The Missing Bison
Summary
Smithsonian director Kirk Johnson traces the history of William Temple Hornaday’s iconic 1880s bison diorama, which helped spark early conservation efforts. After discovering the original taxidermy was gifted to Montana, Johnson commissions bronze replicas to return the "national mammal" to the museum’s entrance. The episode explores the bison’s near-extinction, their cultural significance to Native Americans, and their symbolic homecoming for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Topics discussed
Kirk Johnson discovers the Hornaday bison are missing
Episode preview and sponsor segments
Prehistoric bison and their role in Native culture
The mass slaughter of bison in the 19th century
Hornaday's expedition and the fate of calf Sandy
Creating the diorama to spark conservation
Hornaday's legacy and the bison population recovery
Tracing the bison to Montana and their reunification
Kirk Johnson visits the diorama and plans bronze casts
The road trip bringing bronze bison back to D.C.
Bison installation and cultural significance for tribes
Credits, exhibition info, and production details
Bonus: The time capsule under the bronze bull
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