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Native Americans

Juanita Velasco (Ixil Maya) grinds cacao beans into chocolate during the 2011 Power of Chocolate Festival. The Maya and Aztec peoples valued cacao pods as symbols of life, fertility and even currency.

Surprising Chocolate Facts, Just in Time for NMAI’s Power of Chocolate Festival

Attendees will have the opportunity to grind and sample their own chocolate beverages and learn about history and science behind the “food of the gods.”

Indulge and educate yourself at the Power of Chocolate Festival this weekend.

Weekend Events Feb 10-12: Mourning, The Power of Chocolate Festival, and the Emerson String Quartet

How much is the Hope Diamond worth? Ask Smithsonian.

How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers

From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we’ll find an answer

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Giants and Patriots at the Smithsonian

Just in time for the Super Bowl, take a look at giants and patriots of all kinds in the Smithsonian

The American Indian Museum features two daily films through the month of February

Events Jan 31-Feb 2: Draw and Discover, Great Spies of WWII, and February Daily Films

This week, sketch at the Luce Foundation Center, learn about espionage during WWII, and enjoy a Cree film at the American Indian Museum

A still life from Annie Leibovitz's Pilgrimage, on view at the American Art Museum

Events Jan 24-26: Annie Leibovitz’s Pilgrimage, Profile America Forum, and Flights of Fancy

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Curators, Scientific Adventurers and Book Worms to Watch in 2012

Our top ten picks from the Smithsonian Twitterati and blogrolls

Frank Keating comes to sign copies of his book at the American Indian Museum.

Q & A with Governor and Children’s Book Author Frank Keating

We speak with Keating about his career transformation and one of the most overlooked stories in American history

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend

Weekend Events January 13-15: Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday, To the Mountaintop and Native Dance

The Boxleys' totem pole, "The Eagle and the Chief," is currently being completed by the artists on public view in the Potomac Atrium of the American Indian Museum.

The Art of the Totem Pole

A father-and-son duo of master Tsimshian carvers create a totem pole for the American Indian Museum

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Events Jan 3-5: Discovery Room, Creating a Totem Pole and Tarantula Feedings

This week, participate in hands-on science activity, watch a totem pole being made and see live tarantula feedings

According to author John M. Barry, Roger Williams, center, had a great facility with language—a great curiosity for language—and began trading with Indians and trying to learn their language.

John M. Barry on Roger Williams and the Indians

The founder of Rhode Island often helped out the early colonists in their dealings with Native Americans

Meet Oglala Lakota Angela Babby, the creator of "Mountain Chief" and other enameled mosaic works.

Events Dec. 12-15: Seasons of Light, The Expert Is In, Day With the Artists, and Holiday Jazz

This week, see a holiday performance, talk to a bird expert, meet a pair of Native artists, and attend a jazz concert

Heo Yoon Jeong performs on the janggu as part of the Tori Project.

Events Dec. 5-8: Through the Eye of the Needle, Basket Weaving, Holiday Tour, and the Tori Project

This week, see the premiere of a documentary, learn the art of basket weaving, take a holiday tour, and see a groundbreaking musical performance

World War II veteran Chief Joseph Medicine Crow, a featured speaker of the "Native Americans in the Military" panel.

Weekend Events Dec. 2-4: Native Americans in the Military, Dress to Empress Soiree and All About Body Art

Join a panel of Natives who have served in the armed forces, spend the night at an exclusive Chinese-themed soiree, and explore the world of tattoos

Enjoy an evening event at the groundbreaking exhibition "The Bright Beneath."

Events Nov. 28-Dec. 1: Postal Tours, Viva Verdi, Celebrating Roots and The Bright Beneath

Take a guided tour of the Postal Museum, celebrate an opera composer, attend a poetry performance and mingle at the Natural History Museum at night

Learn about the entrepreneurs who operated the Mir Space Station in "Orphans of Apollo."

Weekend Events Nov. 18-20: Moving Beyond Earth, Chile Festival, and Exploring Colors

This weekend, learn about commercial space travel, celebrate Chile’s Native heritage, and examine the meaning of color with an expert

Come to Wednesday's panel discussion of works from "Multiplicity," such as Robert Bechtle's "Sunset Intersection."

Events Nov. 14-17: Tell Jemmeh, The Man Who Sailed Away, Multiplicity and Geography Awareness Week

Learn about an archaeological dig, see a Tlingit legend performed, hear a panel discussion of contemporary artists, and test your knowledge of geography

Stanford Addison, the Arapaho horse whisperer featured in the film, "Silent Thunder."

Events Nov. 7-10: Silent Thunder, Cyborgs, Inventing the Internet and Andy Warhol Cinema

This week, see an inspiring film, learn about the future of biotechnology, hear stories from the Internet’s birth and examine Warhol’s innovative films

Learn about destinations in Chile, such as Torres del Paine National Park.

Events Oct. 31-Nov. 3: Spooky Storytelling, Explore Chile, Lunder Conservation Center, and Sounds of the Dragon

This week, visit a Halloween story session, learn about Chile, get an up-close look at museum conservation, and enjoy a fusion of classical music

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