Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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These Men Risked Their Lives to Build 1920s New York Skyscrapers Mar 19, 2018

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The skyscrapers of Manhattan needed a new, bolder type of construction worker. They got them in 'roughnecks' - hardened men who worked without safety harnesses, hard hats or even bathroom breaks.

Why Nancy Reagan's Sense of Style Wasn't Appreciated Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

Like Jackie and Dolley before her, Nancy Reagan brought her own unique style to the White House. But economic times were tough, and what was seen as stylish in one era was now viewed as extravagant.

Incredible Timelapse of Dry Badlands Thunderstorm Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

In South Dakota, thousands of fireflies, in the midst of a mating ritual, compete against the bright stars that light up the dark skies of the Badlands. Often, it's hard to tell one from the other.

The Amazing Adaptation That Keeps Tamarin Numbers Up Mar 05, 2018

Show notes

Golden lion tamarins have evolved a clever way to keep their population size steady in the face of predation. They almost always give birth to twins.

The First Presidential Wife to Be Called the First Lady Mar 05, 2018

Show notes

Dolley Madison, the First Lady of president James Madison was a Jackie Kennedy of her time. Her refined taste and elevated social graces brought an unprecedented sense of style to the White House.

These Feisty Female Lemurs Fight With Babies on Their Backs Feb 26, 2018

Show notes

In ring-tailed lemur society, it's the females who call the shots. They live in groups of up to 30 members and the alpha female will fight hard to protect her territory.

Gladiator Teeth Reveal Signs of Infant Malnourishment Feb 26, 2018

Show notes

By all accounts, Roman gladiators were the rock stars of their day, performing in a packed coliseum to a crowd of thousands. But evidence suggests they experienced extremely malnourished childhoods marked with high levels of stress.

Here's Exactly How Shrunken Heads Are Made Feb 19, 2018

Show notes

A scientist's visit to a Shuar elder in Ecuador reveals the secrets of the ceremonial tradition of head shrinking. Now the scientist has set himself a gruesome goal to do it himself.

These Assassins Were the Nazi's Last-Ditch Effort Feb 19, 2018

Show notes

Franz Oppenhoff was installed as the mayor of Aachen, Germany, after it was taken by Allied forces. Little did he know, guerrilla Nazi assassins who called themselves "Werwolves" had him in their crosshairs.

What Elephants Endure When Used as Tourist Attractions Feb 12, 2018

Show notes

An estimated 25% of all elephants born in Burma are captured and sold into the tourism trade. What's worse: They must be broken in first.

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