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Native Americans

Jazz artist Michael “Bags” Davis pays tribute to trumpet legend Kenny Dorham (above, performing in Toronto in 1954) at Thursday night’s Take Five! jazz performance at the American Art Museum.

Events February 19-21: Native Voices, a Modern Silent Film and Trumpet Jazz

This week, watch films by American Indian youths, see Academy Award-winner “The Artist” and snap your fingers to some world-class jazz

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Discussion at the American Indian Museum: Time to Put Racist Mascots to Bed

The panel talk on the controversial practice spilled over in the Twittersphere as people talked about the history of racist mascots and what can be done

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The Director of the Indian Museum Says It’s Time to Retire the Indian Motif in Sports

Are teams like the Indians, the Braves and the Redskins reflecting racial stereotypes?

World-famous poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou talks about her life at the American Indian Museum on Friday.

Events February 1-3: Maya Angelou, Black History Month Festivities and a Teen Poetry Slam

Meet world-renowned Civil Rights poet Maya Angelou, celebrate Black History Month and watch Washington D.C.’s most articulate teens battle in rhyme

Let your horse sleep in today. Smithsonian museums don’t open until noon due to weather.

Museums Delay Opening Due to Weather

Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C. area as well as the National Zoo will open at noon Monday, due to inclement weather

Painting of an Inuit woman with face tattoos, 1654. See a film by an Inuit director attempting to reclaim this tradition in “Tunniit: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos.” Author unknown.

Events January 25-27: Persian Drama, Inuit Face Tattoos and Schubert’s Fantasy

Today, President Barack Obama will take the oath of office for his second term.

Inauguration Day 2013

All you need to know for the day: where to eat, rest and what to see

Japanese taiko drumming, one of a panoply of performances from cultures around the world at this weekend’s Multicultural Festival.

Events January 18-20: A Multicultural Festival, the Voices of Emancipation and the Smithsonian Staff’s Best Photos

This week, travel around the world in one museum, celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and see the world through the Smithsonian staff’s eyes

The six men line up before the parade begins.

Inauguration History

Who Were the Six Native American Chiefs in Teddy Roosevelt’s Inaugural Parade?

Another inauguration, another opportunity to learn more about the men whose presence shocked the country

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How to Win Inauguration Weekend: There’s an App for That

One man won the election, but with free tours and insider information, you can still win the weekend. Plus hours, eating spots and where to rest your feet

Pianist Sarah Fridrich performs this weekend at Luce Unplugged.

Events January 4-7: Talk Back to Historic Figures, Weave the Mayan Way and Unplug with Musicians

A professor from the 19th century will take your questions, a Mayan weaver will craft a keepsake and an Indie group will keep you in the groove

Soon you too will be a knitting sensation after the Renwick’s workshop.

Events January 1-3: Arctic Traditions, Contemporary Art and Stitching Workshops

Travel up North, tour the best of the Hirshhorn and become a crafting sensation all in one week!

‘Straight’ (2008-12) by Ai Weiwei

Events December 28-30: Ai Weiwei, Lincoln and Andy Warhol

Be your own tour guide with the Smithsonian’s Visitors Guide app.

Events December 25-27: Visitor’s Guides, Maya Weaving and Grandma’s Kwanzaa

This week, catch a demonstration and hear stories of celebration, or just tour the museums with our custom-made app

Let these guys bring you a jazzed up holiday season with a Take 5! concert.

Events December 18-20: National Apologies, Robot Face-offs and Jazzy Holidays

Learn about the 2009 official apology to Native Americans, talk with an expert at Air and Space and hear some “post-cool” takes on seasonal classics

Nothing says Smithsonian cheer like ZooLights.

Events December 21-23: Medicinal Tattoos, Dakota 38, and ZooLights

This weekend, learn about the health history behind tattoos, watch one man’s journey to mark the Dakota War and take in the holidazzle at the Zoo

Ai Weiwei’s use of historic materials is the topic of discussion at Friday’s gallery talk at the Hirshhorn.

Events December 14-16: Ai Weiwei’s Ceramics, Mayan Calendar and Stradivari’s Instruments

Learn about the contemporary artist’s use of historic objects, why the world didn’t end and just what’s so special about Stradivari in concert

From the Seattle-based artist, Louie Gong, these “mockups” are ready for your custom design.

Events December 7-9: 3-D Caves, Custom Kicks and Talk-Rock

Catch the hot new virtual reality art project, create your own “mockups” with artist Louie Gong and take in a talk and show with Fire and the Wheel

Prepare to own the holidays with the best handmade gifts you’ve ever made, starting at the Renwick’s handi-hour.

Events November 27-29: Johnny Mercer, Contemporary Middle Eastern Art and Handi-hour

This week, review the musical genius of Capitol Records co-founder, examine identity in Middle Eastern art and start your stitching

Chef Richard Hetzler’s cookbook contains recipes for buffalo chili, wild rice salad and other regional specialties. Photo by Renée Comet.

Mitsitam Chef Shares His Thanksgiving Table

Executive chef at the American Indian Museum’s award-wining cafe, Richard Hetzler, talks holiday menus

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