Gale and the Smithsonian have partnered to give librarians, students, faculty, and researchers a look behind the glass of the Smithsonian exhibits and collections. It contains the content of four modules.

Evolution of Flight, 1784–1991

From the hot air balloons of yesteryear to the commercial airline carriers of today, mankind has always been fascinated by the concept of flight. Public interest in aviation peaked during the twentieth century, leading to rapid development of its corresponding technology. From this period of fervent focus emerged the celebrated pioneers of aviation who forever changed the way humans interact with the world. Their theories, feats, and record-breaking efforts are all captured in Evolution of Flight, 1784-1991.

World's Fairs and Expositions, Visions of Tomorrow

This digital collection allows users to explore key cultural and technological developments that shaped contemporary outlooks on life and reflected national identities. Coverage begins in 1834 and includes events such as the pivotal Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 in London. The collection includes general histories of international exhibitions, catalogs, commemorative accounts, regional catalogs, exposition management publications, visitors’ guides, studies, lectures, technical reports, descriptive accounts, and promotional publications—in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and other Western languages. 

Smithsonian and Air & Space Magazines, 1970-current

This brings together Air & Space Magazine and Smithsonian Magazine for the first time in a combined and fully searchable digital archive. With the full history of these premiere magazines combined, decades of in-depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics and unique insights into aviation, space, innovation, science, technology, the arts, and culture are accessible in an integrated, intuitive display. Rich in insightful articles and vivid photographs, Smithsonian and Air & Space Magazines archive will engage students and researchers. 

Trade Literature and the Merchandizing of Industry

The evolution of business is inextricably linked with American and international history and identity. For the first time, researchers can now explore this aspect of American and international life via catalogs, pamphlets, advertising materials, and ephemera on essential industries that emerged in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, such as steam engines, railroads, motorized vehicles, agricultural and farm machinery, building and construction, mining, and more. With this collection, researchers can determine the history of companies and industries, analyze marketing and management techniques, and examine illustrations of the items Americans used at home and in business.