Smithsonian Associates

05/29/2026

View our June program guide! Register for lectures, seminars, performances, studio arts classes, and study tours: https://s.si.edu/June2026

The folk-art whirligig on the cover captures 250 years of American imagination. From early crafters to the patriotic songs of George M. Cohan, the spirit of the “red, white, and blue” has inspired generations of makers—including the unknown hand that carved, painted, and set this piece spinning in the mid 20th century. Throughout this guide, you’ll notice the Our Shared Future: 250 icon marking programs that explore the events and individuals who shaped America, as well as those that illuminate the movements and creators who defined its artistic character.

05/27/2026

In 1877, Spencer Baird, the second Secretary of the Smithsonian, dispatched naturalist Edward W. Nelson to the wilds of Alaska for four years, where he became known to Eskimos (now called Inuit) as "the man who collects good-for-nothing things.” Those things are now among the treasures of the Smithsonian’s anthropology collection.

William Fitzhugh, the director of the Smithsonian’s Arctic Studies Center, joins us on June 15 to discuss how Nelson’s research laid the foundation for 150 years of natural history and anthropological studies, as well as exhibits and public programs.

Learn more and register: https://s.si.edu/Arctic

05/26/2026

Join us for an evening walking tour exploring the rich social, civic, and cultural life of D.C.’s iconic U Street corridor! Sites visited include the African American Civil War Memorial, the legendary Howard Theatre, and the locations of one-of-a-kind murals featuring such history makers as Duke Ellington and go-go legend Chuck Brown.

Tour Dates:
Friday, June 5
Sunday, June 7
Wednesday, June 10
🕕 6–8 PM

The U Street NW neighborhood has long been a vibrant corridor for the rich social, civic, and cultural life of Washington's African American community. Join local guide Lynn O’Connell on a walking tour that focuses on the history of the neighborhood. Sites visited include the African American....

05/25/2026

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May.

However, the roots of Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, date back to the Civil War era. Local commemorations, the first of which were organized by women and African Americans, involved laying flowers on the graves of soldiers who perished during the war.

More on the origins of Memorial Day: https://s.si.edu/3RHmNUN

📷: “Decoration Day: They Gave Their All” postcard, Archives Center, Warshaw Collection of Business Americana

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

We’re hosting romance novelist Katherine Center at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center next month! Known for stories about resilience and joy, she’ll discuss why she believes love is good for you. Her new novel "The Shippers" follows JoJo Burton, who boards a cruise for her sister’s wedding hoping to fix her bad luck in love by pursuing an old crush—with help from childhood friend Cooper. Close quarters rekindle unresolved feelings, and they stumble into realizing they might be meant for each other. Center will explore how love, humor, hope, and real-life lessons shape her work.

Register: https://s.si.edu/TheShippers

05/20/2026

Join us on June 13 for a day in Baltimore’s harbor with naval historian Abby Mullen as we explore three historic vessels and celebrate Baltimore’s role as a vital port in maritime history! The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and concludes with a scenic harbor cruise. ⚓

Register: https://s.si.edu/Maritime-Baltimore

📷: USS Constellation, Baltimore Inner Harbor

05/18/2026

Many of the world’s best winemakers are applying new techniques and technologies and thus changing the rules of winemaking. 🍷 Come taste the proof this Friday!

Sommelier Erik Segelbaum will explore wines that are both literally and figuratively cool and hot—from cool climates and exciting regions to warm climates and popular producers!

Tasting kits are available for pickup in DC at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster (Union Market).

Spend a fascinating Friday evening expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable adventures. He explores wines that are literally and figuratively cool and hot in an immersive program that includes a curated personal tasting ki...

05/15/2026

Thanks to the Kings of Harmony brass band, Temple of Beth El of Suffolk, Virginia performance choir, and scholars Raynetta Wiggins-Jackson, Aiman Khan, Rabbi Sholomo Levy, and everyone who came out to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture last night! The first program in our 5-part “Faith in Harmony” series explored the sacred sounds of the horn. Throughout 2026 we will explore the roles of sound and music across diverse religious traditions in the U.S.

Upcoming Faith in Harmony programs (Future registration information coming soon!)
August 6: Beat
September 3: Ringing
November 17: Voice
December 15: Together in Spirit

05/14/2026

Since ancient times, the Ganges has been embodied as the goddess Ganga, and her reach stretches far beyond the riverbanks. Next week, art historian Robert DeCaroli joins us to follow the Ganges from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, exploring sacred sites, historic spaces, and the art and architecture created to honor and replicate access to Ganga’s holy waters.

Since ancient times, the Ganges has been embodied as the goddess Ganga, and her reach stretches well beyond the riverbanks. Art historian Robert DeCaroli traces the Ganges from its origins in the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, exploring historic and sacred locations along the way. He also examines....

05/12/2026

Reserve your spot at Smithsonian Sleepovers this summer! Overnight adventures await young explorers at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and new this summer, at the National Museum of American History in celebration of America's 250th. 🇺🇸

Girl Scout troops are also invited to register for exclusive Girl Scout-only sleepovers.
Learn more: https://s.si.edu/Sleepovers2026