Smithsonian Staff Create First-Ever Human Sunburst

Institution's Official Logo Recreated on the National Mall
July 1, 2010
News Release
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Standing in the shape of the Smithsonian Institution sunburst, close to 4,000 Smithsonian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers gathered on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle on Thursday, July 1, for this group portrait.

This was the first-ever attempt to gather the employees and others for a group shot in the Smithsonian’s 164-year history and was the largest gathering of Smithsonian employees, fellows, interns, volunteers and retirees to date.

The photo was organized by the Smithsonian Community Committee and was taken during the Smithsonian Staff Picnic, held annually on the National Mall.

Media

  • Photo: Eric Long, Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 3

    Standing in the shape of the Smithsonian Institution sunburst, close to 4,000 Smithsonian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers gathered on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle on Thursday, July 1, for this group portrait.

  • Photo: Eric Long, Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 4

    Standing in the shape of the Smithsonian Institution sunburst, close to 4,000 Smithsonian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers gathered on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle on Thursday, July 1, for this group portrait.

  • Photo: Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 5

    Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough talks with Nikki Krakora, co-chair of the Smithsonian staff picnic, during preparations for the human sunburst photo taken during the staff picnic on July 1.

  • Photo: Eric Long, Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 6

    Thousands of Smithsonian staff, volunteers, interns and retirees are moved into place for the human sunburst photo on July 1.

  • Photo: Dane Penland, Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 1

    Standing in the shape of the Smithsonian Institution sunburst, close to 4,000 Smithsonian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers gathered on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle on Thursday, July 1, for this group portrait.

  • Photo: Laurie Penland, Smithsonian Institution
    Human Smithsonian Sunburst 2

    Standing in the shape of the Smithsonian Institution sunburst, close to 4,000 Smithsonian staff, interns, fellows and volunteers gathered on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle on Thursday, July 1, for this group portrait.