Smithsonian Events for the Week of 9/28-10/2: Climate Change, Cheetahs, Tito Puente and Reading About Africa
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Monday, September 28:
Sorry kids, no special events happening at the Smithsonian today. But be sure to check out this site for a listing of regularly-scheduled happenings around the Institution.
Tuesday, September 29: Smithsonian Education 3-Day Online Conference: Climate Change
Come participate in this online conference wherein Smithsonian scientists and curators address the global problem of climate change from scientific, historical and artistic perspectives. Learn about Smithsonian research and the parts of its collections that speak to the evidence for and impact of climate change. Free, but online registration is required. You may register here. Event continues September 30 through October 1. This special event is courtesy of Smithsonian Education.
Wednesday, September 30: Cheetahs in Crisis
Unfortunately, cheetahs are more abundant on bags of cheese-flavored snacks than they are in the wild. Between Africa, the Middle East and India, there were about 100,000 of these creatures roaming around in 1900; however, there are fewer than 12,000 in the wild today. (That's an 85 percent decline in numbers.) In this evening lecture, come listen to a discussion moderated by Zoo director Steve Monfort and gain a deeper understanding of cheetah biology and the dangers these animals face. Arrive at 6:00 and you will be able to partake of the cash bar and mingle with the speakers before the lecture begins. Free. National Zoo, 7:00-8:00 PM
Thursday, October 1: Meet Our Museum: Tito Puente's Timbales
Hailed as the King of Latin Music, Tito Puente—a Grammy Award-winning composer, bandleader and percussionist—left an indelible mark on Afro-Cuban jazz. In this lunchtime lecture, come listen to curator Marvette Pérez discuss Puente's place in American popular culture. A question and answer session will follow. Free. American History Museum, 12:00-12:30 PM
Friday, October 2: Let's Read About Africa
For the smaller members of your family, African Art's story time program introduces young minds to the continent by way of children's literature penned by award-winning authors. This series will continue most Fridays in October. Free. African Art Museum, 10:30-11:30 AM