Smithsonian Events - One Time

The Age of Empathy: Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society

Friday, November 20, 2009, 7 – 8 PM

This lecture is free and open to the public.

What if our concept of "human nature," those characteristics and norms of human behavior, is utterly wrong?

Frans de Waal, author of Our Inner Ape and world-renowned primatologist, will examine human society through an evolutionary lens, drawing on the observations in his latest book, The Age of Empathy: Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society. Using research from the fields of anthropology, psychology, animal behavior, and neuroscience, de Waal seeks to dispel the notion that nature, and by extension human society, is all dog-eat-dog. Instead, de Waal argues that humans, much like elephants, dolphins, and other primates, are "group animals" with a well-developed capacity for empathy.

Evil and conniving, or peace-loving and cooperative? With more than 30 years as one of the world’s leading cognitive ethologists and one of Time Magazine's World's 100 Most Influential People, Frans de Waal will explore these complexities of humanity, providing fodder for a discussion of society as we know it, showing that humans are "hardwired for sympathy... every human is destined to be humane."

Parking is free, but we encourage you to take public transportation to the Zoo.

More info: nationalzoo.si.edu…

Protecting the Irreplaceable: Behind the Scenes with the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 8:30 AM – 6 PM

Led by architectural historian and author Dwight Young, see firsthand how the National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save significant buildings and neighborhoods.
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Savory Stories of Essential Italian Foods

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM

Dig into the essence of Italian cuisine-olive oil, cured meats, cheeses, and pasta-with food historians Nancy Harmon Jenkins and Ken Albala. This all-day seminar delves deeply into food histories, with a seasonal Italian meal at midday.
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Saturday Morning Cartoons

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

The museum celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with activities for the entire family:

10 AM-12 Noon: Try your hand at educational activities and take a family tour (Potomac Atrium).

10:30 AM-12 Noon: Enjoy family-friendly cartoons from from the award-winning Wapos Bay and Raven Tales series (Mitsitam Cafe). Note: Breakfast specials will be offered from 10-11 AM.

Robert F. Dorr's "Hell Hawks!" and "Air Force One": Book Signings

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12 – 4 PM

Robert F. Dorr signs copies of his books Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht and Air Force One.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

CANCELED - Facing History: Be the Artist

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12 – 2 PM

Book Signing by Helen Thomas: Listen Up, Mr. President! Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1 – 3 PM

Helen Thomas, veteran reporter who has covered six administrations at the White House, will sign copies of her new book with co-author Craig Crawford. The book provides advice and cautionary examples from recent and historic presidents.

George Norfleet and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr.: Book Signings

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1 – 5 PM

George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr. signs copies of his children's book Training the Best.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Christopher E. Cosans's Owen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog: Book Signing

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 1 – 3 PM

Christopher E. Cosans signs copies of his book Owen's Ape and Darwin's Bulldog.

Native Writers for Kids: Stephanie Duckworth-Elliott

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2 – 3 PM

(for ages 9-12) Stephanie Duckworth-Elliott (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head [Aquinnah]) discusses her book Poneasequa: Goddess of the Waters, about a young Wampanoag girl who unexpectedly learns more about her culture and herself. Book signing follows.

More info: www.nmai.si.edu…

Reel Portraits: Films by John Ford - Double Feature

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2 PM

2 PM: In She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949, 103 min.), Nathan Brittles (John Wayne), on the verge of retirement from the U.S. Army, tries to avert another Indian war. Greatly influenced by the artist Frederic Remington, the film won the Academy Award for color cinematography. Francis Flavin, historian for the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, introduces the film.

5 PM: In The Searchers (1956, 119 min.), Civil War veteran Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) hunts for the Indians who killed his family and kidnapped his niece (Natalie Wood). The film borrowed visual motifs from western artist Charles Russell, and has had a profound influence on many of today’s greatest filmmakers. A conversation with Francis Flavin and exhibition curator Frank Goodyear follow the screening.

Note: Portraits of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell are on view in the related exhibition.

Film Screening: Handmade Nation

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2 PM

(2009, 65 min., directed by Faythe Levine) This film documents a movement of artists, crafters, and designers that recognizes a marriage between historical techniques, punk, and the do-it-yourself ethos, while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, and feminism.

ImaginAsia: Predicting Your Future

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2 PM

(Ages 8-14 with adult companion) What if you had a book that helped you decide if today was safe to ride your bike? Royalty and commoners alike in Turkey and Iran consulted the Falnama for advice and predictions about the future. Tour the Falnama exhibition to look for clues, find omens, and follow warnings. In the classroom create an amulet for protection and prosperity.

All Wiley—No Coyote

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 3 PM

Award-winning improv troupe Improv Now! brings humor and spontaneity to the related exhibition. Experience the troupe’s lively parodies, based on William Wiley’s art.

Facing History: Be the Artist

Saturday, November 21, 2009, 3:30 – 5:30 PM

(for ages 5-10 with adult) This two-hour art class is designed so that youth can better understand the artwork by David Eichenberg, which is on view in the Outwin Boochever exhibition. Registered participants take a brief guided tour of the related exhibition before creating an artwork based on the main ideas of that artwork.

Photographing with Your Digital SLR

Sunday, November 22, 2009, 10 AM

This class includes a hands-on set-up of each student's DSLR camera; a shooting session on location; and a review of images for composition, lighting, and other aesthetic considerations.
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Ross Simpson's Stealth Down: Book Signing

Sunday, November 22, 2009, 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Ross Simpson signs copies of his book Stealth Down.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Tezuka’s Short Films (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime)

Sunday, November 22, 2009, 2 PM

This remarkable showcase of shorts made between 1962 and 1987 reveals Tezuka’s energy, originality, and clarity of vision as he employs music and imagery to render dialogue unnecessary. These films show Tezuka the art house animator at his inventive best. [Descriptions adapted from text by Helen McCarthy for Movies into Manga: Osamu Tezuka, shown at Barbican Film, Barbican Centre, London, in September 2008.]

Tales of the Street Corner
Drawing apparently unrelated elements towards a single tragic climax, Tales of the Street Corner is profoundly anti-war and is the first film from Tezuka’s Mushi Productions.
Japan / 1962 / 38 min.

Mermaid
Troubled by increasing conformity imposed by Japanese society, Tezuka examines the power of dreams and the consequences of betraying them.
Japan / 1964 / 9 min. / video

Drop
In this highly personal film, even the simple backgrounds are drawn by Tezuka. A thirsty man on a raft tries desperately (and fruitlessly) to get a precious drop of water.
Japan / 1965 / 4 min. / video

Pictures at an Exhibition
Opening with a literal, live-action walk into a gallery, Mussorgsky’s music becomes a jumping-off point for a series of ten visually distinct and stylish segments.
Japan / 1966 / 39 min. / video

Jumping
One of the most technically dazzling achievements of its day, Jumping was shot in a single cut with 4,000 images showing a skipping boy gradually striding higher and higher until he leaps across war-torn countries, looking down on human activity like a god.
Japan / 1984 / 6 min.

Broken Down Film
A heroic cowboy fights not only a conventional villain but also a film so old that it breaks down. Tezuka’s affection for the conventions of silent film fills every frame.
Japan / 1985 / 6 min.

Push
In a world where every necessity can be had from vending machines, a man goes to see his creator and demands to be shown where to buy a brand new Earth.
Japan / 1987 /4 min. / video

Muramasa
A magic sword is found stuck into a straw figure. The samurai who finds it keeps cutting at more straw figures to test its sharpness; but every time he slashes one apart, it turns into a human being.
Japan / 1987 / 9 min. / video

Legend of the Forest
Tezuka planned to review the history of animation in four episodes, though only two segments were completed. Set to Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, animals and fantasy creatures warn humans about the danger of destroying natural habitats, while Tezuka warns of cheap, limited TV animation decimating the art’s rich heritage (co-directed by Kouji Ui).
Japan / 1987 / 29 min.

Part of the film series Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime

ImaginAsia: Predicting Your Future

Sunday, November 22, 2009, 2 PM

(Ages 8-14 with adult companion) What if you had a book that helped you decide if today was safe to ride your bike? Royalty and commoners alike in Turkey and Iran consulted the Falnama for advice and predictions about the future. Tour the Falnama exhibition to look for clues, find omens, and follow warnings. In the classroom create an amulet for protection and prosperity.

Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk: A Writer's Writer

Monday, November 23, 2009, 6:45 PM

Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk discusses his extraordinary literary career. A Turkish writer who reflects his rich and complex country, he has received international acclaim and many awards. Pamuk is interviewed about his life in Istanbul and his career.
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The Little "Bread" Hen

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:15 AM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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Dig It! Activities

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11 AM – 2 PM

A museum educator and docent stationed at a cart offer visitors hands-on activities related to soils and answer visitors' questions.

The Little "Bread" Hen

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:30 AM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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Celebrating Australian Aboriginal Art

Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 7 – 9 PM

See the largest and most significant exhibition of aboriginal art to travel to the U.S. Culture Warriors features works of leading artists from all over Australia. After a lecture and tour, enjoy a reception hosted by the Embassy of Australia.
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The Little "Bread" Hen

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 10:15 AM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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'Hok-noth-da?' Listen! I Have a Story To Tell

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 11 – 11:20 AM

(for ages 5-9) A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans. 'Hok-noth-da?' means 'Did you hear?' in the Shawnee language. Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month.

More info: americanindian.si.edu…

The Little "Bread" Hen

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 11:30 AM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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Ask an Expert: Moving Beyond Earth

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 12 – 12:15 PM

Jennifer Levasseur, in the museum's Space History Division, discusses the exhibition Moving Beyond Earth.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

The Scientist Is In: Ask an Expert

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 1 – 3 PM

An ocean scientist stationed within the exhibition shows collection specimens or artifacts (including some under the microscope and/or shown on a monitor) and talks with visitors about travels to various locations, field studies, collection of specimens, new discoveries, favorite topics of study, and more.

On the third Wednesday of each month, a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) scientist is in the exhibition to talk with visitors.

Attic Sale 2009

Friday, November 27, 2009, 10 AM – 4 PM

Get in the holiday spirit and get all of your shopping done at deep discounts! Year after year the popular Attic Sale offers unique gifts from Asia that are just right for the whole family, from colorful scarves and handmade textiles to unusual books, CDs, toys, and much more. With the Shops’ unbeatable prices, you spend less and get so much more this holiday season.

CANCELED - Tahir Rahman's We Came in Peace for All Mankind: Book Signing

Friday, November 27, 2009, 10 AM – 5:30 PM

3-Day Family Program: Foodways of the Americas

Friday, November 27, 2009, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Celebrate the foodways of the Americas with food demonstrations, hands-on activities, and much more. The unique foods of the Americas — from chilies to chocolate and many more — travelled across the hemisphere and beyond through complex trade routes and made contributions to the entire world. Presented in collaboration with the museum's Mitsitam Cafe.

More info: www.nmai.si.edu…

The Little "Bread" Hen

Friday, November 27, 2009, 11 AM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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The Little "Bread" Hen

Friday, November 27, 2009, 1 PM

Ages 2-7
A special puppet show for Thanksgiving week.
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Larry Bird's Holidays on Display: Book Signing

Friday, November 27, 2009, 2 – 4 PM

Larry Bird signs copies of his book Holidays on Display.

Exploring New York City

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 7 AM

What could be better than New York City for the holidays? Join us for a day in New York with time for yourself to enjoy the decorations, window shop, and view the excellent exhibitions at MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. An experienced Smithsonian representative will be available for suggestions on the best sites.
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Attic Sale 2009

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10 AM – 4 PM

Get in the holiday spirit and get all of your shopping done at deep discounts! Year after year the popular Attic Sale offers unique gifts from Asia that are just right for the whole family, from colorful scarves and handmade textiles to unusual books, CDs, toys, and much more. With the Shops’ unbeatable prices, you spend less and get so much more this holiday season.

Mark James's Christopher's Little Airplane: Book Signing

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Mark James signs copies of his children's book and coloring book Christopher's Little Airplane.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

CANCELED - Tahir Rahman's We Came in Peace for All Mankind: Book Signing

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10 AM – 5:30 PM

3-Day Family Program: Foodways of the Americas

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Celebrate the foodways of the Americas with food demonstrations, hands-on activities, and much more. The unique foods of the Americas — from chilies to chocolate and many more — travelled across the hemisphere and beyond through complex trade routes and made contributions to the entire world. Presented in collaboration with the museum's Mitsitam Cafe.

More info: americanindian.si.edu…

Saturday Morning Cartoons

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

The museum celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with activities for the entire family:

10 AM-12 Noon: Try your hand at educational activities and take a family tour (Potomac Atrium).

10:30 AM-12 Noon: Enjoy family-friendly cartoons from from the award-winning Wapos Bay and Raven Tales series (Mitsitam Cafe). Note: Breakfast specials will be offered from 10-11 AM.

William P. Suitor's Rocketbelt Pilot's Manual: Book Signing

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 11 AM – 2 PM

William P. Suitor signs copies of his book Rocketbelt Pilot's Manual.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Robert F. Dorr's "Hell Hawks!" and "Air Force One": Book Signings

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 12 – 4 PM

Robert F. Dorr signs copies of his books Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht and Air Force One.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

George Norfleet and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr.: Book Signings

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 1 – 5 PM

George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr. signs copies of his children's book Training the Best.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Ghosts of a Chance

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 2:30 – 6 PM

In this multimedia scavenger hunt, decipher codes, follow treasure maps, send text messages (bring your text enabled cell phone), and uncover hidden objects. Allow approximately 90 minutes to complete the hunt.

Metro Mambo: Latin Music in D.C.

Saturday, November 28, 2009, 3 – 5 PM

The D.C.’s Latin jazz and dance music scene have long reflected Washington at its most diverse, involving many African-American bandleaders, such as Hedrick Mitchell and Maria Rodriguez, starting in the 1950s. Today, join radio personality Jim Byers, host of WPFW 89.3 FM’s “Latin Flavor: Classic Edition,” for this program highlighting a multicultural Latin music scene that has thrived with quiet intensity and great popularity in the nation’s capital.

More info: anacostia.si.edu…

Attic Sale 2009

Sunday, November 29, 2009, 10 AM – 4 PM

Get in the holiday spirit and get all of your shopping done at deep discounts! Year after year the popular Attic Sale offers unique gifts from Asia that are just right for the whole family, from colorful scarves and handmade textiles to unusual books, CDs, toys, and much more. With the Shops’ unbeatable prices, you spend less and get so much more this holiday season.