Brown, Solomon G., 1829-1906

Solomon G. Brown; born 14 Feb 1829,
Washington, District of Columbia; Death 24 Jun 1906 (aged 77)
Washington, District of Columbia; Brown became the Smithsonian’s first African-American employee - a job he held until he retired in 1906 with 54 years of service.

Solomon G. Brown (February 14, 1829 - June 26, 1906) was the first African American employee of the Smithsonian Institution. He was also a poet, lecturer, and scientific technician. He joined the Smithsonian in 1852 and remained there for fifty-four years until he retired in 1906. He was also a local civic leader, organizing and leading many educational and community organizations. He served in the Washington D.C. House of Delegates from 1871-1874.