2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Robert Owen of Newtown. Robert Owen is considered to be the 'father' of the Co-operative Movement and one of the most famous Welshmen of his time. His legacy is still relevant today and continues to have a great impact on the world.

At the time of the Industrial Revolution, Robert Owen was addressing issues such as education, unemployment, poverty, and the environment. Society may be more complex now, but finding solutions to these economic and social concerns are just as important today.

This online exhibition explores the relevance of his ideas and actions to current issues in society including co-operation, lifelong learning, social justice and fair trade. It accompanies the physical exhibition which toured throughout Wales in 2008 and 2009.

The exhibition will be at the Wales Smithsonian Cymru event at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC between 25 June and 5 July 2009.

Did you know ….? Robert Owen’s eldest son, Robert Dale Owen, introduced the bill establishing the Smithsonian Institution in 1846? As a Senator for Indiana, Owen later served as chairman of the Smithsonian Building Committee. The Smithsonian Institution is now the world's largest museum complex.