Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, which receive federal funding, are closing temporarily amid the federal government shutdown.
The museum's director is asking the public to save any materials that could potentially be considered for future acquisition and to send photos and descriptions of these artifacts.
Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah reasoned that the US does not need "separate but equal museums."
Baby giant panda at Washington's National Zoo was very talkative during the little cub's first veterinary exam, two days before turning a month old.
The zoo said in a release that its panda team heard the baby vocalize.
A giant panda at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington may be about to give birth.