The famous Apollo 13 mission wasn’t the first time Houston had a problem. Listen to the latest episode of Sidedoor and learn about the courage of the crew of Apollo 12 in the face of heart-stopping danger. Continue reading Sidedoor: Apollo 12’s Really Close Call
Dynamite proves to be a tool of both art and terror in this edition of Sidedoor. Continue reading Sidedoor: Dynamite!
Can you smell the past? No, not the lingering aroma of the guy who last sat in your subway seat, but something more elusive: the scent of a long-extinct flower. Continue reading Sidedoor: This Episode Smells
In a fitting tribute to the late NPR journalist Cokie Roberts, National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet shares with Sidedoor their recent conversation about the smart, savvy and politically astute first ladies who brought much more to the White House than their skills as hostesses. Continue reading Sidedoor: The woman in the frame
School has started and it’s time for a Smithsonian field trip! This one may be a little different than you remember. Continue reading Sidedoor: Field Trip!
Artist David Levinthal toys with history by creating a dream of America populated by sloe-eyed Barbies, bow-legged cowboys and fast cars with big fins. Listen to his vision on Sidedoor. Continue reading Sidedoor: Memory, Myth & Miniatures
While showy orchids in sometimes impossible colors are a mainstay of the supermarket flower shop, their more demure wild cousins are disappearing. Scientists hope to understand why before it’s too late. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Wild Orchid Mystery
Iconoclastic poet Regie Cabico shares his secrets with Sidedoor. (Hope mom isn’t listening!) Continue reading Sidedoor: Things you’d never tell your parents
Once upon a time, there was a video game so horrible, so loathed, so incredibly bad, that every surviving copy was seized and buried in the desert (probably near Area 51.) Was it an alien attempt to sabotage the gaming industry? Continue reading Sidedoor: The Worst Video Game Ever?
The new “Deep Time” exhibition may demonstrate that the lives of dinosaurs were “nasty, brutish and short.” Apparently, paleontology gets pretty nasty, too. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Dinosaur War
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
