Since our founding, the Smithsonian has relied on the talents and dedication of people outside of the institution. James Smithson was a "gentleman-chemist," and our first Secretary, acclaimed scientist Joseph Henry, recruited volunteers to submit daily weather reports by telegraph, thus laying the groundwork for the National Weather Service.
Today, volunteers participate in a wide range of Smithsonian research projects, both onsite and online. Depending on your interests, you can help sustain species around the globe and even solve mysteries of the planets and stars!
