Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.) Search this
Physical description:
Number of Images: 1; Color: Color; Size: 8w x 10h; Type of Image: Document; Medium: Paper
Type:
Document
Paper
Place:
United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Date:
November 25, 1892
Category:
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
Notes:
Solomon G. Brown was hired as the Smithsonian Institution's first African American employee, spending most of his career as a clerk to Spencer Fullerton Baird. Brown worked for 54 years at the Smithsonian (1850-1904), fulfilling many duties under secretaries Joseph Henry, Spencer Fullerton Baird, and Samuel P. Langley. Brown formed a very close bond with Baird, becoming his "eyes and ears" when Baird was out of town. He was also a naturalist, poet, illustrator, and lecturer. Although he had no formal education, Brown was known by many as Professor Brown.
Summary:
Letter from Secretary Samuel P. Langley to Solomon G. Brown concerning employment and layoffs. Langley informed Brown that while there will be layoffs, Brown will not be a part of them. Brown had worked at the Smithsonian since 1850.3
Contained within:
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 34, Box 32, Vol. 11.1, p. 370
