A Road Map to Our Future
David J. Skorton Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
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The year 2017 was successful for the Smithsonian by any measure. Our curators opened insightful and inspirational
exhibitions. Our scientists continued to do groundbreaking research that benefits humankind. Our educators
are reaching more people than ever before with compelling programming. The years-long, Smithsonian-wide
campaign soared past its goal, setting up success for decades to come.
This annual report is a terrific opportunity to look back and recognize all of these impressive achievements
and many more brought to life by the Smithsonian’s dedicated and talented staff and volunteers.
But while it is important to reflect on the past year, we must also redirect our eyes from the rearview
mirror to the road that lies before us.
This is especially true now, since 2017 saw the unveiling of our bold new strategic plan that will guide
us through the year 2022.
Whenever I have a chance to visit our museums on the National Mall or beyond, I’m always struck by our
visitors’ incredible diversity: geographic, cultural and generational. However, not everyone can venture
to our museums, nor can our traveling exhibitions reach everyone where they live.
That is why, in an effort to expand our reach and impact, an important goal of the strategic plan is to
reach one billion people a year with a “digital-first” approach. Although technology will never take
the place of the traditional museum-going experience, it can supplement and add context to the experience,
allowing people to do a deeper dive into our exhibitions, collections and programs. And we can exponentially
improve our access by making our expertise and artifacts available on every mobile device.
We have to do so, given the way today’s audiences, irrespective of generation, consume their education
and entertainment. If we are to engage more people locally, nationally and globally, we must also foster
a more inclusive culture by reaching out to traditionally underserved audiences and by telling an American
story truly reflective of who we are as a nation.
One of the ways we have already expanded our relevance with audiences and engaged them more deeply is with
our stunning new addition to the Smithsonian family, the National Museum of African American History
and Culture. Since the day it opened, the museum has represented the best of the Smithsonian and embodied
our commitment to revealing new chapters in the American narrative. Not only does it tell poignant stories
of tragedy and triumph, it has inspired a larger discussion about social inequities, the role of societal
diversity, and the path forward if we hope to heal our racial divisions.
Above: A cylindrical fountain rains into the center of the Contemplation Court, in honor of
John Hope Franklin, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum tells
stories of tragedy and triumph.
I believe that respectful dialogue with people who have opposing viewpoints leads to solutions, which is
why the strategic plan lays out a goal to be known as one of the leading conveners of conversations on
global and national issues. The Smithsonian’s breadth and depth of expertise and well-earned trust give
us a unique ability to bring together leaders from all endeavors to search for solutions to complex problems.
One such platform is our website called Smithsonian Second Opinion. Thus far, it has fostered dialogue
about two topics close to my heart, immigration and earth optimism. Another recent event, December’s
Long Conversation, welcomed a procession of leaders in the arts, humanities and sciences to talk
about what causes them to be optimistic for the future.
Finally, no discussion of optimism would be complete without including the
Earth Optimism Summit, a three-day event centered around Earth Day 2017 that explored solutions to
global conservation problems. It featured more than 150 scientists, thought leaders, philanthropists,
conservationists and civic leaders from across the political spectrum.
For all the external collaboration that is needed to maximize our institutional potential, we realized
that we needed to first look inward. That is why the strategic plan’s first goal is simple, yet challenging,
given the size of the institution and the scope of our activities: Be One Smithsonian.
Above: The
American Women’s History Initiative brings together curators and educators from across the Smithsonian
to amplify women’s voices and deepen understanding of women’s contributions to the nation. The
Smithsonian Learning Lab offers a collection of digital images on themes in women’s history.
Two forthcoming projects will be examples of “One Smithsonian” in action: the Smithsonian Latino Center’s
Latino Gallery in the National Museum of American History and the American Women’s History Initiative.
The Latino Gallery will serve as the focal point and intellectual hub for Latino scholarship, connecting
programs and exhibitions across the Institution’s museums and research centers. It will expand national
dialogue about, and the world’s appreciation for, what it means to be an American.
The American Women’s History Initiative will amplify women’s voices, reach diverse audiences and empower
people from all walks of life. Curators and educators from across the Institution will work together
to create new exhibitions, programs and symposia centered on women’s myriad contributions to the nation.
The initiative also will support research, educational and public programs, a collections survey and
acquisitions.
Looking around the Smithsonian, I see many opportunities like these to create, collaborate and innovate.
I also see many talented and dedicated people who justify my own optimism about the bright future of this
hallowed institution. As we take steps to increase our relevance, reach and impact, I am confident that
the Smithsonian is primed to take advantage of our opportunities in the years and decades ahead.
Above: Secretary of the Smithsonian David J. Skorton attends the 2017 Earth Optimism Summit.
The three-day event explored solutions to global conservation problems.
