Bringing James Smithson’s Legacy to Life: The Smithson Cart Program

James Smithson, an 18th-century scientist, left an enduring legacy through a surprising act: bequeathing his fortune to a country he never visited, thus founding the Smithsonian Institution. Though Smithson’s name graces the museum doors, the details of his life remain a mystery to many. This is where the James Smithson: Traveling Scientist cart comes in.

Through engaging storytelling and hands-on materials, volunteers share Smithson’s life, work, and his transformative gift to the United States. In this article, we explore the program through the experiences of two dedicated volunteers, Laura Shafer and Linda Feldman, who connect with visitors to bring Smithson's legacy to life. Their passion not only educates but inspires visitors to learn more about the fascinating figure behind the Smithsonian’s name.

Housed at the National Museum of American History, the success of the James Smithson: Traveling Scientist cart program is driven by the dedication of its volunteers who bring Smithson’s legacy to life through interactive storytelling and personal engagement. Laura shared, "I love watching visitors' faces light up when they learn that Smithson was a hands-on scientist, traveling all over Europe to conduct experiments." Her enthusiasm reflects the core of the program: making history accessible and exciting for visitors of all ages. Linda, another experienced volunteer, recounted an inspiring moment with a young girl who told her she wanted to be a geologist after learning about Smithson’s work. "She was fascinated and asked questions I couldn't even answer," Linda said, adding that these moments are what make volunteering so rewarding.

Through these engaging encounters, the program fosters a deeper connection to history, encouraging curiosity and discovery. As Linda noted, "It’s stories that make history come alive...working with the cart has opened my eyes to why history is so important."

Visitors, in turn, respond enthusiastically to the immersive nature of the program. Families, students, and even history buffs often find themselves captivated by the docents' storytelling and the tangible connections they make to Smithson’s life. Whether it’s holding a replica of Smithson’s blowpipe or learning about his adventurous spirit, visitors walk away with a deeper appreciation for the man whose curiosity laid the foundation for the Smithsonian.

Volunteering in the cart program offers both challenges and rewards. One of the main hurdles docents face is presenting complex scientific ideas in an accessible way. Volunteers must simplify concepts from Smithson’s mineralogical work or explain his impact on the Smithsonian in just a few minutes, all while competing with the busy museum environment. As Linda notes, “We were trained to handle difficult situations, but most visitors are lovely—still, you have to grab their attention quickly.”

To overcome these challenges, volunteers rely on interactive strategies. Using hands-on objects like mineral samples or focusing on human stories from Smithson’s life—such as his background as the illegitimate son of a Duke—keeps visitors engaged.

Beyond the challenges, volunteers experience significant personal growth. Laura shares how volunteering has enhanced her storytelling skills and historical knowledge: "I’ve learned so much about Smithson and history—it’s made me a better communicator and more passionate about education." Ultimately, the program allows docents to both educate the public and foster their own development, making the experience deeply rewarding.

The James Smithson: Traveling Scientist cart program offers visitors a unique, engaging way to connect with the legacy of James Smithson. Through the dedication of passionate volunteers like Laura and Linda, the program brings his story to life, transforming historical facts into an inspiring narrative. The use of interactive storytelling and hands-on materials allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Smithson’s scientific achievements and his remarkable decision to leave his fortune to the United States. As Laura explains, "Visitors are fascinated by the story, and they're grateful to learn it." This fascination highlights the program’s success in making history accessible and meaningful, inspiring curiosity and deeper exploration of the man behind the Smithsonian’s name.