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Wayne Clough, “Smithsonian Forever”

by Stewart Brand on August 18th, 02009

The Smithsonian’s long now

[Note for those who mentally enunciate words while reading: the last name is pronounced “Cluff.”]

Secretary Clough reminded the audience that we own the Smithsonian, and what that amounts to is 19 museums and galleries containing 137 million objects, plus the National Zoo and 20 libraries. Each year the Smithsonian has 27 million visitors. In addition there are numerous research centers with activities in 88 countries.

That’s the Smithsonian’s short now—it’s current profile to fulfill its abiding mission to help society understand and remember itself. The Institution’s long now reaches back quite a ways and hopes to reach into the future…

Read the rest of Stewart Brand’s Summary
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