THE WHITE HOUSE
  
                    Office of the Press Secretary
  
  _______________________________________________________________
  
  For Immediate Release                          February 7, 1996
  
  
  
           150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
  
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           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. 
  
  
  
       	    	      	   	     WILLIAM J. CLINTON
  
  
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Copyright 1996 Smithsonian Institution