A Passion for Learning.(an appreciation of the many museums and areas of learning offered by the Smithsonian)(Brief Article)

The opportunity to broaden one's horizons at the smithsonian is a job perk to be relished

Departures evoke memories and the desire to sum up. This column is a personal retrospective on some of the exhibitions at the Smithsonian that opened new worlds for me during my tenure. Space permits discussion of only a few of many that have broadened my personal knowledge.

I came to the Smithsonian confident that, given prior experience, I could deal comfortably with topics on American history, natural history, American art through 1950, photography and technology. I have enjoyed exhibitions on all these subjects, but much to my delight, I learned the most in areas …