Joseph Henry

Joseph Henry was the grandson of Scottish immigrants and a self-made man who became a prominent scientist. The unit of electromagnetic induction is named the “henry” after him. In 1846, in recognition of his abilities as a scientist, professor, and leader, he was chosen to be the first secretary and director of the Smithsonian Institution. This plaster bust was cast from a full-size bronze in the Library of Congress. The larger statue is one of sixteen that encircle the rotunda, symbolizing different elements of human achievement. Henry represents man’s accomplishments in science.