James Smithson was a big gambler in addition to being a great scientist. Perhaps his biggest leap of faith was to leave his fortune to the United States, a place he never even visited. On March 5, at 6:30 p.m., learn how that gift, from Smithson's 1829 will, has grown to become the largest museum and research complex in the world. Heather Ewing, author and Smithsonian Research Associate, will present this lecture at the Maryland Historical Society. Learn more at mdhs.org/events. #smithsonian #smithsonianmuseum #jamessmithson