In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick contributed to decades of genomic research when they concluded that the DNA molecule exists in the form of a double-helix. 60 years after this discovery, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) set out to highlight and commemorate the past, present, and future importance of genomics. As one component of an extensive exhibit, the Timeline of the Human Genome takes readers through this fascinating history, from 1865 when Gregor Mendel presented his research on plant hybridization to the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. Events on the timeline are accompanied by brief descriptions and many provide glossary links to key terms, such as "genomics," "protein," and "DNA."