Events Sept. 19-22: The Life of Cleopatra, Aldabras Galore, Celebrate the Land, and La Buena Vida
This week, hear about the queen of ancient Egypt, see some of the world’s largest tortoises, talk to curators about the environment, and more
/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/headshot/joseph-stromberg-240.jpg)
/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer/20110919102007albadra-tortoise-small.jpg)
Monday, September 19 The Life of Cleopatra
Come learn about the life of Cleopatra through a discussion with her Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Stacy Schiff. Cleopatra: A Life, Schiff’s latest bestseller, sheds new light on the world of ancient Egypt and its royal court. Along with Lynn Neary, NPR’s arts correspondent, Schiff will discuss the work that went into the book and the widespread fascination with Cleopatra that she shares with her readers. Schiff will be signing books after the program. $15 for Smithsonian Resident Associates, $20 for general public. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Natural History Museum, Baird Auditorium
Tuesday, September 20 Aldabras Galore
What’s an Aldabras? Native to the Seychelle islands in the Indian Ocean, they’re some of the biggest tortoises in the world. Visit the Zoo to see and learn about the resident Albadras from the caretakers as they move them from their outdoor habitat into the Reptile House for the night. Free. 4 p.m. daily. National Zoo, outside Reptile House
Wednesday, September 21 Celebrate the Land
Shout, a Smithsonian education program designed to help students worldwide take an active role in environmental issues, hosts the online seminar “Celebrate the Land.” Students and teachers can join Smithsonian experts to discuss the U.S. Forest Service (11 a.m.), learn about environmental trends observed from satellite images (1 p.m.), hear about the Smithsonian Tree Banding program (2 p.m.) and ask curators their own questions (3 p.m.). Seminars are online only. This event is free, but online registration is required.
Thursday, September 22 La Buena Vida
Writer, educator and folklorist Fabiola Cabeza de Baca‘s legendary radio broadcasts of the 1930s and 40s were a home for discussion of agriculture, home economics, personal stories and other aspects of rural New Mexican life. At this Historic Theater event, relive and participate in the broadcasts, learning about Ms. Cabeza de Baca’s stories while sharing some of your own. Free. This event will begin on Sept. 22 and be held on most Thursdays through Sundays, at 11 a.m, 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. American History Museum, meet at 1st floor visitor center.
For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Online Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.
/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/headshot/joseph-stromberg-240.jpg)