Smithsonian Events - One Time

CANCELED - Let's Read about Africa

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

CANCELED - DISCOVERY THEATER, Petit Fete: A Discovery Theater Mardis Gras

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:15 AM

CANCELED - DISCOVERY THEATER, Petit Fete: A Discovery Theater Mardis Gras

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:30 AM

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Artful Animals Workshop

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

(for ages 6 and up) Art educator Karen O. Brown introduces young audiences to African art forms. Bring home a masterpiece!

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Friday, February 12, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

Sounds of Africa

Friday, February 12, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

(for ages 6 and up) Young audiences play a variety of African instruments with Ugandan musician Daniel Ssuuna as they learn about African polyrhythms and syncopation.

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Friday, February 12, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

Family Day: African American Pioneers in Aviation

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10 AM – 3 PM

Meet some of the original Tuskegee Airmen, try hands-on activities, and enjoy a story time. Celebrates Black History Month.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

The Power of Chocolate

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

The Latin botanical name Theobroma cacao -- translated "food of the gods" -- for the cocoa tree was aptly named, as the Maya and and Aztec peoples considered chocolate a "food of the gods." Today, learn about the culture of chocolate, its history, and its place in contemporary society through hands-on activities that include drawing the Mayan glyph for "cacao," embroidering a Kuna mola, and grinding your own cacao beans to froth hot chocolate.

See Web site below for 10% discount coupon at the Mitsitam Cafe (valid Feb. 13-14).

More info: www.nmai.si.edu…

Traditional Afro-Mexican Dance

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10:30 AM

Noted Washington, D.C., dancer and choreographer Carol Foster (founder of the D.C. Youth Ensemble) leads a workshop on traditional dances performed in the Veracruz and Costa Chica regions of Mexico. These dances were inspired by African cultural legacy.

Family Day: Presidents Day

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 3 PM

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery host their 5th annual Presidential Family Day! Celebrate Presidents Day with music, storytelling, hands-on art projects, a scavenger hunt, and encounters with several “special guests.”

George Norfleet and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr.: Book Signings

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 12 – 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.

Phil Bildner and John Holyfield: Halleluja Flight : Book Signings

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 1 – 3 PM

Phil Bildner and John Holyfield sign copies of their children's book Halleluja Flight.

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

Helen Thomas and Craig Crawford: Book Signings

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 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 Listen Up, Mr. President! Everything You Always Wanted Your President to Know and Do. The book provides advice and cautionary examples from recent and historic presidents. Thomas also signs copies of her children's book The Great White House Breakout.

ImaginAsia: Heart-to-Heart

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 1 – 3 PM

(Open house for all ages) While listening to traditional love songs from Asia, create origami hearts to give to family and special friends on Valentine’s Day.

Make a Photo Valentine for the Ocean!

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 1 – 3 PM

Take of photograph of yourself and something you love about the ocean. Take a Valentine’s Day heart and strike a pose in The Sant Ocean Hall. Share your pictures with others by uploading it to our Facebook Page.

More info: facebook.com…

Kem Knapp Sawyer: Book Signing

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 2 – 4 PM

Kem Knapp Sawyer signs her children’s books on Harriet Tubman, Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Lucretia Mott.

The Power of Chocolate

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

The Latin botanical name Theobroma cacao -- translated "food of the gods" -- for the cocoa tree was aptly named, as the Maya and and Aztec peoples considered chocolate a "food of the gods." Today, learn about the culture of chocolate, its history, and its place in contemporary society through hands-on activities that include drawing the Mayan glyph for "cacao," embroidering a Kuna mola, and grinding your own cacao beans to froth hot chocolate.

See Web site below for 10% discount coupon at the Mitsitam Cafe (valid Feb. 13-14).

More info: www.nmai.si.edu…

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

ImaginAsia: Heart-to-Heart

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 1 – 3 PM

(Open house for all ages) While listening to traditional love songs from Asia, create origami hearts to give to family and special friends on Valentine’s Day.

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 10 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 10:40 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 11:20 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

Artful Animals Workshop

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

(for ages 6 and up) Art educator Karen O. Brown introduces young audiences to African art forms. Bring home a masterpiece!

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:40 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Builder Bill

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:20 AM

Ages 4-9
An interactive Meet the Museum program at the National Building Museum.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Friday, February 19, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

Sounds of Africa

Friday, February 19, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

(for ages 6 and up) Young audiences play a variety of African instruments with Ugandan musician Daniel Ssuuna as they learn about African polyrhythms and syncopation.

DISCOVERY THEATER Sit Down. Stand Up!

Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ages 6 and up
Meet the Museum at American History: The Story of the Student Sit-Ins, Greensboro, North Carolina.
View more details

Family Day: African American Pioneers in Aviation

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 10 AM – 3 PM

Meet some of the original Tuskegee Airmen, try hands-on activities, and enjoy a story time. For a schedule of today's activities, click on the Web link below. Celebrates Black History Month.

More info: www.nasm.si.edu…

Mardi Gras Day: Veracruz Carnaval

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 11 AM – 3 PM

This year's Mardi Gras celebration includes the traditions of Mexico and New Orleans. The whole family is invited to a day of storytelling, arts-and-crafts workshops, live music, and dance demonstrations.

Note: This event was originally scheduled to take place Sat., Feb. 6.

Black History Month Family Celebration

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 11 AM – 3 PM

Fifty years ago, a few African American college students sat down at a “whites only” lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This landmark of the American Civil Rights movement was commemorated on a U.S. postage stamp. In addition to learning about the struggle for equal rights through postage stamps, try out activities related to the history of African Americans in the postal service.

Note: The Greensboro lunch counter is on view at the American History Museum.

More info: www.postalmuseum.si.edu…

George Norfleet and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr.: Book Signings

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 12 – 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.

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

ImaginAsia: The Texture of Night: Etchings by James McNeill Whistler

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 2 PM

(Ages 8-14 with adult companion) Illustrate your favorite real or imaginary nighttime scene. Enter the world of Whistler’s Nocturnes paintings, pastels, and etchings of London, Amsterdam, and Venice while listening to the music of Chopin’s Nocturnes.

Ghosts of a Chance

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 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.

Wild Side Stage

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 11 AM – 12 PM

Flock, hop, scamper, and swing on over to the Zoo this winter for Friends of the National Zoo's new Wild Side Stage performance series for children.

Bring the whole family for shows by acclaimed, award-winning musicians, dancers, storytellers, and puppeteers from around the country. Join us for special visits to animal houses, where you'll get a chance to meet and greet animal keepers as well as animals featured in the performances!

On February 21, Wild Side Stage features Lucas Miller. Miller has been recognized as an "American Masterpiece" by the National Endowment for the Arts. Get ready to do "The Anaconda La Bamba" along with the Singing Zoologist. Also, boogie on down to the Zoo's no-bone-zone—the Invertebrate Exhibit.

Wild Side Stage performances take place in the National Zoo's Visitor Center Auditorium on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can visit the accompanying animal exhibit before or after the performance, as early as 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Please note that these visits do not include direct contact with animals.)

More info: nationalzoo.si.edu…

Art a la Cart: Family Program

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 1 – 4 PM

(for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, and bottle caps at interactive carts.

More info: www.americanart.si.edu…

Wild Side Stage

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 1 – 2 PM

Flock, hop, scamper, and swing on over to the Zoo this winter for Friends of the National Zoo's new Wild Side Stage performance series for children.

Bring the whole family for shows by acclaimed, award-winning musicians, dancers, storytellers, and puppeteers from around the country. Join us for special visits to animal houses, where you'll get a chance to meet and greet animal keepers as well as animals featured in the performances!

On February 21, Wild Side Stage features Lucas Miller. Miller has been recognized as an "American Masterpiece" by the National Endowment for the Arts. Get ready to do "The Anaconda La Bamba" along with the Singing Zoologist. Also, boogie on down to the Zoo's no-bone-zone—the Invertebrate Exhibit.

Wild Side Stage performances take place in the National Zoo's Visitor Center Auditorium on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can visit the accompanying animal exhibit before or after the performance, as early as 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. (Please note that these visits do not include direct contact with animals.)

More info: nationalzoo.si.edu…

ImaginAsia: The Texture of Night: Etchings by James McNeill Whistler

Sunday, February 21, 2010, 2 PM

(Ages 8-14 with adult companion) Illustrate your favorite real or imaginary nighttime scene. Enter the world of Whistler’s Nocturnes paintings, pastels, and etchings of London, Amsterdam, and Venice while listening to the music of Chopin’s Nocturnes.

Let's Read about Africa

Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 10:30 – 11:30 AM

(for ages 6 and up) Storyteller Diane Macklin introduces young audiences to Africa through children's literature by award-winning authors.

DISCOVERY THEATER Diane Macklin: Griot Storyteller

Thursday, February 25, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 3-8
Diane Macklin weaves stories old and new from the African American Diaspora.
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DISCOVERY THEATER Diane Macklin: Griot Storyteller

Thursday, February 25, 2010, 11:30 AM

Ages 3-8
Diane Macklin weaves stories old and new from the African American Diaspora.
View more details

DISCOVERY THEATER Diane Macklin: Griot Storyteller

Friday, February 26, 2010, 10:15 AM

Ages 3-8
Diane Macklin weaves stories old and new from the African American Diaspora.
View more details