Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Why This 1969 Royal Family Documentary Was Pulled Off Air Nov 13, 2017

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On June 21, 1969, a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Royal Family was aired on British TV and watched by 37 million people. Then, the Queen ordered it taken off the air and never shown again.

The Devastating Fire That Left Windsor Castle in Shambles Nov 06, 2017

Show notes

Windsor Castle, the scene of a disastrous fire in 1992, was badly in need of restoration. One problem: The bill was likely to be in the millions--and taxpayers were in no mood to foot the bill.

Tracking Plant and Animal DNA Can Transform Science Nov 06, 2017

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Cataloging plant and animal species may yield a wealth of medical advances.

The Devastating 1926 Hurricane that Halted the Growth of Miami Oct 30, 2017

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In 1926, the Miami economy was soaring, fueled by wealthy northerners attracted to the tropical climate and beaches. But a devastating hurricane would smash into the city, causing widespread destruction.

The Moon Landing Was the Television Event of the Decade Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

On July 16, 1969, Americans filled highways, streets and homes to witness the launch of a rocket from the Kennedy Space Center: the legendary, moon-bound Apollo 11.

This Air Force Bomber Can Hold 70,000 Lbs. in Weapons Oct 23, 2017

Show notes

The legendary B-52 can carry smart bombs, laser-guided bombs, mines, even nuclear missiles--a total of 70,000 pounds of weaponry at a time.

One of the Toughest Foes a Submarine Could Battle Oct 16, 2017

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By April 13, 1944, the USS Tang had already sunk 10 Japanese merchant ships. But on that day, they were about to run into a far more formidable opponent: a Japanese destroyer.

How NYC Women Stayed Safe from the Son of Sam Killer Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

The Son of Sam serial killer appeared to target young New York women with brown hair. In 1977, one reporter took to the streets to ask them about the steps they'd taken to protect themselves.

Why the U.S. Army Guarded the 23 Remaining American Buffalo Oct 09, 2017

Show notes

In 1882, General Philip Sheridan's expedition to the protected buffalo haven in Yellowstone National Park revealed a gruesome reality: Poachers were continuing to slaughter the last remnants of America's big-game icon.

This Man Is the Father of Modern American Suburbia Oct 09, 2017

Show notes

By 1951, two thirds of Americans lived in urban areas. Enter William Levitt, a former navy lieutenant, who would utilize construction techniques he learned in the military to build affordable suburban homes.

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