150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution

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Part IX

The President

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Proclamation 6865--150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 6865 of February 7, 1996

150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

When James Smithson, an English scientist, died in
1829, he gave his entire estate ``to the United States
of America, to found at Washington, under the name
Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the
increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.'' This
extraordinary gift, amounting to one and one-half times
the Federal budget of the day, led to passage of an Act
of Congress establishing the Smithsonian Institution.
Signed by President James Polk on August 10, 1846, this
legislation created a Board of Regents to oversee the
execution of Smithson's trust.

Today, 150 years later, the Smithsonian Institution is
famed around the globe, and its collections are enjoyed
by thousands of Americans and foreign visitors every
day. Through dedicated original research, the
preservation of an unequaled collection of artifacts,
and the presentation of public exhibitions and
programs, the Smithsonian truly embodies its
benefactor's dream. As one of the foremost repositories
of American heritage and culture, the Institution
provides unique insight into our history and the
development of our vibrant national character.

As we celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Smithsonian
Institution, let us recognize the work done by its many
museums, research facilities, and educational endeavors
and rededicate ourselves to the ``increase and
diffusion of knowledge'' James Smithson sought to
advance. In doing so, we can more fully explore the
wonders of our world and continue to bring people
together for the common pursuit of knowledge.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, and in honor of the memory of James Smithson
and to commemorate the accomplishments of the
Smithsonian Institution, do hereby proclaim August 10,
1996, as the 150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian
Institution and urge the people of the United States to
observe this anniversary with appropriate ceremonies
and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.