Smithsonian.com

As staffers for Smithsonian Magazine and goSmithsonian, we get to hobnob with famous artists and academics, tag along on tours, and go behind the scenes as we cover museum events and happenings “Around the Mall” at the Smithsonian Institution.

What does this mean? Hooking up with Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe—through Facebook. Speculating on panda pregnancies. Interviewing Jim Henson’s Muppets about their personal lives. Sleeping with the alligators at the National Zoo, or flying our handmade kite at the annual Smithsonian Kite Festival.

Why do we do it? To make sure that you all know all that the Institution has to offer and that you don’t miss out on the serious…and the unserious here in Washington.

Wish you could see all that we can see? You can…but let us know how we are doing; we love to hear from our readers, especially the opinionated ones. If we’re too silly, immature, or trite…or aren’t covering the exhibits and shows you want to know about, share your comments in the blog.

About Us:

Joseph Caputo will spend the next six months with the Smithsonian as their editorial intern. He hopes the powers that be grant him a night at the museum, preferably at the Natural History Museum, but unlike the upcoming film, he doesn’t wish for things to come alive. He earned an MS in science journalism last December from Boston University, which involved a summer internship in Cape Cod at the Marine Biological Laboratory, and a BA from Sarah Lawrence College.

Megan Gambino dreams of winning the Smithsonian Kite Festival’s homemade kite competition—and her showing last year only leaves room for improvement! Prior to Smithsonian, she worked for Outside magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She holds a degree in English from Middlebury College.

Beth Py-Lieberman, the Go Smithsonian editor, is a 22-year veteran at Smithsonian magazine (okay, she got the job straight out of kindergarten). Since then, she’s been prowling the Institution’s back halls and passageways, getting to know James Smithson’s legacy inside and out. She takes special pride in knowing where everything is—from Auguste Rodin’s Burghers of Calais to Clara Barton’s ambulance to Mr. Rogers’ sweater and Jerry Seinfeld’s “puffy shirt.”

Jesse Rhodes came to Smithsonian magazine after earning his BA in English at George Mason University. He has been able to combine his penchants for writing, useless information, and popular culture into his regular activities here at the magazine. Before he became an editorial assistant, Jesse worked at the Library of Congress Publishing Office, where he was a contributor to the Library of Congress World War II Companion.