It is reported in the national press that a letter written by Charles Darwin in 1875 has been returned to the Smithsonian Institution Archives (档案馆) by the FBI after being stolen twice.
“We realized in the mid-1970s that it was missing,” says Effie Kapsalis, head of the Smithsonian Institution Archives. “It was noted as missing and likely taken by an intern (实习生), from what the FBI is telling us. Word got out that it was missing when someone asked to see the letter for research purposes,” and the intern put the letter back. “The intern likely took the letter again once nobody was watching it.”
Decades passed. Finally, the FBI received a tip that the stolen document was located very close to Washington, D.C. Their art crime team recovered the letter but were unable to press charges because the time of limitations had ended. The FBI worked closely with the Archives to determine that the letter was both authentic and definitely Smithsonian’s property.
The letter is in fairly good condition, in spite of being out of the care of trained museum staff for so long. “It was luckily in good shape,” says Kapsalis, “and we just have to do some minor things in order to be able to unfold it. It has some glue on it that has colored it slightly, but nothing that will prevent us from using it. After it is repaired, we will take digital photos of it and that will be available online. One of our goals is to get items of high research value or interest to the public online.”
It would now be difficult for an intern, visitor or a thief to steal a document like this. “Archiving practices have changed greatly since the 1970s,” says Kapsalis, “and we keep our high value documents in a safe that I don’t even have access to.”
1.What happened to Darwin’s letter in the 1970s?
A.It was recovered by the FBI.
B.It was put in the archives for research purposes.
C.It was stolen more than once.
D.It was purchased by the Smithsonian Archives.
2.What did the FBI do after the recovery of the letter?
A.They pressed criminal charges in vain. B.They kept it in a special safe.
C.They arrested the suspect immediately. D.They proved its authenticity.
3.What will the Smithsonian Institution Archives do with the letter according to Kapsalis?
A.Reserve it for research purposes only. B.Make it available online.
C.Keep it a permanent secret. D.Turn it into an object of high interest.
4.What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.A Letter by Charles Darwin Returns to the Smithsonian
B.The Smithsonian Tightens Security Measures
C.The Smithsonian Charges an Intern with Theft
D.The FBI Cracks a Criminal Case
After-hours events in 2020
Join us after hours for a special programme of unique events throughout 2020 at Shakespeare’s Birthplace. When the crowds have left and our beautiful buildings are quiet, we invite you to try something different.
The Art of Design with Lee Lapthorne – 9 March
Join artist Lee Lapthorne for a private evening when he will show two pieces of furniture inspired by our collections and discuss his process of reinventing pieces of furniture to create something new.
Venue (举办地点): The Shakespeare Centre
Poetry with Punch – 8 June
Come and meet Matt Windle, the “Poet with Punch” and Birmingham’s Poet Laureate 2016 – 2018 for a unique workshop, full of tips and advice to help you get your poetry moving. Suitable for beginners, this workshop will get you thinking about taking the next steps to create writing!
Tickets: £10 per adult
Venue: The Shakespeare Centre
Over Throne – 9 November
The frequent changing of rulers is nothing new. Join us for an evening of performance and discussion as we take a look at the bad rulers that were overthrown in Shakespeare’s plays. This is hosted by our Senior Lecturer in Shakespeare Studies, Dr. Anjna Chouhan.
Tickets: £10 per adult
Venue: The Shakespeare Centre
Herbs for Health – 12 October
Growing in the Hall’s Croft garden are the secret recipes to natural good health. Find out more about the medicine used by the Tudors that still influences our well-being ( 康 乐 ) today. Using herbs and sharing recipes, you will learn the theories behind natural medicine. Reserve your spot before availability.
Tickets: £10 per adult Venue: Hall’s Croft
1.When can you see the reinvented furniture?
A.On 12 October. B.On 8 June
C.On 9 November. D.On 9 March.
2.What can you do if you attend the event hosted by Chouhan?
A.Enjoy a performance. B.Learn to be a lecturer.
C.Visit the Hall’s Croft garden. D.Perform in Shakespeare’s plays.
3.Which event do you need to book in advance?
A.Poetry with Punch. B.Herbs for Health.
C.Over Throne. D.The Art of Design with Lee Lapthorne.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.Where should the listeners meet before they leave?
A.Outside the school gate.
B.In the classroom.
C.At the sports stadium.
2.What should the listeners bring?
A.A drink. B.A sandwich. C.Fruit.
3.What can listeners see in the National Concert Hall?
A.An exhibition. B.A concert. C.A dancing.
4.When will the bus set off for school?
A.At 5:00 p.m. B.At 5:30 p.m. C.At 7:15 p.m.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does the school make the change?
A.To have the food machines repaired.
B.To encourage students to have a healthy diet.
C.To encourage students to protect the environment.
2.What is the man concerned about at first?
A.Where he will get food from.
B.How he can eat healthily.
C.What he can eat.
3.What does the woman think the man should do?
A.Lose weight. B.Drink more water. C.Eat in the lunch room.
4.What does the man think of bringing food to school?
A.Doubtful. B.Disappointing. C.Good.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.How many pieces of luggage does the woman have?
A.Five. B.Four. C.Three.
2.What should the woman do with the bag?
A.Carry it on. B.Put it on the belt. C.Give it to her friend.
3.What does the man ask the woman to open?
A.Her suitcase. B.Her handbag. C.Her bag.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why is the man worried about Carol?
A.She lost her credit card.
B.She fails to pay her money back.
C.She is crazy about buying things.
2.What will the man do to deal with Carol’s problem?
A.Remain silent.
B.Talk to her about it.
C.Try to ask her family for help.
