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At the Smithsonian

Star gaze with the Smithsonian at the Saturday Star Party.

Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways

This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker

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Underwater Light Show: The Wonders of Bioluminescence

Dr. Edith Widder has made a career documenting and studying the amazing phenomenon that lights up the dark sea

Eleanor Roosevelt and Marian Anderson in Japan

Marian Anderson: Freedom Singer and Mentor To Generations

How a gifted black singer transformed opera and the nation through a lifetime of giving

Matchbook in the shape of a folded men’s shirt, with incised checkerboard-patterned weave, cuffs and bib, smiling child’s head peering out from opening at collar. Reverse inscribed “New York Clothing House, 102 & 104 Baltimore St., Baltimore.” Upper curved section swings open to reveal match compartment, c. mid-19th century.

Favorites From the Cooper-Hewitt’s New Online Collection

The museum’s clothing and textiles are unwrapped for view as never before

Retired Major General Ken Weir will present a special lecture at the Air and Space Museum.

Events November 6-8: Mark Catesby’s Wildlife, Wintering Insects and a U-2 Pilot

This week, celebrate the British illustrator’s 300th anniversary, learn about how insects survive the season and hear from a U-2 pilot

Local hip-hop artist Substantial will perform at the American Art Museum.

Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music

This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial

According to oral tradition, the Mayflower Pilgrims landed near Plymouth Rock in 1620—but first-person accounts of their arrival make no mention of it.

Did the Pilgrims Really Land on Plymouth Rock and More Questisons From our Readers

Where do hurricanes start, the Big Bang, sea gulls and other answers from the Smithsonian’s experts

The first page of Theodore Roosevelt's speech that was damaged when a bullet tore through it.

The Speech That Saved Teddy Roosevelt’s Life

Campaigning for president, Roosevelt was spared almost certain death when 50 pieces of paper slowed an assailant’s bullet headed for his chest

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What Does it Mean to be Seriously Amazing?

The Smithsonian’s secretary introduces the Institution’s new campaign to highlight its best and most innovative work

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Discussion

Discussion

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Hints and Honors

The Great American History Puzzle lives on! Now complete with helpful hints and full explanations of answers! Plus, our Honor Roll of solvers

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PHOTOS: The Great Pumpkin Has Risen

From delicate nature studies to fiberglass sculpture, pumpkins have a prominent place in the collections

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Pandas and the Other Animals Chill-Axing at the Zoo. Museums and Zoo Open Tomorrow

Hurricane Over. Tomorrow its Back to Increasing and Diffusing Here at the Smithsonian

We love candy, to eat and to look at. Big Suckers, from the portfolio Seven Still Lifes and a Silver Landscape. Wayne Thiebaud, 1971.

Candy From Halloween’s Past

From candy’s lackluster beginnings to the Halloween boom, Smithsonian shares some tricks and treats

William H. Johnson donated his work to the American Art Museum, allowing for a look at the growing legacy of the late artist.

Events Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Empires, Spooky Stories and American Artists

This week, a look at changing relationships with Latin America, Halloween stories and the rise of the late William H. Johnson

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UPDATE: ALL Smithsonian Museums and the Zoo Remain Closed on Tuesday

From the Zoo’s many critters to the Castle’s chimneys, the Smithsonian prepares for severe weather

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PHOTOS: Baby Dama Gazelle Makes Her Debut

A new addition to the dama gazelle herd made her debut this Wednesday at the National Zoo

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To Grow an Orchid, It Takes a Village, … And Some Fungus

An orchid bloom, so delicate and elegant, arises out of a complex symbiotic relationship with, of all things, fungi. It’s a classic case of beauty and the beast, or gorgeous meets gross. But the fundamental relationship between the much-admired botanical family known as the Orchidaceae, which make up more than ten percent of the world’s […]

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Sneak Peek at “FOOD: Transforming the American Table, 1950-2000″

Set to open Nov. 20, the new exhibit explores the diversity and development of American food cultures

Spooky fun for everyone at the Zoo

Events October 26-28: Boo at the Zoo, Dinner and a Movie and Trunk Shows

This weekend, trick or treat your way through the Zoo, take a trip to the remote Russian Chukchi community and pick up some crafted fashions

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