1996 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 3059 Plate Block of 4 x 32 cents US Postage Stamps

On February 7, 1996 in Washington, DC., the USPS celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution. This stamp features a stylized drawing of the first Smithsonian building, commonly known as the "castle." In 1846, Congress established the Smithsonian with funds bequeathed by James Smithson, an English scientist. Today, this remarkable facility includes 16 museums and galleries displaying more than 140 million artifacts and specimens, as well as the National Zoo and extensive research facilities.