Smithsonian’s New Head: Don’t Call It ‘The Nation’s Attic’

With millions of artifacts ranging from first ladies’ dresses to the flag that inspired the national anthem, the Smithsonian Institution has been cheekily known for decades as “The Nation’s Attic.” Just don’t let the new head of the Smithsonian catch you calling it that.

In this Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, photo, Smithsonian Institution Secretary David Skorton speaks during an interview in his office at the Smithsonian Castle in Washington. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

WASHINGTON—With millions of artifacts ranging from first ladies’ dresses to the flag that inspired the national anthem, the Smithsonian Institution has been cheekily known for decades as “The Nation’s Attic.” Just don’t let the new head of the Smithsonian catch you calling it that.

David Skorton, the former president of Cornell University who joined the Smithsonian on July 1, says he’s “not fond of that expression.”

Smithsonian Institution Secretary David Skorton in his office at the Smithsonian Castle in Washington on Oct. 5, 2015. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster