AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Events Sept 12-15: The Star-Spangled Banner, The Chawaytiri of Peru, Smith Art Lecture, and Airmen of Note

See American history come alive, listen to lectures by distinguished speakers, and enjoy the sounds of one of the country’s top jazz bands

Joseph Stromberg

September 12, 2011

Learn about the Andean Chawaytiri community at Jose Barreiro's lecture. Photo by Ken Cartwright, courtesy American Indian Museum

Monday, September 12 Star Spangled Banner

Come meet Mary Pickersgill (played by actor Kate Guesman), who sewed the flag that inspired our national anthem. During the War of 1812, Pickersgill was commissioned to create a giant flag to be seen by British ships approaching Fort McHenry. Now you can hear her story and help her piece together the flag once again. Catch this interactive history lesson at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Free. American History Museum, Flag Hall

Tuesday, September 13 The Chawaytiri of Peru

Two years ago, American Indian Museum researcher Jose Barreiro traveled to the Andes to document the traditions of the Chawaytiri people, a native community of llama herders and weavers. After creating a film about their 40-mile pilgrimage along the sacred road of the Inka, Barreiro now comes to tell their story as part of the Smithsonian’s resident Associate Program. Come listen to his lecture and see the 30-minute documentary afterward. 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $30 Members, $27 Senior Members, $40 General Admission. Ripley Center

Wednesday, September 14 Smith Lecture

Meryle Secrest, award-winning biographer and author of Worlds Apart: Romaine Brooks and Amedeo Modigliani, will deliver the next lecture in the Clarice Smith Distinguished Lectures in American Art series. These monthly events explore the changing definition of American art today and are followed by receptions. Upcoming lectures in the series will be by the artists Elizabeth Peyton and Julie Mehretu. Free. 7 to 8 p.m. Ticket distribution begins at 6:30 p.m.; limit of two tickets per person. American Art Museum, McEvoy Auditorium

Thursday, September 15 Airmen of Note

Every third Thursday of the month, the U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz band gives a live performance embodying the style and tradition of the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band from the 1940s.Come bring the whole family for this fun-filled event. Free. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard