AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Events: Benedict Arnold on Trial, String Quartet Performance and Portrait Gallery Activities

January 28, 2011

Friday, January 28: Historic Theater: Time Trials of Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold is generally remembered as a traitor—but has popular opinion clouded historical fact? Take a spot on the jury panel, meet Benedict Arnold and decide if this infamous Revolutionary War figure was a patriot or a total rat fink. These 20-minute interactive performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotions in their stories. Free. American History Museum, 1-1:20 PM. This performance will repeat today at 2:30 and 4:00 PM and on Saturday, January 30 at 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM.

Saturday, January 29: The Axelrod String Quartet Saturday Series

Tonight, the Axelrod Quartet makes use of instruments in the Smithsonian's collections to perform pieces by Haydn, Bartok, and Woldemar Bargiel. Tickets are required. Rates are: $32 general admission; $25 for members; $23 for senior members. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Resident Associate Program box office which is located on the National Mall in the Ripley Center on the National Mall. American History Museum, 7:00 PM.

Sunday, January 30: Portrait Discovery Kit Activity

Perfect for persons ages five and up, the Portrait Discovery Kit invites younger art lovers to take an interactive tour of the museum. Seek-and-find cards, self-portrait pads, portrait detective and historian guides, and other activities will help kids learn more about the people depicted in the artwork and their contributions to American history. A museum educator explains how to use the kit before sending you to explore the galleries. Free. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To borrow a kit, an adult must leave a cell phone number and an e-mail address. Kits must be returned before 4 PM. Portrait Gallery, 1:00-4:00 PM. This event repeats year-round on most Saturdays and Sundays between 1:00 and 4:00 PM.

For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com