What can one day tell us?
On December 11, 2020, near the end of a year of upheaval and change, ten Smithsonian museums and units took a snapshot of a day in history. The event became a chance to document a day in the life of our nation—to consider, together, where we had been and where we were going. On this site, you can explore public responses submitted through this project and view the programs the Smithsonian shared on that day.
The Smithsonian is not just a place to remember the past—we can also help people reflect on the present. Our curators are always thinking ahead about the events and ideas today that will be important five, 50, or 100 years from now. It is already abundantly clear that the moment we are living in will be an important chapter in history books to come. Throughout the day, we will offer programs that consider the current times. I hope you will join us in reflecting and also help our curators capture what life looks like for Americans today by sharing your stories with us.
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Secretary of the Smithsonian
