Strengthening our work with the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. The visit centred on the International Nineteenth-Century Studies Association (INCSA) conference, Revolution, Revelation, Reconciliation, co-hosted by Durham University and the Smithsonian.

Building our research together

In May 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The agreement builds on longstanding research connections between Durham’s Centre for Nineteenth Century Studies (CNCS) and the museum.

Since signing the MoU, the relationship has continued to grow. Durham University and the Smithsonian are now working together across a range of areas, with an expanding programme of world-leading research, staff and student exchanges, training opportunities, internships and fellowships. At Durham, this work is being taken forward through our investment in Heritage360, which brings together research at the intersection of natural and cultural heritage.

The significance of these connections was further recognised when Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of Durham’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities, awarded honorary professorships to Dr Anthea M. Hartig, the Elizabeth MacMillan Director of the National Museum of American History, and Curator Shannon Perich. The awards recognised their contributions to our Transformative Humanities approach.

The visit provided an opportunity to build on this work and explore further areas for collaboration. Alongside the INCSA conference, the delegation met with colleagues at the British Embassy to discuss research and funding priorities. They also visited other institutions to identify opportunities for developing new partnerships.

Exploring new opportunities

The group visited the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum to learn more about Durham’s existing research connections and to explore areas of common interest, including with our Space Research Centre (SPARC) and Light Years programme.

One example of this work involves Lisa Young, a Museum and Heritage Studies PhD student in our Department of Archaeology, who is also a Supervisory Conservator at the Air and Space Museum. Her research focuses on the conservation of spacesuits.

The delegation also viewed a temporary exhibition exploring aerospace technology and climate change. The exhibition features research by Dr Anthony Brown from our Department of Physics, as well as a Durham-developed drone.

Working globally

Our work with the Smithsonian is part of Durham University’s wider commitment to international collaboration. We have developed formal partnerships with universities and other organisations across North America and around the world. These relationships support innovative research, knowledge exchange and international opportunities for our staff and students.

Our academic staff conduct innovative and impactful research that makes a difference locally and globally. International collaboration is central to this work, helping us to expand knowledge, share expertise and develop global citizenship.

With staff and students from more than 120 countries, Durham is an outward-looking, globally minded and inclusive University. Through our work with organisations such as the Smithsonian, we continue to strengthen our international connections and create new opportunities for research, learning and knowledge exchange.

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Find out more

• Discover the Durham-Smithsonian Fellowship Programme.
• Explore Transformative Humanities at Durham.
• Visit the Centre for Nineteenth Century Studies.