Smithsonian Institution
1836-present
Ths Smithsonian was founded by a donation from James Smithson in 1846 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Today "the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities."
For more on the history of the institution, see the official website: "Our History," http://www.si.edu/About/History (accessed 07/08/2015)