Q 01/05

How many museums does the Smithsonian Institution operate?

A) 24

B) 27

C) 21

D) 30

Answer · why

C) 21

Along with 21 libraries, 14 research and education centres and a zoo, mostly in Washington, D.C.

Q 02/05

The Smithsonian is named after its founding donor, a scientist of which nationality?

A) French

B) American

C) British

D) German

Answer · why

C) British

James Smithson was a chemist and mineralogist who published for the Royal Society and gave his name to the mineral smithsonite.

Q 03/05

For what stated purpose did James Smithson's will fund an establishment in the US capital?

A) The advancement of the useful arts

B) The increase and diffusion of knowledge

C) The collection of natural curiosities

D) The education of the American poor

Answer · why

B) The increase and diffusion of knowledge

Congress spent eight years arguing over how to interpret the vague mandate.

Q 04/05

How many times did James Smithson visit the United States?

A) Three times

B) Never

C) Twice

D) Once

Answer · why

B) Never

He died in Genoa in 1829, and his estate only passed to the US after his nephew died childless in 1835.

Q 05/05

James Smithson was the illegitimate son of which English nobleman?

A) The 1st Duke of Northumberland

B) The 4th Earl of Sandwich

C) The 2nd Duke of Devonshire

D) The 3rd Marquess of Bath

Answer · why

A) The 1st Duke of Northumberland

He was born secretly in Paris as Jacques-Louis Macie and took his father's original surname only in 1800.