June 20-24 Events Post: Interactive Carts, ImaginAsia, Choctaw Days, Forensic Science, and Tarantulas

This week, join the Smithsonian Museums in offering you interactive carts, a look into the life of a Chinese opera performer, a Choctaw Indian festival and more! Continue reading for an overview of this week's events highlights.

Monday June 20 Carting Around

Start your week off right with a trip to the American History Museum today for some playtime with some cool artifacts. Beginning at 10:30 AM, join docents stationed at Interactive Carts throughout the museum and take a spin at operating a cotton gin, peek through a stereoscope, try on a corset, or use a press to print your own card. Afterwards, copy a letter the way the founding fathers did. But whatever you do during this family-friendly activity be sure to soak up the history. The location of the carts do vary so be sure to check at either Welcome desk for location information and schedules.

Tuesday June 21 ImaginAsia

Expand your horizons this Tuesday by going to the Sackler Gallery sub-level 1, at 2 PM for an experience that will rock your world. This free family-friendly event takes a look into the life of a member of the Shanghai Kunju Troupe. Meet Chinese opera performers and explore their magnificent costumes; then learn how to move on stage like an emperor, warrior or a dancing lady of the imperial Chinese court.

Wednesday June 22 Choctaw Days

Make Wednesday memorable with a trip to the American Indian Museum for Choctaw Days. Be there at 10 AM as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma kicks off its celebration of tribal heritage with four days of food, workshops and performances. Also, at 10 AM in the third level classroom, children and adults are encouraged to create a basket or a clay pot to take home. If you are searching for something a bit more fashionable, try creating your own piece of beadwork. This event is also held at 12, 2, or 4:30 PM, but be sure to get your free timed ticket before getting down with your crafty side. Join the Choctaw’s again throughout the day as they reenact a traditional wedding, play stickball, tell Native stories and more.

Thursday June 23 Bone Up on History

This Thursday form 11 to 5, join the Natural History Museum in offering you a glimpse into the world of forensic science. Written in Bone takes place, free of charge, on the 2nd floor of the west wing of the museum in the Forensic Anthropology Lab. Inside the Lab is a hands-on room where children and adults learn that forensic science is far more mysterious and interesting than anything portrayed on TV. Use real human bones to solve cases as you identify people from the past and draw your own conclusions about their lives. After you have solved your case, make sure to visit the related exhibit Written in Bone: Forensic Files of the 17th-Century Chesapeake to learn about archaeological discoveries that reveal the historic importance of Jamestown and its contribution to the American way of life. The exhibition addresses life and death in the colonies, diseases that felled the new Americans and inter-population relationships.

Friday June 24 Breakfast Time!

Have you ever wondered what a tarantula eats? Well if so now you can find out this Friday by visiting the Natural History Museum at 10:30 to feed the tarantulas. Meet in the O. Orkin Insect Zoo on the West side of the 2nd floor  to observe brave volunteers feeding the tarantula. Then go explore their many legged friends as you work with live insects. Touch and hold your favorite bugs. Afterwards, join a discussion where your questions about the many-legged creatures of the Insect Zoo will be answered. This event is free. If you can’t make it at 10:30 swing back by at 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian Museum events and exhibits go to the GoSmithsonian Visitors Guide.