Smithsonian Events

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

Ongoing Tours & Activities For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Johnson IMAX Theater web site. Note: - For after hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Johnson IMAX Theater, 1st Floor. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202321. Friday, March 12, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

Albert Einstein Planetarium

Ongoing Activities Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Einstein Planetarium Web site. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Albert Einstein Planetarium. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202322. Friday, March 12, 2010.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

Ongoing Activities Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, see Web site below. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202320. Friday, March 12, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

Ongoing Tours & Activities Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, see Web site below. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Airbus IMAX Theater. Purchase Tickets: http://www.si.edu/imax/shows.htm. Friday, March 12, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

Chinese Treasures in Washington

Resident Associate Program Resident Members Only: The ancient terra-cotta warriors of China are making a rare visit to the United States. Not the entire army of statues that was buried almost 2,000 years ago, of course, but we will see 15 of them at the National Geographic museum as part of our tour of Chinese treasures in Washington. View more details. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Event Location: Tour begins and ends at the S. Dillon Ripley, Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW. Metro: Smithsonian (Blue/Orange Lines). Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219279. Friday, March 12, 2010, 9:00 AM.

Castle Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Visitors learn about the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson, and the architecture of the building while on a tour of the public areas of the Castle, which include James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. Year-Round: Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM , Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM , Sun.: 10:30 AM Note - Tour subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Smithsonian Information Center. Venue: Smithsonian Castle. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 9:30 AM.

Elephant Viewing

Daily Zoo Activities The Elephant House will be closed while we build the elephants a new home. However, they will be on view in their outdoor habitats from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (weather dependant). Time Detail: 10-4. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Outside Elephant House. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Encounter Invertebrates

Daily Zoo Activities Explore the complex and fascinating world of invertebrates: corals and crabs, ants and anemones, snails and spiders. Time Detail: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, every half hour at the Invertebrate Exhibit. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Continues: Every half hour. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Great Cats Viewing

Daily Zoo Activities The lions and tigers are on exhibit from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Time Detail: 10-4 at the Great Cats Exhibit. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Great Cats. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

How Do You Zoo?

Daily Zoo Activities Learn about working at the Zoo in this hands-on discovery room for children ages five to ten. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Visitor Center. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

The Sant Ocean Hall Navigators

Ongoing Tours & Activities Museum docents welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate the exhibition. Year-Round: Most days: Beginning at 10 AM and continuing for several hours; for today's schedule, ask at either museum information desk. Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: The Sant Ocean Hall, 1st floor. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM.

Ride Simulators

Ongoing Tours & Activities Ride Simulators: (ride approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of four simulators. Experience the thrill of careening through an action-packed roller-coaster course or racing in futuristic high-speed hovercars. Choose your adventure: Cosmic Race, Bermuda Triangle, Solar Coaster, Grand Prix Raceway, Astro Canyon, or Glacier Run. Note: Simulator accommodates up to 8 people per ride. Children must be 42 inches tall unless riding with an adult. Year-Round: , Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Lower Level, across from the Stars and Stripes Cafe. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the simulators and at the Welcome desk, 1st floor, near the Constitution Ave. entrance. Admission Per Ride - $7.00 per person Payment Options: - Cash, VISA, and MasterCard. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM.

Spark!Lab

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) The Lemelson Center's Spark!Lab offers visitors a number of hands-on experiments that teach about science, the invention process, and the role of technology in American history. Activities are organized around the invention process and will rotate on a regular basis to provide visitors with new learning experiences. Year-Round: Open daily: 10 AM-4 PM; entry is first come, first served. , Staff-led experiments are offered most days at 11 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM; confirm schedule at either Welcome desk. Notes - Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. - Maximum capacity is 45. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: 1st floor, West Wing, near Science in American Life. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

Ongoing Activities • Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult. • Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.) Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall. Year-Round Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: West Wing, Gallery 103, Simulator Gallery. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or at the Simulator Gallery. Admission Per Ride: - Ride Simulator: $7.00 per person - Interactive Flight Simulator: $8.00 per person - Add a Simulator: $1.00 off with the purchase of an IMAX Theater or Planetarium ticket - Groups: Discounts available; ask at the Box Office or at the Flight Simulators - For reservations, call 202-633-4629 or 1-866-868-7774 (toll-free) Payment Options - At Simulators: Cash, VISA, or MasterCard - At IMAX and Planetarium… Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult. , Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.) Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall. Year-Round: , Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Main Level, near the simulators. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or at the Simulator Gallery. Admission Per Ride: - Ride Simulator: $7.00 per person - Interactive Flight Simulator: $8.00 per person - Add a Simulator: $1.00 off with the purchase of an IMAX Theater ticket - Groups: Discounts available; ask at the Box Office or at the Flight Simulators - For reservations, call 202-633-4629 or 1-866-868-7774 (toll-free) Payment Options: - At Simulator: Cash, VISA, or MasterCard - At Box Office: Cash or major credit… Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Resource Center

Ongoing Tours & Activities The Resource Center is a public reference area where visitors can learn more about the Native peoples of the Americas and the programs, exhibitions, and collections of the museum. The Center includes an Interactive Learning Center with 18 public-access computers, as well as a work-study area where adults and children can use reference materials and access online information. School groups are welcome in the Resource Center. Note: The Resource Center may be closed on occasion for special workshops and activities. The Center's classroom, equipped with laptop computers and a large plasma video and data monitor, is available by appointment for guided hands-on sessions. For more information, call 202-633-6900. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Third Level. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

CANCELED - Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Kids' Farm. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM.

Butterfly Pavilion

Ongoing Tours & Activities Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution Exhibit, 2nd Floor, West. Cost: Tickets can be purchased in advance (see Purchase Tickets Web link below), or by phone at 202-633-4629 (IMAX) or 1-877-932-4629 (IMAX) (toll-free) (10 AM-5 PM), or in person on the day of your visit at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office or at any Smithsonian IMAX Box Office. For more information about the hours of operation, timed entry policy, ticket prices, group rates, etc. visit the Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution Web site. Prices per ticket: Adults $6 Seniors $5.50 (60+) Children $5… Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=215878. Related Exhibition: Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:15 AM – 5:00 PM. For more info visit www.butterflies.si.edu.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at either Welcome desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:15 AM.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

Ongoing Tours & Activities This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum. The presentation is available daily, every 30 minutes, 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM. Translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Lelawi Theater, Fourth Level. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:15 AM – 4:45 PM.

Sounds of Africa

One-Time Events (for ages 6 and up) Young audiences play African instruments and learn about African polyrhythms and syncopation with Ugandan musician Daniel Ssuuna. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Lecture Hall, Sublevel 2. Cost: Free. Continues: Repeats March 26, April 9 & 23, and May 14 & 28. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

Discovery Room

Ongoing Tours & Activities The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions. Entry Procedures: • Individuals: - For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Year-Round: Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM , Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM , Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM • School Groups: October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; call 202-633-1071 or 202-633-9287 (TTY); for information, visit the Web at www.mnh.si.edu/education/discoveryroom.htm. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st floor, East Wing, near African Voices. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. September 8, 2009, through June 2010: • Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - No tours on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Meet in Rotunda, 1st floor, near information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Most Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - From time to time, the museum may pre-empt a highlights tour to offer a tour of its temporary exhibition; inquire at the information desk from 10 AM to 1 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Interactive Carts

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did. Year-Round: • Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM Note - Activity subject to docent availablility. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Location of carts vary; for location and schedule, check at either Welcome desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Spotlight Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Year-Round: • Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM Notes - Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Locations vary; for location and schedule, check at the Welcome Center. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Interpretive Guides

Ongoing Activities Look for interpretive guides on the second level who are available to discuss the special exhibition and to answer questions. The current special exhibition is Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration and is on view: February 11 through April 11, 2010: • Daily: Guides available between 10:30 AM-4:30 PM Note - No guides on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: 2nd level, within the exhibition. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Tales for Tots

One-Time Events (for ages 5 and under) Enjoy story time in the galleries and the Luce Foundation Center, then try a hands-on activities. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Co-sponsor: Luce Foundation Center. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet in the G St. Lobby. Cost: Free, but registration required; call 202-633-8490 or e-mail AmericanArtPrograms@si.edu. Continues: Tales for Tots repeats 2nd and 4th Friday of each month through May. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Amazonia Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Thousands of fish species live in the Amazon Basin. Meet some of them in our Amazonia Habitat. Time Detail: 11:00 am. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Amazonia. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Elephant Training

Daily Zoo Activities How do you get a four-ton animal to cooperate? Come find out. (weather dependant). Time Detail: 11:00 am at the Elephant House (outside). Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Outside Elephant House. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Great Ape Research Demonstration

Daily Zoo Activities Meet a cognitive researcher and learn about studies being conducted with the Zoo's orangutans and gorillas. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Think Tank. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Meet a Kiwi

Daily Zoo Activities Learn about New Zealand's best known bird. Time Detail: 11:00am in the Bird House. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Bird House. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Octopus Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities The giant Pacific octopus is a predator that demonstrates dynamic hunting behaviors. Time Detail: 11:00 am at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Orangutan Crossing

Daily Zoo Activities It's a thrilling sight to see the orangutans traveling on the Zoo's Orangutan Transport System, or O Line. The best time to see them is between 11 and 11:30 am (weather dependant). Time Detail: 11:00 am on the O-Line. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: O Line. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

Ongoing Activities Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's Web site at http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/storytimes/. Year-Round: Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM , Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: For location, ask at the museum's Welcome Center. Cost: Free. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Highlights Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. To confirm dates and times, call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY). Year-Round: • Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Self-Guided Highlights Tours - Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum. - A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Postal Museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet at the information desk, street level, near top of escalators to museum. Cost: Free. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Meet a Great Ape Keeper

Daily Zoo Activities Learn about the fascinating world of apes. A keeper will speak about gorillas or orangutans. Time Detail: 11:30 am at Great Apes. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Great Apes. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM.

Sloth Bear Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Find out what and how these Asian bears eat. Time Detail: 11:30 am on Asia Trail. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Asia Trail. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Audio Tour: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities Use your cell phone or borrow an audio player to take an audio tour of the Luce Foundation Center. Year-Round: Daily: Available via cell phone 11:30 AM-7 PM , Daily: Free audio players available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk 11:30 AM-6 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Luce Foundation Center, 3rd floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM.

Scavenger Hunt: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) With more than 3,300 artworks displayed in floor-to-ceiling glass cases, the Luce Foundation Center is the perfect place for a scavenger hunt! Follow the clues presented in one of several themed hunts -- from monsters to magic -- to discover new art during each adventure. Year-Round: Daily: 11:30 AM-7 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Luce Foundation Center, 3rd floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; scavenger hunt handouts available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk on the mezzanine. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Most Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - From time to time, the museum may pre-empt a highlights tour to offer a tour of its temporary exhibition; inquire at the information desk from 10 AM to 1 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:45 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 11:45 AM.

George Norfleet and Colonel McGee: Book Signings

One-Time Events George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and Colonel McGee signs copies of his book Tuskegee Airmen. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Freer Gallery Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Explore the Freer Gallery of Art's rich and diverse collections. Learn about the museum's history and its outstanding holdings of Asian and late 19th-century American art. Exceptional works from China, Japan, Korea, South and Southeast Asia, the ancient Near East, and the Islamic world are on view. The Freer also houses the world's most extensive collection of paintings, prints, and drawings by American artist James McNeill Whistler, including his famous Peacock Room. Museum founder Charles Lang Freer's understanding and appreciation of art and its history shaped his personal collection and his vision for the first Smithsonian museum devoted to the fine arts. Discover how he viewed Asian and American art from the perspective of a collector and a connoisseur in the late 19th century. Year-Round: • Most days except Wednesdays: 12 Noon Notes - No tour on federal holidays. - Tours might not be offered when other programs are taking place in the exhibitions. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Freer Gallery. Event Location: Meet at the Freer information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:00 PM.

Sackler Gallery Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Discover the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery’s premier collection of Asian art, with works from a broad range of Asian cultures and times. Learn about the history of the museum and view exceptional objects from the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. Year-Round: • Most days except Wednesdays: 12 Noon Notes - No tour on federal holidays. - Tours might not be offered when other programs are taking place in the exhibitions. - From time to time, the museum may offer additional tours; inquire at the information desk. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Meet at the Sackler information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:00 PM.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

Ongoing Activities Ask our friendly docent stationed at the information desk for a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM Note - No tours on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Request a tour at the information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Renwick Gallery Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. The current special exhibition may also be included in this tour. To celebrate Women's History Month, the Highlights tours in March will feature a work by a woman artist. Through mid-June 2010: ∙ Every Mon.-Fri: 12 Noon ∙ Every Sat. and Sun.: 1 PM Notes - No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Renwick Gallery of the American Art Museum. Venue: Renwick Gallery of the American Art Museum. Event Location: Meet in lobby. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:00 PM.

Seasoned with Spirit: Food Upon the Water

One-Time Events (2006, 27 min, USA) Wild rice, or manoomin, is still harvested the traditional way by the Anishanabe (Ojibwe) people of the Great Lakes region. Ricers and their families take canoes in the rice fields and hand harvest the rice. After participating in the rice harvest, Loretta helps to prepare Winona LaDuke’s favorite wild rice and maple syrup cake to accompany a lakeside first rice feast of buffalo, wild rice and cranberry-stuffed acorn squash, buffalo stew, and beautiful ruby red swamp tea. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Rasmuson Theater, First Level. Continues: Repeats daily through March 31. Related Events: See related film at 3:30 PM. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:30 PM – 12:57 PM.

ColorForms: Friday Gallery Talk

One-Time Events Curator Evelyn Hankins talks about the exhibition ColorForms. Note: Topic and speaker subject to last-minute change. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free. Continues: Continues most Fridays. Related Exhibition: ColorForms. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM. For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM Notes - No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet behind F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 12:30 PM.

Robert F. Dorr's Hell Hawks! and Air Force One: Book Signings

One-Time Events Robert F. Dorr signs copies of his books Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht and Air Force One. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Continues: Repeats every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in March. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to identify and describe the gender and status of people from the past and draw conclusions about their lives. Entry Procedures: • Individuals: - Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Year-Round: - Mon. Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 1-5 PM - Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM • School Groups: October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; for information and reservations, visit the Web at Forensic Lab or call 202-633-1085 or 202-633-9287 (TTY). Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Written in Bone, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at either information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Highlights Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. To confirm dates and times, call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY). Year-Round: • Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. Self-Guided Highlights Tours - Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum. - A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Postal Museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet at the information desk, street level, near top of escalators to museum. Cost: Free. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Docent's Choice Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Great Ape Research Demonstration

Daily Zoo Activities Meet a cognitive researcher and learn about studies being conducted with the Zoo's orangutans and gorillas. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Think Tank. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. September 8, 2009, through June 2010: • Tues.-Fri.: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - No tours on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Meet in Rotunda, 1st floor, near information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities Learn about the more than 3,300 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea. Year-Round: Wed. through Sun.: 1:30 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet in the F Street Lobby. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Cultural interpreters provide a 45-minute overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest. Tours are provided most days at 1:30 p.m. There is an additional tour at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours assemble in the Potomac Atrium. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Potomac Atrium, First Level. Friday, March 12, 2010, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Meet a Small Mammal

Daily Zoo Activities An animal keeper will introduce you to one of the Zoo's small mammals like an armadillo or naked mole-rat. Time Detail: 2:00 pm at the Small Mammal House. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Small Mammal House. Friday, March 12, 2010, 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM.

Spider Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Eight-legged wonders! Get up close and personal with the golden orb weaver spiders. Time Detail: 2:00pm at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Friday, March 12, 2010, 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM Notes - No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet behind F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 2:15 PM.

Octopus Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities The giant Pacific octopus is a predator that demonstrates dynamic hunting behaviors. Time Detail: 3:00 pm at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM.

Migratory Bird Club Event: SI Ornithology Exchange

Special Zoo Events A series of short lectures on current ornithological research throughout the Smithsonian Institution. NOTE: This event is for Smithsonian Migratory Bird Club members only. Not a member? Call Lisa Whitney at 202.633.3027 or email her at whitneyl@si.edu. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Research Building located off Adams Mill Road. (map). Cost: Open to Smithsonian Migratory Bird Club members only. RSVP requested - Amy Wilson at 202.633.0550 or wilsonas@si.edu. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM.

Exhibition Tour—Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort

Ongoing Tours & Activities A cultural interpreter will provide a 30-minute tour of the exhibition Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort (on view through August 8, 2010). Tours are offered at 3 PM most Fridays and Sundays through August 8. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Third Level (tour assembles at exhibition entrance). Related Exhibition: Brian Jungen: Strange Comfort. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM. For more info visit www.nmai.si.edu.

Seasoned with Spirit: Bounty of the River’s Edge

One-Time Events (2006, 27 min, USA) The people of the Yurok Tribe live off the bounty of the Pacific Coast on the banks of California’s Klamath River, harvesting salmon, shellfish, seaweed, and edible wild greens -- along with acorns ground and cooked in tightly woven handmade baskets. Loretta joins her Yurok friends for a feast of alderwood smoked salmon, dried sirfish and eels, along with an amazing sturgeon egg (caviar) bread. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Rasmuson Theater. Cost: Free. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:30 PM – 3:57 PM.

CANCELED - Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Kids' Farm. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM.

Docent's Choice Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the 1:30 PM tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 3:30 PM.

Teaching Carts

Ongoing Tours & Activities Cultural interpreters share stories and present objects to help visitors touch, feel, smell, and explore many aspects of Native culture. Carts are available most Tuesdays through Fridays, 4-5 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Third and Fourth Levels. Friday, March 12, 2010, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Friday, March 12, 2010, 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM.

Philosophical Fridays

Resident Associate Program Revisit your understanding of ethics, personal identity, knowledge, and the place of brain science in the realm of philosophy in four thought-provoking discussion sessions led by UVA philosophy professor Mitchell Green. View more details. Categories: After Five. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit (Blue/Orange). Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219377. Friday, March 12, 2010, 6:45 PM – 8:15 PM.

Tibetan Buddhism: Films From Around the World: Buddha

Films In person: David Grubin, filmmaker; Gaetano Kazuo Maida, director of the International Buddhist Film Festival The story of Buddha, the sixth-century BCE prince who became a great spiritual teacher, has been told in many ways and in diverse media. Here, in its world premiere, is an ambitious and imaginative film by veteran documentary director David Grubin (RFK; FDR; LBJ; The Jewish Americans; Napoleon) that uses contemporary voices (including poets Jane Hirshfield and W.S. Merwin, and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman) and animation to explore the life and meaning of the man who became “awake” and continues to inspire diverse Buddhist cultures around the world. Filmed on location in India and Nepal, the film is narrated by Richard Gere. United States / 2009 / 112 min. / English / video. Categories: Films. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Freer Gallery. Event Location: Meyer Auditorium. Cost: Free; first come, first served. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha. Friday, March 12, 2010, 7:00 PM.

IMAX Films at the Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater

Ongoing Tours & Activities For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Johnson IMAX Theater web site. Note: - For after hours shows, use the Constitution Ave. entrance. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Johnson IMAX Theater, 1st Floor. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202321. Saturday, March 13, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

Albert Einstein Planetarium

Ongoing Activities Embark on an astronomical adventure at the Einstein Planetarium. For Showtimes and ticketing information visit the Einstein Planetarium Web site. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Albert Einstein Planetarium. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202322. Saturday, March 13, 2010.

IMAX Films at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

Ongoing Activities Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Lockheed Martin Imax Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, see Web site below. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater. Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=202320. Saturday, March 13, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

IMAX Films at the Airbus IMAX Theater

Ongoing Tours & Activities Explore our fascination with flight through the air and in space. View Earth from the open cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. Journey to natural and man-made wonders of the world. These and other thrills await you in the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center's Airbus IMAX Theater. Films are projected on the five-story-high screen with six-channel digital surround sound. For information on films, see Web site below. Categories: Films. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Airbus IMAX Theater. Purchase Tickets: http://www.si.edu/imax/shows.htm. Saturday, March 13, 2010. For more info visit www.si.edu.

Spectacular Temples of Freemasonry

Resident Associate Program Freemasonry, the world's oldest fraternal organization, is also one of the oldest organizations in the city of Washington, where Masons participated in the laying of cornerstones of the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Gary Scott, Past Master and 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, leads this tour that includes some of the most significant architectural treasures of Washington. View more details. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Event Location: Departs from the Holiday Inn Capitol at, 550 C Street, S.W. (corner of 6th & C Sts.), No fringe stop on this tour. Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219282. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:00 AM.

Castle Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Visitors learn about the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson, and the architecture of the building while on a tour of the public areas of the Castle, which include James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. Year-Round: Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM , Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM , Sun.: 10:30 AM Note - Tour subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Smithsonian Information Center. Venue: Smithsonian Castle. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:30 AM.

Work, Fight, Pray: Life in the Middle Ages

Resident Associate Program Historian Philip Daileader examines life in the Middle Ages, a time of unrest, innovation, feudalism, and territorial expansion. How did the average person live, work and practice their faith? Social, cultural, and religious histories are considered. View more details. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit (Blue/Orange). Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219341. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 9:30 AM – 4:15 PM.

Family Day: Women in Aviation & Space

One-Time Events Celebrate with the museum the many achievements of women in science, technology, and aerospace. Learn about the accomplishments of Amelia Earhart; the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs); astronaut Sally Ride; and women who are currently contributing to aviation, science, technology, and space exploration. Meet Nicole Malachowski -- the first female pilot to fly with the U.S. special exhibition team, better known as the "Thunderbirds" -- and Maj. Merryl Tengesdal and Capt. Heather Fox -- two of only six female pilots in the world who have piloted the U-2, also known as the "Dragon Lady." Throughout the day, enjoy book signings, story time, and fun and educational hands-on activities. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Throughout the museum. Cost: Free, but $15 parking fee per vehicle. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Artist at Work with Youth: Zoe Charlton: 3-Session Art Workshop Filled

One-Time Events (ages 6-9) After visiting the exhibitions Josef Albers and ColorForms, artist-in-residence Zoe Charlton leads participants in creative projects inspired by works in these two exhibitions. Zoe Charlton is a Baltimore-based artist and assistant professor of art at American University whose drawings, videos, and installations deal with issues of identity. Participation in all three workshops is encouraged but not required. Note: Register online at www.hirshhorn.si.edu. For more information, call 202-633-2822. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free, but space is limited; registration required, see Note. Continues: Repeats today 1-3 PM (ages 10-13). Continues April 10 and May 15. Related Exhibition: Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration and ColorForms. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu.

Elephant Viewing

Daily Zoo Activities The Elephant House will be closed while we build the elephants a new home. However, they will be on view in their outdoor habitats from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily (weather dependant). Time Detail: 10-4. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Outside Elephant House. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Encounter Invertebrates

Daily Zoo Activities Explore the complex and fascinating world of invertebrates: corals and crabs, ants and anemones, snails and spiders. Time Detail: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, every half hour at the Invertebrate Exhibit. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Continues: Every half hour. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Great Cats Viewing

Daily Zoo Activities The lions and tigers are on exhibit from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Time Detail: 10-4 at the Great Cats Exhibit. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Great Cats. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

How Do You Zoo?

Daily Zoo Activities Learn about working at the Zoo in this hands-on discovery room for children ages five to ten. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Visitor Center. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

The Sant Ocean Hall Navigators

Ongoing Tours & Activities Museum docents welcome visitors, answer questions, and help visitors navigate the exhibition. Year-Round: Most days: Beginning at 10 AM and continuing for several hours; for today's schedule, ask at either museum information desk. Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: The Sant Ocean Hall, 1st floor. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM.

Ride Simulators

Ongoing Tours & Activities Ride Simulators: (ride approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of four simulators. Experience the thrill of careening through an action-packed roller-coaster course or racing in futuristic high-speed hovercars. Choose your adventure: Cosmic Race, Bermuda Triangle, Solar Coaster, Grand Prix Raceway, Astro Canyon, or Glacier Run. Note: Simulator accommodates up to 8 people per ride. Children must be 42 inches tall unless riding with an adult. Year-Round: , Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Lower Level, across from the Stars and Stripes Cafe. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the simulators and at the Welcome desk, 1st floor, near the Constitution Ave. entrance. Admission Per Ride - $7.00 per person Payment Options: - Cash, VISA, and MasterCard. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM.

Spark!Lab

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) The Lemelson Center's Spark!Lab offers visitors a number of hands-on experiments that teach about science, the invention process, and the role of technology in American history. Activities are organized around the invention process and will rotate on a regular basis to provide visitors with new learning experiences. Year-Round: Open daily: 10 AM-4 PM; entry is first come, first served. , Staff-led experiments are offered most days at 11 AM, 12 Noon, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM; confirm schedule at either Welcome desk. Notes - Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. - Maximum capacity is 45. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: 1st floor, West Wing, near Science in American Life. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Flight Simulators: Fly or Ride!

Ongoing Activities • Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of two simulators. Choose your adventure: Ride aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult. • Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.) Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in an F-4 Phantom II -- as you pilot the simulator into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall. Year-Round Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: West Wing, Gallery 103, Simulator Gallery. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or at the Simulator Gallery. Admission Per Ride: - Ride Simulator: $7.00 per person - Interactive Flight Simulator: $8.00 per person - Add a Simulator: $1.00 off with the purchase of an IMAX Theater or Planetarium ticket - Groups: Discounts available; ask at the Box Office or at the Flight Simulators - For reservations, call 202-633-4629 or 1-866-868-7774 (toll-free) Payment Options - At Simulators: Cash, VISA, or MasterCard - At IMAX and Planetarium… Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Flight Simulators: SpaceWalk or Wings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Ride Simulators: (approximately 5 min.) Take an exciting virtual trip on board one of three ride simulators. Choose your adventure: Take a 3-D journey aboard the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station or experience the thrill of a flight in both vintage and jet-age aircraft. Note: Ride Simulators accommodate up to 8 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 42 inches tall unless accompanied by an adult. , Interactive Flight Simulators: (approximately 6 min.) Try to become a jet combat "ace" -- in one of two F-4 Phantom II interactive flight simulators -- as you pilot your aircraft into 360-degree barrel rolls. Choose either pilot or gunner responsibilities. Note: Interactive Flight Simulators accommodates 1 to 2 people per ride. For safety reasons, children must be 48 inches tall. Year-Round: , Daily: Open same hours as museum. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Main Level, near the simulators. Cost: Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or at the Simulator Gallery. Admission Per Ride: - Ride Simulator: $7.00 per person - Interactive Flight Simulator: $8.00 per person - Add a Simulator: $1.00 off with the purchase of an IMAX Theater ticket - Groups: Discounts available; ask at the Box Office or at the Flight Simulators - For reservations, call 202-633-4629 or 1-866-868-7774 (toll-free) Payment Options: - At Simulator: Cash, VISA, or MasterCard - At Box Office: Cash or major credit… Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Family Activities

Ongoing Tours & Activities Cultural interpreters help kids and families learn about Native culture through hands-on activities including beading, weaving, plaiting, twining, or creating a paper star quilt pattern. A different activity is offered each week, 10 AM-Noon & 1-3 PM most Saturdays and Sundays; and 1-3 PM most Wednesdays. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Potomac Atrium, First Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Resource Center

Ongoing Tours & Activities The Resource Center is a public reference area where visitors can learn more about the Native peoples of the Americas and the programs, exhibitions, and collections of the museum. The Center includes an Interactive Learning Center with 18 public-access computers, as well as a work-study area where adults and children can use reference materials and access online information. School groups are welcome in the Resource Center. Note: The Resource Center may be closed on occasion for special workshops and activities. The Center's classroom, equipped with laptop computers and a large plasma video and data monitor, is available by appointment for guided hands-on sessions. For more information, call 202-633-6900. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Third Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

Digital Cameras Basics

Resident Associate Program This hands-on workshop covers topics such as obtaining a good exposure using various shooting modes; making exposure adjustments on an image that is too light or dark; controlling color and tone as files are captured; understanding resolution, picture quality, and file formats such as JPEG and RAW; transferring files to the computer; and organizing files with a browser. View more details. Categories: Workshops. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: National Museum of Natural History, Computer Lab, 10th & Constitution Avenue, NW. Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219041. Continues: For schedule, see newsletter. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM.

The Vikings: Their Lives and Legacy, All-day Seminar

Resident Associate Program Come explore the lives and legacy of the Vikings. Three top scholars present Viking towns, daily life, ships, and trade; the Viking mind, customs, and religion; the Viking ethos through poetry and sagas; and their impact on medieval Europe. View more details. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Venue: S. Dillon Ripley Center. Event Location: S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW, Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit (Blue/Orange). Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=219481. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:00 AM.

CANCELED - Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Kids' Farm. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM.

Butterfly Pavilion

Ongoing Tours & Activities Take a stroll among live butterflies and exotic plants! Located adjacent to Partners in Evolution, this tropical oasis offers visitors a rare opportunity to get close to a variety of living butterflies from all over the world. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution Exhibit, 2nd Floor, West. Cost: Tickets can be purchased in advance (see Purchase Tickets Web link below), or by phone at 202-633-4629 (IMAX) or 1-877-932-4629 (IMAX) (toll-free) (10 AM-5 PM), or in person on the day of your visit at the Butterfly Pavilion Box Office or at any Smithsonian IMAX Box Office. For more information about the hours of operation, timed entry policy, ticket prices, group rates, etc. visit the Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution Web site. Prices per ticket: Adults $6 Seniors $5.50 (60+) Children $5… Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=21156&venue_val=215878. Related Exhibition: Butterflies + Plants: Partners in Evolution. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:15 AM – 5:00 PM. For more info visit www.butterflies.si.edu.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at either Welcome desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:15 AM.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

Ongoing Tours & Activities This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum. The presentation is available daily, every 30 minutes, 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM. Translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Lelawi Theater, Fourth Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:15 AM – 4:45 PM.

Discovery Room

Ongoing Tours & Activities The Discovery Room is a hands-on room for families with children and students. The room features activities using real museum objects and artifacts that allow visitors to explore the natural world at their own pace, guided by their own interests and sense of wonder. Visitors can look at fossils, skulls, shells, and minerals; use a microscope; try on costumes from around the world; and much more. Docents are available to assist and answer questions. Entry Procedures: • Individuals: - For families with children and students. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Year-Round: Tues.-Thurs.: 12 Noon-2:30 PM , Fri.: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM , Sat. & Sun.: 10:30 AM-3:30 PM • School Groups: October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; call 202-633-1071 or 202-633-9287 (TTY); for information, visit the Web at www.mnh.si.edu/education/discoveryroom.htm. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: 1st floor, East Wing, near African Voices. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM.

Interactive Carts

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Docents stationed at carts help visitors get their hands on history and learn about the museum's collections. Activities include operating a cotton gin, peeking through a stereoscope, experiencing what it felt like to wear a corset, using a press to print a card, and copying a letter the way Jefferson did. Year-Round: • Available most days between 10:30 AM and 3 PM Note - Activity subject to docent availablility. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Location of carts vary; for location and schedule, check at either Welcome desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Spotlight Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Docents offer a 15-minute overview of an exhibition or briefly discuss a favorite museum object. Year-Round: • Most days: Available between 10:30 AM and 3 PM Notes - Look for the "Docent on Duty" signs posted outside the exhibition entrances. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Locations vary; for location and schedule, check at the Welcome Center. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Interpretive Guides

Ongoing Activities Look for interpretive guides on the second level who are available to discuss the special exhibition and to answer questions. The current special exhibition is Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration and is on view: February 11 through April 11, 2010: • Daily: Guides available between 10:30 AM-4:30 PM Note - No guides on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: 2nd level, within the exhibition. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Tibetan Gyal-Shay Dance Procession

Performances Dancers with the Capital Area Tibetan Association, led by Karma Gyaltsen, will present the Gyal-Shay, a dance traditionally performed at the start of an important event to ensure an auspicious beginning to new endeavors. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Freer Gallery. Event Location: Begins at Freer steps (Mall side) and proceeds through the Haupt Garden to the Sackler pavilion and sublevel 1. Rain location: Begins on Ripley Center concourse and proceeds up to Sackler sublevel 1 and pavilion. Cost: Free tickets required. Related Events: Pre-concert gallery tour, Arts of China. 6:45 pm. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Castle Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the Smithsonian Castle. Visitors learn about the Institution's benefactor, James Smithson, and the architecture of the building while on a tour of the public areas of the Castle, which include James Smithson's crypt, the Great Hall, and the West Wing. Year-Round: Sat.: 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM , Sun.: 10:30 AM , Mon. and Fri.: 9:30 AM Note - Tour subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Smithsonian Information Center. Venue: Smithsonian Castle. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 10:30 AM.

Amazonia Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Thousands of fish species live in the Amazon Basin. Meet some of them in our Amazonia Habitat. Time Detail: 11:00 am. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Amazonia. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Bird Enrichment Demonstration

Daily Zoo Activities Watch birds forage and catch their food mid-flight, as a keeper or volunteer narrates in the Indoor Flight Room. Time Detail: 11:00 am. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Bird House. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Elephant Training

Daily Zoo Activities How do you get a four-ton animal to cooperate? Come find out. (weather dependant). Time Detail: 11:00 am at the Elephant House (outside). Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Outside Elephant House. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Great Ape Research Demonstration

Daily Zoo Activities Meet a cognitive researcher and learn about studies being conducted with the Zoo's orangutans and gorillas. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Think Tank. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Octopus Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities The giant Pacific octopus is a predator that demonstrates dynamic hunting behaviors. Time Detail: 11:00 am at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM.

Orangutan Crossing

Daily Zoo Activities It's a thrilling sight to see the orangutans traveling on the Zoo's Orangutan Transport System, or O Line. The best time to see them is between 11 and 11:30 am (weather dependant). Time Detail: 11:00 am on the O-Line. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: O Line. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Forensic Anthropology Lab

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) The Forensic Anthropology Lab is a hands-on room where families with children learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and engaging than forensic fiction. Visitors use real human bones to identify and describe the gender and status of people from the past and draw conclusions about their lives. Entry Procedures: • Individuals: - Walk-in. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Year-Round: - Mon. Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 1-5 PM - Sat. & Sun.: 11 AM-4 PM • School Groups: October-May: by reservation only; 3-week notice required; for information and reservations, visit the Web at Forensic Lab or call 202-633-1085 or 202-633-9287 (TTY). Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Written in Bone, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docents known as the Sant Ocean Hall Navigators who will give a tour of the the related exhibition. Year-Round: • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM, Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Meet at entrance to the Sant Ocean Hall, 1st Floor, just off the Rotunda. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM • Most Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - From time to time, the museum may pre-empt a highlights tour to offer a tour of its temporary exhibition; inquire at the information desk from 10 AM to 1 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

Ongoing Activities Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's Web site at http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/storytimes/. Year-Round: Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM , Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: For location, ask at the museum's Welcome Center. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Highlights Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. To confirm dates and times, call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY). Year-Round: • Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Self-Guided Highlights Tours - Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum. - A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Postal Museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet at the information desk, street level, near top of escalators to museum. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM.

Hok-noth-da? (Did you hear?)—I Have a Story to Tell

Ongoing Tours & Activities A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans for children ages 5-9 most Saturdays & Sundays at 11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult. ("Hok-noth-da?" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.). Categories: Kids & Families. Performances. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Resource Center, Third Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.

Meet a Great Ape Keeper

Daily Zoo Activities Learn about the fascinating world of apes. A keeper will speak about gorillas or orangutans. Time Detail: 11:30 am at Great Apes. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Great Apes. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM.

Sloth Bear Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Find out what and how these Asian bears eat. Time Detail: 11:30 am on Asia Trail. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Asia Trail. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Audio Tour: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities Use your cell phone or borrow an audio player to take an audio tour of the Luce Foundation Center. Year-Round: Daily: Available via cell phone 11:30 AM-7 PM , Daily: Free audio players available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk 11:30 AM-6 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Luce Foundation Center, 3rd floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM.

Scavenger Hunt: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) With more than 3,300 artworks displayed in floor-to-ceiling glass cases, the Luce Foundation Center is the perfect place for a scavenger hunt! Follow the clues presented in one of several themed hunts -- from monsters to magic -- to discover new art during each adventure. Year-Round: Daily: 11:30 AM-7 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Luce Foundation Center, 3rd floor, West Wing. Cost: Free; scavenger hunt handouts available at the Luce Foundation Center information desk on the mezzanine. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:45 AM.

The Sacred Art of Making a Mandala: Opening Ceremony

Freer and Sackler Galleries Experience the sacred Buddhist tradition of creating an intricate mandala sand painting. Tibetan monks work together, adding one grain of sand at a time to create a colorful mandala, a complex geometric diagram with spiritual and ritual significance in Buddhism. Categories: Demonstrations. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Sackler Pavillion. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:00 PM.

George Norfleet and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr.: Book Signings

One-Time Events George Norfleet signs copies of his book A Pilot's Journey: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman and Charles Herbert Flowers Jr. signs copies of his children's book Training the Best. Categories: Kids & Families. Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Hirshhorn Museum Highlights Tours

Ongoing Activities Ask our friendly docent stationed at the information desk for a 30-minute tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: Available between 12 Noon and 4 PM Note - No tours on federal holidays. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Request a tour at the information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

The Sacred Art of Making a Mandala: Making of a Mandala

Freer and Sackler Galleries Experience the sacred Buddhist tradition of creating an intricate mandala sand painting. Tibetan monks work together, adding one grain of sand at a time to create a colorful mandala, a complex geometric diagram with spiritual and ritual significance in Buddhism. Categories: Demonstrations. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Sackler Pavillion. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM.

Seasoned with Spirit: Food Upon the Water

One-Time Events (2006, 27 min, USA) Wild rice, or manoomin, is still harvested the traditional way by the Anishanabe (Ojibwe) people of the Great Lakes region. Ricers and their families take canoes in the rice fields and hand harvest the rice. After participating in the rice harvest, Loretta helps to prepare Winona LaDuke’s favorite wild rice and maple syrup cake to accompany a lakeside first rice feast of buffalo, wild rice and cranberry-stuffed acorn squash, buffalo stew, and beautiful ruby red swamp tea. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Rasmuson Theater, First Level. Continues: Repeats daily through March 31. Related Events: See related film at 3:30 PM. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:30 PM – 12:57 PM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:30 PM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM Notes - No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet behind F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 12:30 PM.

Robert F. Dorr's Hell Hawks! and Air Force One: Book Signings

One-Time Events Robert F. Dorr signs copies of his books Hell Hawks!: The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler's Wehrmacht and Air Force One. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Continues: Repeats every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in March. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Art a la Cart: Family Program

One-Time Events (for ages 7-12) Travel through the galleries and handle brushes, palettes, bison hide, bottle caps, and quilt squares at interactive carts. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Throughout the museum; handouts available at both info desks. Cost: Free. Continues: Repeats every Saturday and Sunday in March and April. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. For more info visit www.americanart.si.edu.

Artist at Work with Youth: Zoe Charlton: 3-Session Art Workshop

One-Time Events (ages 10-13) After visiting the exhibitions Josef Albers and ColorForms, artist-in-residence Zoe Charlton leads participants in creative projects inspired by works in these two exhibitions. Zoe Charlton is a Baltimore-based artist and assistant professor of art at American University whose drawings, videos, and installations deal with issues of identity. Participation in all three workshops is encouraged but not required. Note: Register online at www.hirshhorn.si.edu. For more information, call 202-633-2822. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Venue: Hirshhorn Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free, but space is limited; registration required, see Note. Continues: Continues April 10 and May 15. Related Exhibition: Josef Albers: Innovation and Inspiration and ColorForms. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. For more info visit hirshhorn.si.edu.

Meet a Zebra

Daily Zoo Activities Visit the zebra exhibit and talk with a keeper about what makes Grevy's zebras so great. Time Detail: 1:00 pm. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Zebra Exhibit. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 1:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM • Most Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM Special Exhibition Tours: • Ask at the information desk Saturdays and Sundays, between 11 AM and 1 PM, about tours of selected exhibitions. Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:15 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. - Additional tours may be offered as announced; check at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at either information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the Welcome Center. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM. For more info visit www.nasm.si.edu.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Highlights Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. To confirm dates and times, call 202-633-5534 (voice) or 202-633-9849 (TTY). Year-Round: • Most days: 11 AM and 1 PM Notes - Tours subject to docent availability. Self-Guided Highlights Tours - Brochures, which include a floor plan and information about the museum's exhibitions, are available in a kiosk at the bottom of the escalators at the entrance to the museum. - A copy of the self-guided tour brochure can also be downloaded here: Download Self-guided Tour Brochure (PDF). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Postal Museum. Venue: Postal Museum. Event Location: Meet at the information desk, street level, near top of escalators to museum. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Second Saturday Arts & Science: Make an Ocean-Life Button

One-Time Events Come to The Sant Ocean Hall to learn how the ocean is a global system essential to all life -- including yours! Find out more about the threats to the ocean’s health and how you can use your connection to the ocean to help preserve it for future generations. Create your own ocean-life button pin to take home with you. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: North Gallery in The Sant Ocean Hall, 1st floor. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Renwick Gallery Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. The current special exhibition may also be included in this tour. To celebrate Women's History Month, the Highlights tours in March will feature a work by a woman artist. September 21, 2009, through mid-June 2010: ∙ Every Mon.-Fri.: 12 Noon ∙ Every Sat. and Sun.: 1 PM Notes - No tour on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Renwick Gallery of the American Art Museum. Venue: Renwick Gallery of the American Art Museum. Event Location: Meet in lobby. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Daily: 10:30 AM and 1 PM Note - Additional tours may be offered as posted at the tour desk. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Meet at tour desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM.

Family Activities

Ongoing Tours & Activities Cultural interpreters help kids and families learn about Native culture through hands-on activities including beading, weaving, plaiting, twining, or creating a paper star quilt pattern. A different activity is offered each week, 10 AM-Noon & 1-3 PM most Saturdays and Sundays; and 1-3 PM most Wednesdays. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Potomac Atrium, First Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Hok-noth-da? (Did you hear?)—Listen! I Have a Story To Tell

Ongoing Tours & Activities A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans for children ages 5-9 most Saturdays & Sundays at 11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult. ("Hok-noth-da?" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.). Categories: Kids & Families. Performances. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Resource Center, Third Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM.

Great Ape Research Demonstration

Daily Zoo Activities Meet a cognitive researcher and learn about studies being conducted with the Zoo's orangutans and gorillas. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Think Tank. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM.

Meet an Andean Bear Keeper

Daily Zoo Activities Come find out what makes the only South American bear so interesting. Located up the Valley Trail from Amazonia. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Valley Trail. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM.

Live Tarantula Feedings

Ongoing Tours & Activities Volunteers conduct tarantula feeding demonstrations, work with live insects that visitors may touch and hold, and answer questions about the many-legged creatures that live in the Insect Zoo. Year-Round: • Sat. and Sun.: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 1:30 PM • Tues.- Fri.: 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM Note - Demonstrations offered unless otherwise posted. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: O. Orkin Insect Zoo, 2nd floor, West. Cost: Free; walk-in. Related Exhibition: O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM. For more info visit www.mnh.si.edu.

Art + Coffee: Luce Foundation Center for American Art

Ongoing Tours & Activities Learn about the more than 3,300 treasures of the Luce Foundation Center for American Art during this tour or talk. Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or tea. Year-Round: Wed. through Sun.: 1:30 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet in the F Street Lobby. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM.

Flights of Fancy -- Stories for Children

Ongoing Activities Hear museum staff read children's stories about aviation or space exploration; then try your hand at an art activity. For today's title, visit the museum's Web site at http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/storytimes/. Year-Round: Most Thurs. & Fri.: 11 AM , Most Sat.: 11 AM & 1:30 PM. Categories: Kids & Families. Workshops. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum. Venue: Air and Space Museum. Event Location: For location, ask at the museum's Welcome Center. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Cultural interpreters provide a 45-minute overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest. Tours are provided most days at 1:30 p.m. There is an additional tour at 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours assemble in the Potomac Atrium. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Potomac Atrium, First Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM.

Docent's Choice Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM Note - On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 1:30 PM.

Amy Goodpaster Strebe's Flying for Her Country: Book Signing

One-Time Events Amy Goodpaster Strebe signs copies of her book Flying for Her Country. Categories: Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Amy Nathan's Yankee Doodle Gals and You Can Count on Us: Book Signings

One-Time Events Amy Nathan signs copies of her children's books Yankee Doodle Gals and You Can Count on Us. Categories: Kids & Families. Shopping/Book Signing. Sponsor: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Venue: Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Event Location: Outside Museum Store. Cost: Books available for sale in Museum Store. Continues: Repeats March 14 at Air and Space on the Mall. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Meet a Small Mammal

Daily Zoo Activities An animal keeper will introduce you to one of the Zoo's small mammals like an armadillo or naked mole-rat. Time Detail: 2:00 pm at the Small Mammal House. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Small Mammal House. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM.

Spider Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Eight-legged wonders! Get up close and personal with the golden orb weaver spiders. Time Detail: 2:00pm at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM.

The Sant Ocean Hall Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docents known as the Sant Ocean Hall Navigators who will give a tour of the the related exhibition. Year-Round: • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM and 2 PM, Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Natural History Museum. Venue: Natural History Museum. Event Location: Meet at entrance to The Sant Ocean Hall, 1st Floor, just off the Rotunda. Related Exhibition: The Sant Ocean Hall. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM.

Highlights Tours

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: Most days: 12:30 PM and 2 PM Notes - No tours on 2nd Tuesday of each month. - No tours on federal holidays. - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Art Museum. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet behind F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM.

My Family’s Shrine, My Family’s Culture

Talks and Lectures Monks and members of the Tibetan community discuss the family shrines on display in the Sackler Gallery’s education classroom. See how contemporary Tibetans arrange sacred paintings, sculptures, photographs, and offerings in family altars. Learn why particular items are placed in the shrines. Categories: Lectures & Discussions. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Sublevel 2. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha: The Tibetan Shrine from the Alice S. Kandell Collection. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 PM.

Meet a Great Cats Keeper

Daily Zoo Activities Lions and tigers are beautiful and powerful animals come learn all about them. Time Detail: 2:30pm. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Great Cats. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM.

The Sacred Art of Making a Mandala: Making of a Mandala

Freer and Sackler Galleries Experience the sacred Buddhist tradition of creating an intricate mandala sand painting. Tibetan monks work together, adding one grain of sand at a time to create a colorful mandala, a complex geometric diagram with spiritual and ritual significance in Buddhism. Categories: Demonstrations. Sponsor: Freer and Sackler Galleries. Venue: Sackler Gallery. Event Location: Sackler Pavillion. Cost: Free. Related Exhibition: In the Realm of the Buddha. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Meet a Reptile

Daily Zoo Activities Get an introduction to one of the Zoo's fascinating reptiles. Time Detail: 3:00 pm at the Reptile Discovery Center. Categories: Kids & Families. Demonstrations. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Reptile Discovery Center. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM.

Octopus Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities The giant Pacific octopus is a predator that demonstrates dynamic hunting behaviors. Time Detail: 3:00 pm at Invertebrates. Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Invertebrates. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the museum. Year-Round: • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM • Most Tues. Thurs. and Fri.: 10:30 AM and 11:45 PM Special Exhibition Tours: • Ask at the information desk Saturdays and Sundays, between 11 AM and 1 PM, about tours of selected exhibitions. Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: African Art Museum. Venue: African Art Museum. Event Location: Meet at information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Tours & Activities Look for our friendly cultural interpreter who will give a 45-minute overview of the museum's history, landscape, building, exhibitions, and other points of interest. Through March 31, 2010: Most days: 1:30 PM , Most Sat.: Additional tour at 3 PM. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Potomac Atrium, First Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM.

Hok-noth-da? (Did you hear?)—Listen! I Have a Story To Tell

Ongoing Tours & Activities A Native staff member reads books by or about Native Americans for children ages 5-9 most Saturdays & Sundays at 11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; children must be accompanied by an adult. ("Hok-noth-da?" means "Did you hear?" in the Shawnee language.). Categories: Kids & Families. Performances. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Resource Center, Third Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

Highlights Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of the highlights of the gallery. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 11:45 AM and 3:15 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:15 PM.

Seasoned with Spirit: Bounty of the River’s Edge

One-Time Events (2006, 27 min, USA) The people of the Yurok Tribe live off the bounty of the Pacific Coast on the banks of California’s Klamath River, harvesting salmon, shellfish, seaweed, and edible wild greens -- along with acorns ground and cooked in tightly woven handmade baskets. Loretta joins her Yurok friends for a feast of alderwood smoked salmon, dried sirfish and eels, along with an amazing sturgeon egg (caviar) bread. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Rasmuson Theater. Cost: Free. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:30 PM – 3:57 PM.

CANCELED - Fish Feeding

Daily Zoo Activities Categories: Demonstrations. Kids & Families. Sponsor: National Zoo. Venue: National Zoo. Event Location: Kids' Farm. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM.

21st Century Consort

Resident Associate Program The 21st Century Consort presents the music of our time in a series of concerts designed to challenge, engage, and enjoy. This concert features music by composers Kaija Saariaho, Scott Wheeler, Evan Chambers, and Robert Parris. View more details. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: Resident Associate Program. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: American Art Museum/Portrait Gallery, McEvoy Auditorium, 8th & G Streets, NW, Metro:Gallery Place(Red, Green, Yellow Lines). Cost: Click here to view prices. Purchase Tickets: http://residentassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?utm_source=VIARC&utm_medium=SIWeb&utm_campaign=Calendar&tmssource=181896&performanceNumber=218138. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 4:00 PM.

Historic Theater: Join the Student Sit-Ins at the Greensboro Lunch Counter

Ongoing Tours & Activities (for all ages) Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session -- based on an actual 1960s manual -- to prepare for your first sit-in and decide if you would have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement. These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Categories: Performances. Sponsor: American History Museum. Venue: American History Museum. Event Location: Meet at Greensboro lunch counter, 2nd floor, East Wing. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 4:30 PM – 4:50 PM.

Docent's Choice Tour

Ongoing Activities Look for our friendly docent who will give a tour of one of the following: highlights of the museum, the America's Presidents exhibition, or one of the special exhibitions currently on view. Year-Round: • Most Mon.-Fri.: 1 PM and 3:30 PM • Most Sat. and Sun.: 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM Note - Tours subject to docent availability. - On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, the 1:30 PM tour may be offered in Spanish (depending upon demand). Categories: Gallery Talks & Tours. Sponsor: Portrait Gallery. Venue: Reynolds Center: American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. Event Location: Meet at F St. information desk. Cost: Free; walk-in. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 4:30 PM.

Orientation Film: Who We Are

Ongoing Tours & Activities This unique, 13-minute, multimedia presentation transports visitors to the Arctic, the Northwest Coast, and the plateaus of Bolivia to reveal the diversity of contemporary Native life and to introduce themes and messages encountered throughout the museum. The presentation is available daily, every 30 minutes, 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM. Translation devices are available in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Categories: Films. Sponsor: American Indian Museum. Venue: American Indian Museum. Event Location: Lelawi Theater, Fourth Level. Saturday, March 13, 2010, 7:00 PM – Sunday, March 14, 2010, 8:00 PM.