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The Potomac is the setting of filmmaker Alexandra Cousteau’s documentary about managing urban waterways.

Events November 20-22: A Nation’s River, Observations and Festive Foods

This week, Alexandra Cousteau discusses the Potomac, kids can gaze at the skies and the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled Thanksgiving

Confederate soldiers stand defiant before a Union general, even after the war is over. Winslow Homer, Prisoners from the Front, 1866.

At American Art: A New Look on How Artists Recorded the Civil War

A groundbreaking exhibit presents the Civil War through the eyes of artists uncertain of the conflict’s outcome, shedding fresh light on the events

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Staring at the Sun: It’s NOT a “Mass of Incandescent Gas”

Solar astrophysicist Mark Weber presents new research about that “miasma of incandescent plasma” at the Air and Space Museum

A still from Ang Lee’s film shows the young woman at the center of the plot to assassinate a man.

Events November 16-18: Ang Lee, Muscogee and Thelonious Monk, Jr.

This weekend, watch an Ang Lee classic, celebrate American Indian Heritage Month and listen to the famous musician’s son perform

Jason Moran: Making Jazz Personal

How a MacArthur Genius Fellow is using his life experience and musical genius to engge youth in jazz

Once the king of the road, the Conestoga Wagon could haul up to five tons of cargo.

Going West: The American History Museum’s Conestoga Wagon is a Must-See

An iconic piece of history comes out of storage just in time for Thanksgiving visitors

Get a virtual (and sign up for a real) tour of the State Department’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms.

Events November 13-15: Art Labs, Diplomats and Nixon Policy Players

Get artsy, tour the state department’s reception rooms and hear from officials central to Nixon’s self-determination policies for American Indians

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

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

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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

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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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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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Scientific Illustrations: Your Go-To Guides for Halloween Costumes

The details are what separate a good outfit from an amazing one. The images in the Biodiversity Heritage Library can help you make the leap

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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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