On 24 February 1847 the Board of Regents, which oversaw the creation of the Smithsonian, approved the seal for the institution. The seal, based on an engraving by Pierre Joseph Tiolier, was manufactured by Edward Stabler and designed by Robert Dale Owen. Although Smithson's papers and collection of minerals were destroyed in a fire in 1865, his collection of 213 books remains intact at the Smithsonian. The Board of Regents acquired a portrait of Smithson dressed in Oxford University student attire, painted by James Roberts, that is now on display in the crypt at the Smithsonian Castle. An additional portrait, a miniature, and the original draft of Smithson's will were acquired in 1877; they now reside in the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Institution Archives, respectively. Additional items were acquired from Smithson's relatives in 1878.
On 24 February 1847 the Board of Regents which oversaw the creation of the Smithsonian approved the seal for the institution The seal based on an engraving by Pierre Joseph Tiolier was manufactured by Edward Stabler and designed by Robert Dale Owen Although Smithson's papers and collection of minerals were destroyed in a fire in 1865 his collection of 213 books remains intact at the Smithsonian The Board of Regents acquired a portrait of Smithson dressed in Oxford University student attire painted by James Roberts that is now on display in the crypt at the Smithsonian Castle An additional portrait a miniature and the original draft of Smithson's will were acquired in 1877; they now reside in the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian Institution Archives respectively Additional items were acquired from Smithson's relatives in 1878