23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Where Do the Lost Things Go?

I took this photo right after Hurricane Helene hit. I was trapped in my neighborhood because our bridge collapsed. While I was helping to distribute supplies, I came across this bear in a pile of debris and ended up stopping to take a picture of it. It reminded me of all the things people lost during the hurricane: their homes, family, and belongings. Some were found, but others will never be; they will always be lost. leaving the question, Where do all the lost things go?

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Horseshoe, North Carolina, United States of America
Copyright: © Kylie Brown