Readers Respond to the September/October 2026 Issue

Your feedback on sea shells, the battle against long Covid, the museums of Mexico City and the story of how an Arkansas town embracing its mob history

Smithsonian magazine

November 2026

Beauties on the Beach

You had me completely spellbound and immersed in this fascinating article (“Who Dwells in a Shell,” September/October 2026). I soon discovered the profound, awe-inspiring aspects of existence as I simply walk the beaches. Nature has its wonders, with impressive knowledge to be taught and experienced. Going to library to research more. Love the photos.—Carol Ahern | North Attleborough, Massachusetts

Awaiting a Cure 

Thank you to writer Mike Mariani for highlighting long Covid (“Solving the Long Covid Puzzle,” September/October 2026). As a long Covid patient, I was genuinely heartened to see this coverage. The increased visibility did not go unnoticed by our community, and we hope you’ll continue bringing attention to this critical issue. Continued coverage would mean a great deal to the millions of people still waiting for much‑needed progress.—Billy Hanlon | Minneapolis

Reading the article really brought back those early days of uncertainty and fear and the range of public reaction—with no way to tell what the outcome would be. It did surface a vague recollection of one of the oddest symptoms: the “Covid toe.” Whatever did scientists make of that phenomenon? I hope Julia Moore Vogel is able to find relief from her symptoms and am grateful for her persistence (and other scientists’!) in doing what they can to learn about and find solutions to the ongoing mystery.—Shannon Blood | Olympia, Washington

History on Display

“The Marvelous Museums of Mexico City” was culturally informative and enriching (September/October 2026). There is no better way for travelers to immerse themselves in an overview and true sense of place than to visit both general and thematic museums.—Renée S. Gordon | Philadelphia

As fascinating as the stories about the history of Mexico and Mexico City are, I was most intrigued by the references to the many small museums that feature some of the lesser-known aspects of the rich, and even not-so-rich history of the place and people. Well-known figures such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Pancho Villa certainly should be celebrated, but it is always the little tidbits behind the stories, the hidden (quite literally) pieces that help create the stories that, to me, are the most museum-worthy.—Sarah McIntosh | South Bend, Indiana

Gangsters’ Paradise

I thoroughly enjoyed this fascinating romp through pre-Las Vegas gangster life (“Welcome to Hot Springs,” September/October 2026). Decades of cover-up in an unassuming Southern town were eventually brought to light and transformed into public interest and tourism. What could be a better read than an article with Al Capone, Mae West, Babe Ruth, two American presidents, jazz musicians, madams and bootleggers in a tale of runaway corruption?—Vicki Mitchell | Cosmopolis, Washington

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