maintaining NOAA as a public good in the face of privatization pressures.

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Smithsonian Institution NOAA JP Morgan Chase Goldman Sachs Reinsurance Association of America Google World Bank

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Nastasia Peteuil is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Washington Museum Returns 29 Looted Works of Art to Nigeria

10 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Cultural Heritage

The Smithsonian Institution's Museum of African Art in Washington, DC, has returned 29 looted Benin Bronze works of art to Nigeria. This restitution, the first of its kind by the Smithsonian, was driven by the museum's new director, Ngaire Blankenberg, who felt uncomfortable displaying looted artifacts. The handover was formalized in a ceremony attended by Nigerian officials and representatives from the Smithsonian. The move is seen as a significant ethical step, highlighting the importance of cultural institutions making ethical choices and addressing historical injustices.

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Smithsonian Institution Museum of African Art National Gallery of Art Museums and Monuments Commission of Nigeria

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Malaka Rodrigo is a journalist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

China wants 100,000 Sri Lankan macaques

10 May 2023  |  qz.com  |  English  |  Human-Wildlife Conflict

Sri Lanka is facing a debate on wildlife exploitation due to a Chinese company's request to import 100,000 toque macaques, which are causing significant crop damage and human-animal conflicts. The agriculture minister, Mahinda Amaraweera, stated the macaques would be exported for Chinese zoos, but animal rights activists fear they may be used for medical research or meat consumption. The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka denied any government involvement in the import request. Wolfgang Dittus of the Smithsonian Institution questioned the estimated macaque population numbers, while a study by Jennifer Pastorini suggests a widespread distribution of the species. The IUCN lists the toque macaque as endangered, while the Sri Lanka National Red List categorizes it as vulnerable. Experts and environmentalists argue against exporting monkeys, advocating for nonlethal conflict reduction methods. Local farmers, however, support the export proposal due to the hardships caused by the macaques. The Sri Lankan government is considering various population control methods, but culling is unlikely due to cultural reverence for life.

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Smithsonian Institution Rally for Animal Rights and Environment People’s Republic of China Mongabay Center for Conservation and Research (CCRSL) IUCN Department of Wildlife Conservation Podujana Farmers’ Association Agriculture Ministry of Sri Lanka

Jency Samuel is an independent journalist based in Chennai, India. She has written for Rural 21, Mongabay India, The Third Pole, India Climate Dialogue, VillageSquare and many other publications.

South Indian birdwatchers discover new songbird in Arunachal Pradesh

01 Oct 2023  |  The South First  |  English  |  Biodiversity

A team of South Indian birdwatchers discovered a new songbird species, the Lisu wren babbler, in Arunachal Pradesh. The bird, initially mistaken for the grey-bellied wren babbler, was identified through detailed observation and documentation. The discovery, published in the Indian BIRDS journal, underscores the rich biodiversity of Indian forests and highlights the importance of conservation. The team recommends further molecular and genetic analysis to establish the species scientifically. The discovery also emphasizes the role of local communities in preserving natural habitats against infrastructure development.

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Smithsonian Institution Zoological Survey of India Bombay Natural History Society Bird Count India Nature Conservation Foundation

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Gary Strauss is a freelance journalist and content strategist  based in Washington, DC, United States.  He is an award-winning writer/editor/blogger who has vast background in financial reporting and editing, hard-news and feature writing. His work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic, ...

Enlisting an Army to Save a Forest

05 Oct 2016  |  Science  |  English  |  Biodiversity

Biologist Erika Cuéllar has dedicated over a decade to conserving the Gran Chaco, a vast tropical dry forest in South America. She has enlisted local villagers and indigenous people to aid in conservation efforts, developing a parabiologist program that trains locals in science and conservation skills. Cuéllar's work has been instrumental in protecting the guanaco and other species, and she aims to expand her conservation programs to other regions, including Ecuador, Dubai, and Oman. Her efforts have been recognized by National Geographic and the Rolex Awards for Enterprise.

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Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History National Geographic Rolex Awards for Enterprise

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Pam Wright is a freelance writer and journalist based in Lexington, KY, United States.

With a B.A. in Journalism and an M.S. in Education, Pam is currently a reporter for The Advocate-Messenger in Danville, Kentucky, where she captures the stories and images that tell a compelling story about ...

Women who shaped Minnesota’s early conservation movement

13 Mar 2025  |  Quetico Superior Wilderness News  |  English  |  Environmental Activism

The article highlights the contributions of women in Minnesota's early conservation movement, focusing on figures like Maria Sanford, Florence Elfelt Bramhall, Frances Densmore, and Frances E. Andrews. These women played pivotal roles in advocating for forest preservation, cultural conservation, and environmental stewardship. Their efforts led to the establishment of protected areas such as the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Despite facing societal challenges, they influenced government policies and collaborated with organizations to safeguard natural and cultural resources. The article also touches on the complex history of conservation efforts coinciding with the loss of Indigenous lands.

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Smithsonian Institution Minnesota Federation of Women’s Clubs U.S. Forest Service National Park Service Quetico-Superior Council Izaak Walton League Andrews-Hunt Fund Quetico Superior Foundation

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