Museum doors may be closed at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enlighten your mind while at home. Whether you’re a history buff or a space enthusiast, there’s something for you to learn this month, thanks to the Smithsonian Institution and its dedicated staff. Find out about it all, below.
Hand Sewing for Mindful Reflection
Monday, June 1, 11 a.m.-noon
For those who have taken to sewing while at home, this webcast hosted by Smithsonian staff will enhance your skills as you create a textile panel featuring a spiral design, inspiring reflection during this uncertain time.
Video Webinar: Live with Jellyfish
Monday, June 1, 11-11:30 a.m.
In this live webinar, Dr. Allen Collins will take viewers through a tour of the National History Museum’s Aqua Room. Throughout the 30-minute session, you’ll learn all about the research currently being done surrounding live jellyfish.
Expert is Online Video Webinar: Archaeology Fieldwork with Paleoanthropologist Briana Pobiner
Monday, June 1, 2-2:30 p.m.
All the way from Kenya, Dr. Briana Pobinar of the National History Museum will take curious learners on a live tour of Olorgesailie, an archaeological field site, discussing all it takes to uncover the hidden world underneath our feet.
Young Portrait Explorers
Tuesdays in June, 11 a.m.
Every Tuesday, the National Portrait Gallery will host experts, ranging from astronauts to star athletes, who will digitally explore new stories in history, art and portraiture. Plus, there will even be some discussion questions after each lecture to keep all listeners engaged.
Teacher Tuesday: Take a Deep Dive into the Ocean Portal Website
Tuesday, June 2, noon-1 p.m.
For educators hoping to learn how to properly leverage the National Museum of Natural History’s digital offerings, tune in to this unique video lecture. Museum educators will showcase the Ocean Portal website this month, exploring a multitude of digital assets including vetted scientific info, interactive content and educational resources.
“Fragments of Speech” An Online Creative Writing Workshop
Tuesdays in June, 1 p.m.
Hosted by the African American Art Museum, this one is for the middle school students trying to stay up to date with their studies while at home. This recurring event will teach young adults how to use dialogue structure through prose and poetry, ultimately creating written work through various visual techniques.
Virtual Writing Hour with the National Portrait Gallery
Tuesdays in June, 5-6 p.m.
New and experienced writers alike are welcome to join this weekly creative writing course hosted by the National Portrait Gallery. The staff will provide writing prompts, giving you the chance to create, connect and have fun.
Seeing the Unseeable: Capturing an Image of a Black Hole
Tuesday, June 2, 8-9 p.m.
Calling all space lovers: The Exploring Space Lecture Series hosted by the Air and Space Museum has now gone online. This month, learn everything there is to know about black holes.
Culturally Reflective Teaching Professional Development Workshop
Wednesday, June 3, 3:30-5 p.m.
Now is the perfect time for teachers to further their skills in the classroom, especially when it comes to culturally responsive teaching. This June, learn from National Portrait Gallery experts about how to create a learning environment that affirms students’ strengths, experiences and insights.
Architecture on the National Mall: North Mall and Capitol
Wednesday, June 3, 6:45-7:45 p.m.
While you may not be visiting the National Mall right now, you can still learn all about it through the eyes of Bill Keene, who will take you on an illustrated virtual tour of the landscape.
Live Chats with the Air and Space Museum
Thursdays in June, 1-1:30 p.m.
In honor of the 55th anniversary of the first American spacewalk by astronaut Ed White, the first of the Air and Space Museum’s live chat series will include a discussion from three experts, museum curator Jennifer Levasseur, NASA chief historian Bill Barry and astronaut Michael López-Alegría. On the following Thursdays, expect discussions on future space missions, lectures from astronauts and more.
#TakeTimeThursdays: How to be the Narrator of Your Own Life During Uncertain Times
Thursdays in June, 2:30-3 p.m.
Every week, the Anacostia Community Museum will host expert-led discussions on cultural trauma, healing and mental health.The very first lecture on June 4 will include a chat on collective grief and resilience, providing hope during the global pandemic. In the following weeks, participants will learn about the power of sound healing, forest bathing and what it’s like to work on the land, all clearing the mind in various ways.
The Disasters of Ancient Thebes
Thursday, June 4, 6:35-7:30 p.m.
Are you a fan of Greek mythology? If so, tune in to this lecture hosted by art historian Renne Gondnek as she explores what life was like for the citizens of Thebes.
Thinking of You: Creating a Spotlight with Stamps
Monday, June 8, 3-4 p.m.
If you’re missing a friend or loved one right now, this workshop can help, as you’ll create two fun, handwritten cards.
Video Webinar: Ocean Motion
Wednesday, June 10, 2-2:30 p.m.
This Wednesday webinar will include education, dance and so much fun, as participants learn all about the life of a Gossamer worm, a deep sea animal. Plus, two dance teaching artists will use the lecture as a guide for a dance-making experience.
Stream, Watch, Repeat: Modern Classics and the Films That Inspired Them
Thursday, June 11, 6:45-7:30 p.m.
Calling all cinephiles: This is a lecture you’ll most definitely want to tune in to. Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell will host this special program, discussing how modern cinema is primarily a variation on influential themes and styles. Plus, he’ll share some recommendations to add to your must-watch list.
A Decade of Disruption: America in the New Millennium
Tuesday, June 16, 6:45-8:15 p.m.
Historian Garrett Peck will lead viewers in an examination of the first decade of the 21st century, touching on economic crises, social and technological change and war. Plus, he will explore how the period between 2000 and 2010 influenced our current era of cultural division.
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