Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Ocean Topics Cart Chat
Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics? Come and find one of our Ocean Educators to explore some of the latest discoveries in marine science, stationed at an interactive cart in the Sant Ocean Hall.
Image Credit: Phillip R. Lee, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, May 1, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Dive Into Your National Marine Sanctuaries!
Have you ever wanted to explore a shipwreck or see a giant humpback whale breaching above the waves? Your national marine sanctuaries offer the opportunity to see some of the world's most breathtaking marine ecosystems and species! Sanctuary habitats include beautiful coral reefs, lush kelp forests, whale migration corridors, spectacular deep-sea canyons, and underwater archaeological sites. Sanctuaries span more than 629,000 square miles and act as natural classrooms, cherished recreational spots, and valuable areas for commercial industries. Come explore with us and dive into your national marine sanctuaries!
Presented by:
Dr. Danielle Becker, Marine Scientist and Educator, NOAA Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, NOAA National Ocean Service Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Eleri Griffiths, Marine Scientist and Educator, NOAA Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, NOAA Office of Education
Photo credits: Joe Hoyt/NOAA, Matt McIntosh/NOAA.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Diving Deep into the Ocean’s Twilight Zone
The twilight zone is home to the most abundant fish species on the planet, like myctophids and bristlemouths. Some of these fish, along with other twilight zone animals, perform a daily vertical migration that may be the largest migration on the planet. Come discover these creatures and learn why they’re important to other marine animals and even to us humans!
Dr. Helena McMonagle, Ocean Scientist, University of Washington
Image Credits: Marley Parker.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Problematic Powerhouse: The Green Crab Invasion from Coast-to-Coast
Carcinus maenas—the “raving mad crab”—is a nonnative species disrupting ecosystems on both U.S. coasts. First spotted on the East Coast in the 1800s, green crabs outcompete native species, damage fisheries, and spread fast. Now found across the West Coast, their impacts are growing. Learn how researchers, communities, and you can help protect coastal habitats from this invader.
Presented by: Aina Hori, Knauss Marine Policy Fellow, NOAA Sea Grant
Image credit: Aina Hori.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Friday, May 2, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
The World and Me: Amphibian Week Kickoff Celebration with the USDA Forest Service and Friends!
Learn more about your place in the world through explorations of nature and culture.
Come celebrate Amphibian Week with a special kickoff event at The World & Me inside Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center! Join us Saturday, May 3rd, as we learn about amphibians with our friends from the USDA Forest Service, US Geological Survey, and more. Families with learners of all ages will be invited to explore different stations, see live amphibians, and explore play, art, and related museum collections.
This is a drop-in event. Families can drop in anytime from 10:00am - 12:30pm and stay for as long as your family would like. No registration is required. Cost: Free.
Location: Meet at the entrace of Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Q?rius is located next to the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the National Museum of Natural History
Join us for The International Day of Women and Girls in Science event! From studying ancient reptiles of the past to how creatures are helping clean up the bottom of the sea, our experts have something to share that is sure to spark curiosity and wonder in our visitors.
Experts from the National Museum of Natural History will be featured at special carts in the following 1st floor exhibits: Sant Ocean Hall , David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time , David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins , Kenneth E Behring Family Hall of Mammals, Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail NMNHAccessibility@si.edu.
Image Information (credit): Photo by James Di Loreto, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor Exhibits. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science Symposium
Please join the National Museum of Natural History on the rescheduled date of Monday, May 5, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Symposium, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Baird Auditorium, Ground Floor, Hybrid Event*
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on May 5, 2025, with a symposium from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Baird Auditorium, and also being streamed online, and family friendly activities in the museum suited for learners of all ages from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Symposium Agenda
Focusing on the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet and Mysteries of the Universe initiatives, the symposium will feature presentations from Smithsonian scientists who work on topics ranging from outer space to the deepest ocean and everything in between as well as an evening networking reception. We will hear from experts who are early in their career as well as world renowned career…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Ground Floor, Baird Auditorium. Online Link: https://video.ibm.com/channel/smithsonian-national-museum-of-natural-history. Cost: Free. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/94341187/. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Webcasts & Online. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, May 5, 2025, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
For more info visit naturalhistory.si.edu. Life of a Sailor
Have you ever wondered what a sailor's life was like on a traditional wooden ship? Full of hardship and adventure alike, a seagoing life sometimes offered better opportunities than people could find on land. Join our visiting expert to learn about how water has shaped the lives of sailors from the past and present alike. Trace the evolution of sailing from the tall ships of history to the modern ships of today, compare traditional sailing tools with their modern counterparts, test your knot-tying skills, and more!
Presented by: Nick Iannacone, Program Coordinator, Department of Maritime Education, Living Classrooms.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Amphibian Week Celebration!
Help us continue the Amphibian Week celebration with this week's Play Date at NMNH.
Tuesday, May 6th is all about amphibians! Families will learn make observations of different specimens, create their own amphibian-inspired artwork, and build different amphibian homes through play.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Reef Tank Talk
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip Lee, Smithsonian.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Lights, Color, Action!
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, May 13th, is all about exploring bioluminescent animals! Did you know that many animals in the ocean (and even some animals on land) are able to produce and give off light? Living organisms that can produce and emit light are called bioluminescent. During this Play Date at NMNH, families will learn reasons why bioluminescence might be important, make observations of different bioluminescent animals, and play with light in different ways. We also are excited to welcome our educator friends from the National Postal Museum to this Play Date. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play, art, and exploration!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Natural History on the Big Screen: Why Dinosaurs?
From prestigious museums and universities, to blockbuster films, amusement park rides, video games, and toys--dinosaurs have always fascinated us. But, why? Why Dinosaurs? a film by Pinto Productions, follows dino-obsessed youth James Pinto and his filmmaker father Tony on a journey around the globe, interviewing world-renowned paleontologists about the latest dinosaur research, digging up 150-million-year-old bones, and encountering dinosaur fanatics of all walks of life. Together they track down the filmmakers behind Jurassic Park and Jurassic World, see the world’s largest dinosaur toy collection, and attempt to discover why everybody loves dinosaurs! Join the National Museum of Natural History for a film screening and discussion of Why Dinosaurs? Following the film, Sant Director Kirk Johnson moderates a conversation and audience Q&A with co-directors Tony and James Pinto, co-host of PBS Eons and University of Montana Collections Manager Kallie Moore, and Wyoming paleontologist and author Jessica…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History (Ground Floor). Cost: Free; registration is required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/96890329/natural-history-on-the-big-screenwhy-dinosaurs-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: After Five. Lectures & Discussions. Films. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Science on a Sphere
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Science on a Sphere
Come explore our blue planet with NMNH Ocean Educators. Through NOAA’s Science on a Sphere technology, you’ll encounter a series of interactive visualizations projected on the Sant Ocean Hall’s giant globe. Watch sea turtles migrate coast to coast, track ships through global waters in real-time, explore the changing climate patterns shaping our planet, and much more!
Photo credit: Jennifer Renteria, Smithsonian Institution.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Monday, May 19, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Coral Reef Tank Talk
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip Lee, Smithsonian.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Keeping Up With Human Evolution
The study of human origins is changing rapidly, not only in what we know but in how we come to know it. Much of our knowledge about early humans has come from slow, painstaking study, but this field also holds plenty of surprises based on new evidence and new methods. What can a mere science-adjacent writer do to help the interested public keep track of it all?
Sandra J. Ackerman, a Contributing Editor to American Scientist Magazine, will discuss some of the challenges and rewards that come with writing about human evolution for nonspecialist readers.
Moderator: Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist and educator at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
This program is part of the ongoing HOT (Human Origins Today) Topic series and will be presented as a Zoom video webinar. A link will be emailed to all registrants.
Photo credit: Chip Clark/Smithsonian Institution.
Event Location: Online; Internet connection required. Cost: Free; Registration Required. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/48108999/keeping-up-with-human-evolution-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Webcasts & Online. Accessibility: Captioning.
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
For more info visit www.etix.com. Coral Reef Tank Talk
Swim by the Sant Ocean Hall to meet some of the coral reef species that call the Smithsonian NMNH home! Hosted by an Ocean Educator, this interactive cart experience will walk you through the world of saltwater fish, coral colonies, and invertebrates galore!
Image Credit: Phillip Lee, Smithsonian.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11:00 PM – Friday, May 23, 2025, 12:00 AM.
National Mall Bird Walk
As we have since 2022, the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum will host spring bird walks on the National Mall and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden. We are teaming up with DC Bird Alliance, so gather your family and friends and join us for some fun as we celebrate nature in the Nation’s Capital — no experience or equipment required.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Steps to main entrance of the National Museum of Natural History at Madison Drive NW and 10th Street (south side on the Mall). Cost: Free. Registration is required. Register. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/68323933/national-mall-bird-walk-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Workshops. Related Events: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden Bird Walk, May 31st. Related Exhibition: Birds of DC, Ground Floor.
Saturday, May 24, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Play Date at NMNH: Marvelous Meteorites
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, May 27th, is all about exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of objects out in space! Families can learn about and make close observations of meteorites from our collection, explore different colors of planets, and create your own play telescope. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5) and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome.
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum. Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden Bird Walk
As we have since 2022, the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum will host spring bird walks on the National Mall and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Garden. We are teaming up with DC Bird Alliance, so gather your family and friends and join us for some fun as we celebrate nature in the Nation’s Capital — no experience or equipment required.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Visitor Center (outside), 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20019. Cost: Free. Registration is required. Click here to register. Get Tickets/Register: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/59063230/kenilworth-park-and-aquatic-garden-bird-walk-washington-national-museum-of-natural-history. Categories: Workshops. Kids & Families. Related Events: National Mall Bird Walk, May 24th. Related Exhibition: Birds of DC, Ground Floor.
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
World Ocean Day
Celebrate World Ocean Day with the National Museum of Natural History on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Join ocean scientists, researchers, and educators in the Sant Ocean Hall for an exciting series of interactive experiences celebrating our blue planet and exploring all the ways science and community action can connect us to our waterways.
See the full list of the museum's World Ocean Day events.
Photo credit: Teodor Drobota on Unsplash.
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free and open to the public. Categories: Celebrations. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
World Ocean Day Play Date: "Don't Eat the Cleaners" with Susan Stockdale
Join us for a special edition of Play Date for World Ocean Day featuring a story time with special guest author and artist, Susan Stockdale!
We are so excited to welcome Susan Stockdale to read and demonstrate how she created her new picture book, Don’t Eat the Cleaners! – the ninth book she has written and illustrated with the research assistance of our very own museum’s scientists. Children will learn how ocean animals visit “cleaning stations” at coral reefs around the world. While there, tiny but mighty cleaner fish and shrimp remove their pesky parasites in return for a tasty meal. And animals ranging from manta rays to sharks must remember the golden rule if they want a washing by the scrubbing crew: Don’t Eat the Cleaners! Susan will engage children as “picture detectives” to uncover the changes she made from her first sketches to her final, splashy illustrations, and encourage them to create their own books! Museum educators will also be facilitating multiple hands-on stations throughout the Sant…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, The Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Shopping/Book Signing.
Thursday, June 5, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Mineral Rainbow
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
On Tuesday, June 10th, we will be exploring color with minerals! Come play, make art, and make up-close observations of colorful mineral specimens.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families
Location: This program is held in Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, on the Ground Floor of the museum. Please enter through the Constitution Avenue entrance. Q?rius is located on the right as you enter the museum.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or audio-description are available with advanced notice. However, accommodations may not be possible with less than two-weeks advanced notice. To request this service, please call (202) 633-5238 or e-mail NMNHAccessibility@si.edu. Image: Tectosilicate Mineral Amethyst
Image copyright:…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center (Ground Floor). Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Play Date at NMNH: Colorful Corals
Join us on Tuesdays for special family play dates with museum educators!
Tuesday, June 24th is all about exploring coral reefs! Families will learn about coral polyps (the tiny animals that help to build-up the reef), create their own artwork inspired by coral reefs, and look up close at coral specimens from the museum’s collection.
The event is part of our drop-in program, Play Date at NMNH. Play Date at NMNH is a program designed for early learners (ages 0-5), their caregivers, and families.
Location: This program is held in the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall on the 1st floor of the museum. Please note that space is dependent on the location of that week's event. Some locations have less capacity than others. It is possible that the program might be at capacity when you arrive. If this happens, please enjoy other areas of the museum and try again later in the program.
Accessibility: Access services such as American Sign Language interpretation, real-time captioning (CART), or…
Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st Floor, Explorer Theater in Sant Ocean Hall. Cost: Free. Categories: Kids & Families. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM.