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Weird Science: Humongous Fungus

Sometimes, in fact, nature is stranger than fiction




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Weird Science: Space Cloud

Sometimes, in fact, nature is stranger than fiction




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Ask Smithsonian: Are Humans the Only Animals to Use the Stars to Navigate?

Yet another reason to fight light pollution




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Weird Science: Pregnant Dads?

Sometimes, in fact, nature is stranger than fiction




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Climate Change Has Made Climbing the Matterhorn More Dangerous

Melting permafrost is leading to more frequent rockfalls and landslides on the iconic peak and other areas of the Alps




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New York Honors Shirley Chisholm, First Black Congresswoman in U.S. History, With New Statue

The firebrand politician once quipped that she would like to be remembered as a woman who ‘had guts’




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The World’s Tallest Water Slide Is More Than 134 Feet Tall

Riders--who will descend in inflatable rafts of four rather than alone--will reach speeds of more than 65 miles per hour




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Readers Respond to the September/October 2024 Issue

Your feedback on the First Continental Congress, Douglas MacArthur and England's tangled history




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See a Film That Reimagines History on the Malaysian Island That Served as a Refugee Site After the Vietnam War

The work, now on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, tells the story of two characters on the island—the last people alive in the world




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This Stunning New Atlas Explores Humanity’s Ancient Relationship With Space and the Universe

Written by the former chief historian of NASA, the book examines the evolution of our cosmic understanding—from early civilizations to the present day




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Quincy Jones Was a ‘Musician’s Musician’ Who Was Uniquely Beloved in the Cutthroat Music Industry

A Smithsonian curator reflects back on the artistic legend, a "Renaissance man" with 28 Grammys to his name, who died Sunday at 91 years old




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See What Happened When One Museum Asked Artists to Define ‘Home’

The Smithsonian Design Triennial presents 25 commissions that explore the physical and conceptual ideas of shelter and refuge




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This Captivating Guide Uncovers the History and Mystery of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils

A paleontologist at the Natural History Museum in London chronicles the age of the famous and fascinating massive reptiles




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Why the Creator of One of the First ‘Lie Detectors’ Lived to Regret His Invention

The early polygraph machine was considered the most scientific way to detect deception—but that was a myth




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From Candy to Lightbulbs, Felix Gonzalez-Torres Showed Life and Loss Through Everyday Objects

A new exhibition co-presented by the National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art explores the seminal artist’s work




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Could Anyone Bring an Extinct Animal Back to Life? And More Questions From Our Readers

You’ve got questions. We’ve got experts




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How an Indigenous Weaver’s Mastery of Color Infuses Her Tapestries With a Life Force

The work of Diné artist DY Begay, now on view at the National Museum of the American Indian, blends tradition and modernity




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These 17 Pictures Tell the Stories of Black Athletes in America

A new book from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture shows the images and impacts of athletes on and off the playing field




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See 11 of the Best Wildlife Photographs From Years Past

A new book reveals striking images from six decades of the beloved Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition




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See the Tools and Gadgets From Julia Child’s Kitchen That Reveal How the Beloved Chef Cooked

From the microwave to the food processor, the book author and television personality tried many appliances and devices to figure out the best ways to use them for her audience




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What the Long History of Mail-In Voting in the U.S. Reveals About the Election Process

A recent exhibition shows how soldiers sent in votes during the Civil War and World War II, as many Americans would in 2020 following the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic




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Ants Farmed Fungi in the Wake of Dinosaurs’ Demise 66 Million Years Ago

A new study from Smithsonian scientists analyzes ant and fungus species, and uncovers the origins of their close partnership




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The Colorful World of These Brazilian Identical Twins Bridges Dreams and Reality

The artists known as OSGEMEOS showcase the largest exhibition of their work in the United States at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden




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How Century-Old Paintings Reveal the Indigenous Roots and Natural History of New England Landscapes

Seven guest collaborators bring new eyes to a Smithsonian museum founder’s collection of American art




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See the Wonders of Bird Engineering in These Photos of Intricate Nests

In a new book, a curator at England's Natural History Museum describes rare and interesting nests and eggs—from the house sparrow to the village weaver—and the lessons they hold for avian conservation




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Discover our new photography exhibition: Shot

Join a curator-led tour of Shot, and immerse yourself in Australia’s past as seen through the lens of Australian photogr




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Wadgayawa Nhay Dhadjan Wari (they made them a long time ago) tour

Explore our new exhibition, featuring Aboriginal belongings removed from Country over the last 230 years that have trave




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Lucas Jordan: The Chipilly Six

Join author Lucas Jordan on the eve of Anzac Day to uncover the story of the Chipilly Six and their extraordinary feats.




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Rediscovering Ancient Egypt in print

Drop in for a special collection viewing of some of the Library's most spectacular works documenting Egypt in the 19th century.




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100 years of organised Aboriginal activism

Centenary Forum for the Australian Aboriginal Progressive Association 1924–2024.




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Pop-up craft

Have fun with pop-up craft activities in the Objects Gallery 




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Library tour for families

Bring the whole family on a tour to discover the spaces and stories at the State Library of NSW. 




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Drawing in the Galleries

Join us in the Paintings Galleries for drawing adventures!
 




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Make a Diorama Workshop

Create a 3D diorama inspired by the Library’s collection and see where your imagination takes you!
 




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Preservation and conservation

​Come behind the scenes to see the Conservation Laboratory and the work undertaken by the Collection Care Branch.




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Library seeks family connected to mystery love letter

The Library is appealing to surviving family members to help provide more information about 125 year old love letters.




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Landmark photography exhibition now online

The virtual doors are now open on the Library’s biggest and most significant photography exhibition.




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Drug Fact Bingo

Play a round of bingo with Drug Info's latest promotion.




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Working Women's Legal Service

Women experiencing discrimination at work can contact the Working Women's Legal Service.




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New Renters Kit

The New Renters Kit helps people new to renting in NSW.




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State Library welcomes the appointment of new State Librarian

Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon has been announced as the State Library's new State Librarian.




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2024 Fellows announced

The State Library welcomed its newest research fellow, Nancy Cushing, at the 4th Biennial Coral Thomas Lecture last night.  




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Significant Aboriginal objects come back to Country after 200 years

Aboriginal communities, families, Elders and makers will for the first time have direct access to 30 ancestral objects.




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NSW Premier’s History Award winners announced

$85,000 in prize money was awarded as part of NSW History Week. 




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Australia's Annual Overdose Report 2023

The Penington Institute's annual report on overdose death in Australia has been released.




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Wagga Wagga students first in the state to experience new immersive learning program

Friday 15 March 2024

Wagga Wagga students first in the state to experience new immersive learning program.




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Precious personal sketchbooks of artist Michael Kelly find new home

Monday 11 March 2024
65 personal sketchbooks have just been donated to the State Library and will go on public display for the first time.




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Openbook’s autumn edition showcases diverse talents of Australia’s creative community

Wednesday 6 March 2024
Showcasing diverse talents of Australia’s creative community.




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2024 NSW Premier’s History Awards – Call for nominations

Wednesday 14 February 2024
Call for nominations.




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Library’s landmark photography exhibition now online

Tuesday 30 January 2024
Virtual door open on the Library's biggest and most significant photography exhibition to date.