In the world of archaeology, few institutions hold as much prestige as the Smithsonian Institution. Yet, behind its revered façade, there are allegations suggesting the suppression of groundbreaking discoveries. For years, whispers have circulated about the Smithsonian’s alleged cover-ups of significant archaeological finds. These claims draw eerie parallels to the fictional warehouse scene in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” where a pivotal relic, the Ark of the Covenant, is stored away never to be seen again.
The Smithsonian’s Supposed Cover-Up
The intrigue surrounding the Smithsonian began in the late 19th century. In 1881, John Wesley Powell, the geologist famous for his Grand Canyon explorations, appointed Cyrus Thomas as the director of the Smithsonian’s Bureau of Ethnology’s Eastern Mound Division. Thomas was a proponent of the Mound Builder theory, which posited that a race of ancient, advanced builders existed prior to Native American cultures.
Powell, however, held a more progressive view, believing that Native Americans were descendants of sophisticated civilizations deserving of respect and protection. This belief clashed with the Smithsonian’s prevailing Isolationist view, which suggested that cultures were isolated and had minimal contact with each other. This led to an intellectual battle, with the Smithsonian suppressing evidence supporting the Diffusionism theory—an idea suggesting widespread cultural exchanges via ancient trade routes and maritime contact.
Suppressed Evidence of Ancient Giants
One notable case involves the discovery of giant human remains in the Spiro Mound, Oklahoma, during the 1930s. The excavation unearthed a tall figure in full armor, accompanied by vast treasures. Although this discovery could have reshaped our understanding of ancient civilizations, the remains and artifacts were reportedly sent to the Smithsonian and then seemingly disappeared. Reports suggest that these artifacts were lost or possibly concealed within the institution’s vaults.
In a private conversation, a former Smithsonian employee claimed that unusual artifacts, including large human remains, were once dumped into the Atlantic Ocean to suppress their significance. Such stories, though difficult to verify, contribute to the growing suspicion about the Smithsonian’s role in hiding pivotal archaeological finds.
The Case of the Crumf Burial Cave
Another intriguing case dates back to 1892 in Alabama, where stone coffins were discovered and subsequently sent to the Smithsonian. These coffins, reportedly hollowed out with sophisticated tools, were documented but later “lost.” Frederick J. Pohl’s letter to archaeologist Dr. T.C. Lethbridge highlights the mystery, revealing that despite records showing the coffins were received, they could not be located. Smithsonian officials later claimed these were merely wooden troughs and were inaccessible due to asbestos contamination in the warehouse where they were stored.
The Acambaro Controversy
In 1944, Waldemar Julsrud uncovered an astonishing collection in Acambaro, Mexico. The site yielded over 33,000 artifacts, including ceramic and stone items, depicting strange creatures and figures resembling dinosaurs. Despite initial excitement, American archaeologists like Charles C. DiPeso dismissed the collection as a hoax. This dismissal led to further controversy, with allegations that the Smithsonian and other authorities engaged in a disinformation campaign against the findings.
John H. Tierney, a dedicated investigator, found that the Smithsonian’s files on the Acambaro collection were missing. The controversy intensified when Professor Charles Hapgood’s investigations revealed credible evidence supporting the collection’s authenticity. Despite this, the Smithsonian continued to refute the findings, contributing to the growing suspicion of institutional cover-ups.
The Phoenix Gazette Mystery
Perhaps the most astonishing claim involves a 1909 Phoenix Gazette article detailing the discovery of Egyptian artifacts in a Grand Canyon rock-cut vault by a Smithsonian-led expedition. Despite the detailed report, the Smithsonian has consistently denied any involvement. A recent inquiry into the matter yielded no additional information, suggesting either a hoax or a carefully concealed truth.
Forbidden Zones and Hidden Names
An intriguing aspect of the Grand Canyon area includes Egyptian and Hindu names given to various features, such as the “Tower of Set” and “Cheops Pyramid.” This area, labeled off-limits due to dangerous caves, is speculated to be where the alleged Egyptian artifacts were discovered. The lack of access to this region fuels speculation that significant discoveries might be concealed within.
The Smithsonian’s Ongoing Secrecy
The Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents maintains closed meetings, fueling public curiosity about what remains hidden within. If the allegations of suppression and cover-ups are accurate, they could challenge current historical narratives and redefine our understanding of ancient civilizations and their interactions.
In conclusion, while many of these claims remain unverified and controversial, they highlight a growing narrative of secrecy and suppression within one of America’s most prestigious institutions. The question remains: what might the public discover if the Smithsonian’s vaults were opened, and how might these revelations reshape our understanding of history?
