Love them or hate them, this year the D.C. metro area is going to encounter a phenomenon that only happens once every 17 years. We will see billions of insects – more specifically, cicadas – crowding our region for a four-to-six-week period in the late spring through early summer. Horticulturist Holly Walker explains this creepy-crawly phenomenon. Continue reading Brood X: The cicadas are coming!
Smithsonian volunteers have learned new skills, taken on new duties, and expanded the reach of the Smithsonian during this unprecedented time. Anne-Marie Gilliland shares just how important volunteers continue to be for the success of the Institution. Continue reading Volunteers are the beating heart of the Smithsonian. COVID hasn’t stopped them.
Deadline for nominations is May 28. Continue reading Call for Nominations: 2021 Distinguished Scholar in the Humanities
On Friday, March 26, Officer Sabrina Lester received a call while working as a gallery attendant at the National Museum of African American History and Culture: Her home was burning. Continue reading Our Smithsonian: From the ashes, a new beginning
Docent Joe Romito describes the challenges of transitioning to Virtual Volunteer Artifact Stations at the popular Udvar-Hazy Center. Continue reading Virtual Docenting at the National Air and Space Museum
Jon Tanon offers a Volunteer Appreciation Month “thank you” to the Smithsonian Transcription Center Continue reading Transcription Explosion
The largest and most colorful cherry blossoms in the history of the National Cherry Blossom Festival have appeared across the Washington, D.C., area several weeks before the peak bloom. Continue reading Art in Bloom
Erina Takeda explains why the cherry blossom is so special to the people of Japan. Continue reading Significance of Sakura: Cherry Blossom Traditions in Japan
Meet Nolan Lewis, Q?Crew Volunteer at the National Museum of Natural History. Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Nolan Lewis
What persuaded a prehistoric apex predator to throw in its lot with humans, evolving into the domesticated, dependable Doge we know today? Continue reading Smithsonian Voices: Meet the Scientist Studying How Dogs Evolved From Predator to Pet
Join Taliia Smith of the Office of Public Relations' Social Media team as she celebrates Teacher's Appreciation Day by appreciating some teachers. Continue reading Celebrating Smithsonian Educators
We are reevaluating and working to improve the survey to better meet the needs of both staff and leadership. Continue reading Update on the 2025 Smithsonian Employee Perspective Survey
The Smithsonian Excellence in Digital Awards acknowledge, honor, and elevate outstanding staff achievements across a variety of digital disciplines Continue reading Nominations are now open for the 2025 Excellence in Digital Awards
Brachman brings 20 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the private sector to her new role. Continue reading Anne Brachman named new director of the Office of Government Relations
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." - Muhammad Ali Continue reading Volunteer Spotlight: Maureen Bryant’s half-century of service
