美國的寶庫：史密森尼博物館Explore the world’s largest museum complex by Chelsea Ewald
Have you ever wanted to learn about the complex life of ants or pondered the wonders of aviation and space travel? Or, maybe you find yourself intrigued by African art or ancient human civilization and culture. Believe it or not, you can investigate all of these things and more by visiting a Smithsonian museum.
Beginnings
The year was 1826 and James Smithson, a British scientist, named his nephew as beneficiary in his will. According to the will, if the nephew should die without heirs, the estate would go to the United States of America. When the situation played out precisely this way years later, the Smithsonian Institution was created. Smithson specified that the establishment, which officially came into existence on Aug. 10, 1846, was to exist "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."
Since then, the Smithsonian has become the world's largest museum complex and research organization, boasting 19 museums, nine research centers, and a zoo. These hold a collection of over 136 million artifacts and specimens. In 2008 alone, an impressive 25.2 million people visited Smithsonian museums.
Treasures
The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to 10 of the 19 museums. Here you can visit the National Air and Space Museum and view aviation milestones such as the 1903 Wright Flyer, the first successful airplane. Then stroll over to the National Museum of Natural History and explore ancient life forms in Dinosaur Hall. While visiting, be dazzled by the Hope Diamond, the world's largest and most famous deep blue diamond. Next, head next door to the National Museum of American History and enjoy American pop culture icons like the lovable Kermit the Frog.
If Asian art piques your interest, be certain to take in the Free and Sackler Galleries of Art. But that's not all , The reach of the invaluable Smithsonian extends beyond the National Mall. See over 2,000 animals at the National Zoo or explore additional Smithsonian museums located in Washington, D.C., Virginia and New York City. The Smithsonian Institution even offers traveling exhibitions, allowing communities across America to enjoy artifacts, history and culture without leaving home.
Today, the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution continues to diffuse knowledge through its fascinating exhibits and collections. And the best part? It won't cost you anything-museum admission is free!
More Information
The first major movie ever to be filmed in the Smithsonian was the recently released Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. A variety of the Smithsonian museums were used for filming bringing to life such objects as a giant 5-ton tyrannosaurusrex. Also, female aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart's bright red Lockheed Vega airplane was featured, as was Dorothy's famous ruby slippers from the film The Wizard of Oz.
Grammar
If Asian art piques your interest, be certain to take in the Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art.
to take in= to have a good and careful look at something.
* Yvonne walked slowly through the park in order to take everything in.
* Amy likes to travel on her own so she can take in all the sights.
Vocabulary
milestone-里程碑，化时代的事件
*The invention of the mobile phone was a major milestone in telecommunications.
*I consider studying abroad to be an important milestone in my life.
invaluable-价值非凡的，宝贵的，无价的，(in-有否定之意）valuable-有价值的
*The experience of working under such a great CEO is invaluable.
*The famous artist's invaluable painting is carefully kept in a safe.
renowned-有名的，知名的，以什么着称用 "for"
*The renowned scientist will giving a speech tonight.
*The country is renowned for its movie industry.
diffusion-散播，使普及
*The Health Bureau announced new regulations to stop the diffusion of this disease.
*The diffusion of the new technology makes communication much easier and faster.
beneficiary (n), 受益人beneficiaries- benefit-好处，指好的东西。
*Low-income families are the major beneficiaries of the new policy.
*The chief beneficiary of the wealthy man's inheritance is his only son.
ponder- 深思，默想，仔细思考。 ponder over / on
*He took some time to ponder over how to respond to this situation.
*Nathan has been pondering his next career move lately.
intrigue-very interesting
play out-develop to the end.
specify-state very clear, correctly state it.
specimen- a sample of something use for study. insect specimen, butterfly specimen.
artifacts-any object or tool use by the recent history.
pop (popular) culture-popular culture.
Chat Room
complex (adj)-错综复杂的
complex (n)-several buildings, more than two buildings.综合建筑物, apartment complex.
the world's largest museum complex.
complex-心理学中特别定义“情结”
Oedipus Complex-念母情结
inferiority complex- 自卑心，劣等感，自卑情绪。
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mall-shopping mall,大型 购物中心大a closed place where the temperature is controlled in certain degree. Some new big malls, each has more than 800 stores with ice skating, theater, play ground and the food court.
mall-here refer to out door park area where people can go.户外广场
The National Mall-在华府的国家广场。
the food court-中国人说的美食街。
mall rat-一天到晚耗在mall 里，在mall里闲逛的年轻人。
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