We went to an exhibit titled “Objects of Wonder: From the Collections of the National Museum of Natural History,” an interesting display of items that examines how scientists use the Smithsonian collections to enlighten and illuminate our understanding of nature and human culture. I took a few pictures, but most of it was more appropriate for viewing and reading about than photographing.

This samurai armor was a diplomatic gift to the United States from the government of Japan, although I’m not sure when; surely more than a century ago, probably much longer. They only light it for short periods of time since a sign said that it had faded from its original brilliant red color and they were trying to preserve it.

'Objects of Wonder': Key archive of information, posted earlier: