Smithson left his estate to his nephew and that young man’s future children, and he added a peculiar last clause to his will, stipulating that if his nephew died without heirs, legitimate or illegitimate, his estate was to go to the United States “to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” Smithson’s nephew and heir, was only in his early 20s, and it seemed unlikely that this clause would ever go into effect.

This Spring Festival, experience Cape May’s charm on historic and private house tours, indulge with food and wine events, get into the spirit of the season with a variety of ghost tours, and discover the Victorian era with the vintage dance weekend and living history programs.

For centuries, ornamental fencing and metal garden railings have enhanced the architectural beauty of homes, buildings and churches. Decorative metal fencing was often used in the flower garden because of its beautiful ornate features. An ornamental fence imparted a considerable finish when tastefully designed and was crafted in a wide variety of styles and heights that added prestige to any property.

An upcoming curator lecture series event at The Charleston Museum will explore the artisanship of mourning jewelry and how historical Charleston grave markers and cemeteries can easily double as art galleries. The date of the …