[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 5269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3112]




[[Page 5267]]

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Part IX





The President





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Proclamation 6865--150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 5269]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-3112
Filed 2-8-96; 9:01 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P