

Tue, Feb 24
|Online
Virtual Author Talk: Tom Crouch
How did a fledgling institution, born from the legacy of a man who never set foot on American soil, navigate risk and innovation to become a cornerstone of our collective identity?
Time & Location
Feb 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Online
About the event
Join Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch for a deep dive into his book, Smithsonian’s Gamble. This engaging discussion moves beyond dates and artifacts to explore the bold, often controversial decisions that built a bridge between a private gift and a public sense of belonging.
How did a fledgling institution, born from the legacy of a man who never set foot on American soil, navigate risk and innovation to become a cornerstone of our collective identity? Crouch offers an insider’s perspective on the visionary leadership that transformed the Smithsonian into a space where every citizen could find a connection to our national heritage.
This virtual conversation invites history enthusiasts, museum lovers, and seekers of community to explore the pivotal moments that defined the Smithsonian’s legacy as a bridge to belonging—anchoring our past while making room for us all in the future.
