Rufus P. Choate, by Unknown, c. 1845, Smithsonian Archives - History Div, 2002-32231.
Wednesday, January 8, 1845
Senator Rufus P. Choate of Massachusetts gives an impassioned and urgent speech to the U.S. Senate, advocating the establishment of a grand and noble public library with the James Smithson bequest. He recommends that the contemplated Smithsonian Institution allocate $20,000 a year for twenty-five years toward such a project. Due in part to his efforts, the final bill which establishes the Smithsonian Institution contains a provision for a library.
