About the Smithsonian 2.0:
A Gathering to Re-Imagine the Smithsonian in the Digital Age
Twenty-four million visitors come through the Smithsonian’s doors each year to view our collections and to learn about science, technology, history, art and culture. We host 175 million (more than seven times the number of our physical visitors) through the Web. As digital technology accelerates and the Web becomes an even more essential part of our everyday lives, that number will grow, possibly reaching billions.
As part of Secretary Wayne Clough's strategic planning initiative, the Institution will host "Smithsonian 2.0: A Gathering to Re-Imagine the Smithsonian in the Digital Age"—a two-day conference on Jan. 23 and 24, supported by the Smithsonian National Board. Smithsonian 2.0 will bring more than 30 creative leaders from the Web, digital and new media worlds (chosen for their engagement of large audiences, including youth) to meet with a core group of Smithsonian staff to look at our vision, our challenges, and our current level of achievement in Web and new media. This group will try to identify how to move the Smithsonian forward toward a "Smithsonian 2.0."
How does the Smithsonian effectively serve its growing virtual visitors? How does it deliver to those visitors the 137 million artifacts, works of art and scientific specimens in its collections along with the expertise that goes with them? How does it do so in an engaging, educational manner that evokes the power and inspiration of its finest exhibitions and presentations? How does the Smithsonian interpret its mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge” in a 21st century digital environment and use its resources to generate and support research, as well as engage, educate and inspire Americans and those around the world?
Answering these questions is vital to the future of the Smithsonian. With a new Secretary and the Institution embarking on a new strategic plan, now is the time to start formulating an answer to these questions.