Smithsonian Institution Block

[jkmad96]

I have a stone block that has the Smithsonian Institution Logo on it. It seems to be very old and looks like it was at one point a part of a building. The Smithsonian building perhaps? I have no idea where it came from and I've looked and looked but cannot find anything about it online. Please help me to understand what i have.

[Rauville]

My thoughts would be that it was made for one of their membership promotions.

[jkmad96]

Are they worth anything?

[mart]

don`t know about worth but many institutions give items like this to individuals donating money or items to the museum !!

[KC]

I agree that it was most likely in a commemorative item for a donation.

However, contact the Smithsonian and see what they have to say!!!
http://www.si.edu/Contacts

[wendy177]

I agree that sounds logical! Can't find any info on this piece also.   please let us know your response from the Smithsonian!!

[ghopper1924]

Looks commemorative, for a BIG donor perhaps, i.e. a "cornerstone" or "building block" of the institution.

[mart]

usually really big donors get their name engraved on the block and it is used in the building !!  Or at least thats what they do here !!

[ghopper1924]

For a new building that would be true. Since "The Castle" has been there since 1848 or so, it would have to be in some other construction, or the donor would have to be content with a "cornerstone" in a box.

[mart]

right !!  I always forget about the age !!

[KC]

ALSO note....that the Smithsonian now opens places in cooperation with other museums all over the country.  For example here in Texas....The Frontiers of Flight Museum http://www.flightmuseum.com/.  There are so many affiliates these days and it isn't limited to DC.

The Castle is the oldest building and the commemorates are on the actual red bricks.  While others are on the walkways.

Does the outside of the box have any writing/stamping/typing on it?