Smithsonian Events Week of 3/2-3/6/09: Kiwis, Kites and Bendy Straws
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Monday, March 2: Meet a Kiwi
The National Zoo is offering an opportunity to meet a kiwi—the famous, endangered icon of New Zealand that bears a striking resemblance to a certain fruit of the same name. Learn about the birds and the conservation efforts being made on their behalf. (See the birth of Koa the kiwi in March 2008 here on YouTube.) Free, but seating is limited to the first 25 people. National Zoo, 11:00 AM. Repeats Monday, Wednesday Friday of every week.
Tuesday, March 3: Nothing Special
Even the Smithsonian Institution has a slow day once in a while. One of my favorite pieces in the Smithsonian's collections is Game Fish, currently on display at the Renwick Gallery. So if you're in town, I strongly recommend you catch this one. What are some of your favorite things to see when you come visit? Tell us in the comments area below and maybe we'll use your ideas for days like this when there aren't any special events going on.
Wednesday, March 4: Caramel
In this Lebanese romantic comedy, five women, whose lives intersect by way of the local beauty salon, each embark on a path to finding romance and encounter problems along the way—be it in the form of impending old age, personal secrets or the fact that the one you love is already married to someone else. In French with English subtitles. Tickets are required. Rates are: $13.00 general admission; $10.00 for members. Call 202-633-3030 to reserve your seat today. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 7:00 PM.
Thursday, March 5: An Inventive Bent: Joseph B. Friedman and the FlexStraw
Can you imagine childhood without bendy straws? Learn about the man who invented them through a presentation by Alison L. Oswald. Free. American History Museum, 12:00 Noon.
Friday, March 6: Kite Flying
Believe me, I have my eye on this year's upcoming kite festival and intend to kick some tail this go round. (Read about our inaugural kite-flying endeavors here.) In the meantime, why not kick back, relax and enjoy story time at the National Air and Space Museum? Come hear a reading of Grace Lin's Kite Flying and your little ones take part in a kite-making activity afterwards. Free. National Air and Space Museum, 11:00 AM.
For a complete listing of Smithsonian exhibits and events, be sure to visit www.goSmithsonian.com and check out the easy-to-use calendar.