Former Secretary Madeleine Albright shares 200 pins from her collection at the Smithsonian

Albright’s lapel pins go on view at Smithsonian

WASHINGTON — Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, known for using lapel pins to communicate diplomatic messages, is bringing her brooches to Washington.

An exhibit opening Friday at the Smithsonian Castle features more than 200 pins from her collection. Many have historical significance.

One highlight is a golden snake brooch Albright wore to Iraq after Saddam Hussein’s government called her a serpent. Other pins were associated with important world events.

As the nation’s top diplomat, Albright became the highest ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at the time.

The exhibit organized by New York’s Museum of Arts & Design is on view in Washington through Oct. 11.

Albright will sign copies of her book related to the exhibit on July 25.