Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution have formed a joint venture, Smithsonian Networks, the companies said Wednesday.

The partnership plans to launch Smithsonian On Demand in December. The project will feature original documentaries and other programming about major scientific, cultural and historical events based on material in the archives of the famed museum.

Tom Hayden, currently executive VP of direct-to-home for Showtime Networks, will become general manager of Smithsonian Networks. David Royle will become executive VP of programming and production. Mr. Royle was previously executive VP of National Geographic Television and Film.