When D.C. Water announced possible contamination of the city’s water supply last month, it was an irritating nuisance for residents, but for staff at the National Zoo, responsible for animals who consume thousands of gallons of water a day, the alert was a dangerous emergency. Continue reading How do you tell a thirsty elephant not to take a drink?
It took Magellan four years to circle the globe, but we can cross oceans in hours and reach the other side of the world in a day. But just as diseases such as smallpox and measles and chicken pox hitched a ride with early explorers to wreak havoc in the New World, globalization means that worldwide pandemics can be just an airplane flight away. A new exhibition offers insight and practical advice into avoiding global epidemics. Continue reading Going viral: OUTBREAK weighs the risk of epidemics in a connected world
Nothing says summer on the Chesapeake Bay like crabs. The Environmental Research Center is looking for volunteers to do some serious crabbing–but you’ll probably want to forgo the drawn butter and Old Bay. Continue reading Citizen Scientists help tackle creepy threat to native crabs
Nothing says summer on the Chesapeake Bay like crabs. The Environmental Research Center is looking for volunteers to do some serious crabbing–but you’ll probably want to forgo the drawn butter and Old Bay. Continue reading Citizen Scientists help tackle creepy threat to native crabs
Amy Rogers Nazarov offers a sneak peek at this year’s festival, a beloved Washington tradition for locals and tourists alike. Continue reading Armenian, Catalan Cultures Fill Mall at This Year’s Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian may be almost 200 years old, but that doesn’t mean we have to act like it. Local teens and students from around the country are chiming in on museum matters and helping us stay relevant in a digital world.
NMAAHC’s Mary Elliott brings grace and gravity to her work helping museum visitors broaden their understanding of the causes and consequences of slavery.
Several museums will debut humanoid robots this month that will interact with visitors and expand the museum-going experience. Continue reading A peck of Peppers prepare for parameter-pushing public program
Curator Theresa McCulla interprets American culture through the history of our long love affair with beer and brewing. Continue reading Tapping into beer culture
UPDATED WITH VIDEO. The grand reopening of the Freer and Sackler galleries this weekend features new exhibitions, an outdoor festival and a more cohesive visitor experience. Don’t miss the spectacular video projection created especially for the reopening! Continue reading Where Asia Meets America
The Smithsonian's 12th collaboration with USA Today honors American veterans. Continue reading America’s Veterans: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice
Secretary Bunch announces a generous gift from Lily Endowment to fund the Smithsonian's celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. Continue reading A new $40 million grant will fund America’s 250th programming and events
After three decades answering visitors' questions, is there anything she doesn't know about the Smithsonian? Continue reading Bridget Balog celebrates 30 years with the Smithsonian
Meet the newest member of the OVS staff: An enthusiastic historian and writer with a touch of Army discipline. Continue reading Introducing Troy Huber
The Office of Visitor Services is excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new season of volunteer Smithsonian Ambassadors! Continue reading Ambassadors needed to meet visitors where they are
