Aug

Sailor, statesman, symbol: Reflecting on John McCain and the Vietnam War

Arizona Senator John S. McCain III bid the nation farewell on August 25. For 60 years, McCain served the country either as a naval officer or as an elected official. The National Museum of American History asked curator Frank Blazich Jr. to reflect on the remarkable career of a man indelibly marked—like the country he served—by the Vietnam War. Continue reading Sailor, statesman, symbol: Reflecting on John McCain and the Vietnam War

Aug

ICYMI: HIghlights from the week that was August 12 – August 18, 2018

Sharks are thriving despite climate change and your kitty is probably plotting to kill you in your sleep. But in the midst of a rough week, we can take comfort in Julia Child’s cooking. Continue reading ICYMI: HIghlights from the week that was August 12 – August 18, 2018

Aug

Chase Robinson to assume leadership of the Freer and Sackler Galleries

Robinson, a noted scholar of Islamic history and culture, will become director Dec. 10. Continue reading Chase Robinson to assume leadership of the Freer and Sackler Galleries

Aug

ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was August 5 – August 11, 2018

This week we sought deeper understanding of the cosmos, our creativity, our cruelty and of the creatures with whom we share the planet. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was August 5 – August 11, 2018

Aug

How do you tell a thirsty elephant not to take a drink?

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?

Aug

The impulse to innovate is the focus of an inventive new display

Human beings have been trying to build a better mousetrap since the first caveman caught the first field mouse stealing a scrap. A new display at the Smithsonian Castle highlights our restless spirit of invention. Continue reading The impulse to innovate is the focus of an inventive new display

Aug

Sidedoor: The Curse of the Hope Diamond

The third season of our acclaimed podcast opens with the tale of a coveted blue gem and a curse that crossed continents and centuries. Continue reading Sidedoor: The Curse of the Hope Diamond

Aug

ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July 29 – August 4, 2018

We went looking for life forms in the depths of the oceans and at the limits of the universe this week. After all that heavy cogitation we rewarded ourselves with a beer. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July 29 – August 4, 2018

Jul

ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July 22 – July 28, 2018

There was all sorts of important news about discoveries on Mars and at Jamestown this week, but we were too busy cooing over cheetah cubs to notice. Continue reading ICYMI: Highlights from the week that was July 22 – July 28, 2018

Jul