Behind the scenes at the Smithsonian, meet the curators

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History houses over 144 million objects, with 99% behind the scenes. Experts like Kirk Johnson, Carla Dove, Bob Robbins, Ellen Strong, Jeff Post, and Floyd Shockley manage diverse collections, from birds and butterflies to mollusks, minerals, and insects. These collections aid in scientific research, aviation safety, and understanding Earth's history and biodiversity. The museum's vast specimens allow for significant research on global issues like climate change and habitat destruction.

What percentage of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's collections are not on public display?

• 100%

• 99%

• 75%

• 50%

How many bird specimens does the Division of Birds at the Smithsonian have?

• 750,000

• 1,000,000

• 500,000

• 620,000

What is the estimated number of mollusk specimens in the Smithsonian's collection?

• 10 million

• 15 million

• 20 million

• 25 million

How many minerals are known to make up the Earth, according to the Smithsonian's collection?

• 3,000

• 5,000

• 7,000

• 10,000

What fraction of all insect life on Earth is represented in the Smithsonian's entomology collection?

• One third

• One half

• Two thirds

• One fourth