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Every Collection has a [Story.](/blog/category/collections-focus) The Archives holds [records](/collections) that document the Smithsonian’s people, events, buildings, and research. The [history of the Smithsonian](/history) is a vital part of the history of American experience, scientific exploration, and international cultural understanding. [](https://siarchives.si.edu/sia-sitemap/pdf_list)
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### [About the Smithsonian Institution Archives](#section2)
#### Capturing, preserving, and sharing the history of the Smithsonian Institution
Explore the history of the Smithsonian Institution:
[150 Years of Smithsonian Research in Latin America](https://siarchives.si.edu/history/featured-topics/latin-american-research/international-exploring-expedition)
[The Megatherium Club](/featured-topics/megatherium/introduction)
[African American Groundbreakers at the Smithsonian: Challenges and Achievements](/history/featured-topics/African-Americans/african-american-contributions)
### [Today in Smithsonian History](#section3)
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#### March 21, 1983
The National Museum of Natural History launches a pioneering international collaborative study of Aldabra, one of the world's most scientifically interesting coral atolls. The five-year study focuses on the marine ecosystems of the island, especially those of the lagoon and its fringes.
[See More Historic Events](/history/this-day-smithsonian-history/march)
#### The Bigger Picture
Latest Articles:
[Wonderful Women Wednesday: Effie Kapsalis December 20, 2022 by Deborah Shapiro](/blog/wonderful-women-wednesday-effie-kapsalis)
[Hot Topics in Archival Research, Fall 2022 November 3, 2022 by Deborah Shapiro](/blog/hot-topics-archival-research-fall-2022)
[The Women Behind the "Field to Factory" Exhibition October 6, 2022 by Frederica Adelman, Director, Smithsonian Associates](/blog/women-behind-field-factory-exhibition)