Lena Richard’s famous gumbo was a legend long before Julia Child attempted a fricassee. Sidedoor explores Richards’ improbable celebrity. Continue reading Sidedoor: America’s Unknown Celebrity Chef
A long-lost photograph helps us see an abolitionist icon as young woman just beginning the hard journey to freedom. Continue reading Sidedoor: Young Harriet
What compels insects that live only a few weeks to make a 3,000-mile migration each year? Find out how they do it in this episode of Sidedoor. Continue reading Monarch Butterflies: The People’s Insect
Bye-bye Blackbird…and lark and robin and finch and wren… Where have all the birds gone? Continue reading Sidedoor: Birds, birds, birds!
Virginia Hall dreamed of being America’s first female ambassador. Instead, she became a spy. A one-legged spy. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Milkmaid Spy
When Playtex met space tech Continue reading Sidedoor: Outer Space and Underwear
You don’t need to be a time traveler to know that the past creates the future. Spend some time with Secretary Bunch as he shares stories of how history inspires us today. Continue reading Sidedoor: Cars, Stars, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Tom Cruise may never play a glamorous postal inspector in an action movie, but these intrepid federal law enforcement officers brought down one of the most infamous swindlers of all time. Continue reading Sidedoor: Ponzi’s scheme
A 3,000-pound masterwork and its female creator were both lost to the mists of time. In this episode, we find them both. Continue reading Sidedoor: Finding Cleopatra
It’s cold enough for ice-skating, so here’s a conversation with Olympic medal-winner Adam Rippon who shares stories of wardrobe malfunctions, the cost of fame and the male private part we didn’t realize was private. Continue reading Sidedoor: Adam Rippon’s Olympic Mesh-capades
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
