July 28, 2009
Rare Deer Born at the National Zoo
A tufted deer is weighed at the National Zoo Research Center. Photo by Lisa Ware, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution.
A rare tufted deer was born at the National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center in Virginia on July 16. The deer was the fourth species to give birth in one week, joining the clouded leopards, Przewalski horses and red pandas in welcoming new members to the Zoo family.
Tufted deer, called that for the tuft of hair on their forehead, are native to the forests of southern China. They are usually found within giant panda reserves. The animal is difficult to trace in the wild because of its elusive habits—it travels alone, or with a single mate, in the late evening or at dusk. But wildlife experts say that some 100,000 are killed annually by local hunters. The IUCN lists the species as near threatened; and even captive animals are rare with fewer than 110 living in U.S. zoos.
This is the 11th tufted deer baby to be born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo since 1994, when the first arrived. Unlike North American white-tailed deer, tufted deer only grow to be about 1.5 feet tall, about the height of a medium-sized dog.
The keepers say that, as in the wild, the mother will raise her fawn alone, although the father usually stays with the pregnant mother until she gives birth. This tufted deer family will not be on public display.
July 27, 2009
‘A Wild Hare’ Leaps on Screen and Into History
Today marks the anniversary of Bugs Bunny’s first starring role in “A Wild Hare.” An early version of the ”wascally wabbit” had appeared in 1938′s ”Porky’s Hare Hunt,” but it wasn’t until this 1940 short film that his character was fully designed and delivered the immortal line “What’s up, Doc?” to his nemesis Elmer Fudd.
Since then this long-eared actor hasn’t looked back, sharing the screen with Michael Jordan and co-starring in the Oscar-winning film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? In 2002, he topped TV Guide’s list of greatest cartoon characters.
Bugs Bunny’s contributions to entertainment and pop culture haven’t been overlooked by the Smithsonian Institution. In the National Museum of American History’s “Thanks for the Memories” exhibition, animation cells of Bugs and other Looney Tunes are displayed right around the corner from the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz.” All of the cells were donated by Mel Blanc, the actor who gave Bugs his Brooklyn/Bronx voice.
So, if you’re on the mall today, be sure to stop by the American History Museum and pay homage to Bugs.
Smithsonian Events for the Week of July 27-31: Animals, Magic and Fun with Forensics!
Leopard by Jessie A. Walker. Come hear storyteller Diane Macklin tell the tale of how this animal got its spots. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.
Monday, July 27: Nothing special going on today, kids. You can check out the roster of regularly-scheduled programming at the Smithsonian here.
Tuesday, July 28: Artful Animals and Storied Stamps
Come by the National Postal Museum where you can explore Africa and learn about the art of stamp design. Afterwards, be sure to check out the exhibit Delivering Hope: FDR and the Stamps of the Great Depression. Free. For persons aged 5-15. Postal Museum, 10:30 AM. This event repeats today at 1:30 PM
Wednesday, July 29: Animal Folktales
Storyteller, actress and educator Diane Macklin will tell you the tale “How Many Spots Does a Leopard Have” and offer guidance on how to write your own stories, in addition to other activities. For persons ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. African Art Museum, 10:30-11:30 AM.
Thursday, July 30: Look Out! It’s D’s Magic Show!
Magician “Mr. Dave” Thomen with his lovely assistant Donatello (a too-cute-for-words white rabbit) have a host of show-stopping tricks up his sleeve, so come on out to the Ripley Center for a performance filled with humor, song and wonderment. Tickets are required. Rates are: $6, adults; $5, children (ages 2-16); $4, Resident Members. Call 202-633-8700 to make your reservations today. Ripley Center, 10:15 AM. Repeats today at 11:30 AM and on Friday at 10:15 AM and 11:30 AM.
Friday, July 31: Forensic Friday
Join Smithsonian forensic anthropologists as they study new cases from America’s historic past. Take advantage of this opportunity to ask the forensic anthropologists questions and observe first-hand the basic methods used for documenting human remains recovered from archaeological investigations. Relates to the exhibit Written in Bone, which was recently covered in Smithsonian. Free. Natural History Museum, 1:00 PM
For more information on events and exhibitions at the Smithsonian museums, check our companion website, goSmithsonian.com, the official visitor’s guide to the Smithsonian.
July 24, 2009
Weekend Events: Hirshhorn After Hours, Special Exhibitions and a Historic Sorority Girl
Our Good Earth (1942) by John Stewart Curry. Come see this and other amazing artworks in Graphic Masters II exhibition. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.
Friday, July 24: Hirshhorn After Hours: A Special Evening of Art, Music, and Cocktails
Come unwind from a busy week by enjoying an evening of art, music and libations at the Hirshhorn. From 8:00 PM to midnight, DJs izzy-b and Nyko Skyye will be spinning their unique blend of music and at 9:00 PM, curator Kristen Hileman will lead a tour of the Strange Bodies exhibition. Tickets are required. Rates are: $18. Free to Annual Circle members. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Hirshhorn, 8:00 PM-12:00 AM.
Saturday, July 25: She Became a Pearl
Nellie Quander descended from slaves and worked with nineteen other women—collectively known as “The Twenty Pearls”—to turn Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American Sorority, into a national organization. Come hear Rohulamin Quander discuss Nellie’s remarkable life and achievements and afterwards, he will be available to sign copies of his book Nellie Quander, An Alpha Kappa Alpha Pearl: The Story of the Woman Who Saved an International Organization. Free, but seating is limited. Call 202-633-4844 if you would like to make a reservation. Anacostia Museum, 10:30 AM
Sunday, July 26: Special Exhibitions Sampler Tour
Let’s face it, museums are sometimes so big that it’s hard for a visitor to know where to start. If that’s the boat you’re in, come and partake of this sampler tour, a docent-led journey through the highlights of the special exhibitions currently on display at the American Art Museum. On your tour you will see pieces from Jean Shin: Common Threads, 1934: A New Deal for Artists and Graphic Masters II. Free. American Art Museum, 4:00 PM
For more information on events and exhibitions at the Smithsonian museums, check our companion website, goSmithsonian.com, the official visitor’s guide to the Smithsonian.
A Quilt Crafted by Many Hands in Service to Community
An 1853 quilt made to benefit fire fighting efforts in South Reading, Massachusetts, is on view at the National Museum of American History
The task of designing, piecing together, appliquéing and then finally quilting an entire expanse of fabric is a joy and art form to many. But perhaps, there can be no other labor of love more noble than the crafting of a quilt by many hands to be raffled off or sold to the highest bidder for the benefit of community.
One very early example of this communal noblesse recently went on view in the central atrium display cases—the new Artifact Walls—at the National Museum of American History. It is dated 1853 and bears the inscription: “Ladies Donation to the Fireman’s Fair/Yale Engine Co. No. 1/South Reading.”
“The intricate details of the quilt stand as a testament of a group effort among family, friends and neighbors to provide for their town,” said director Brent Glass.
The quilt was apparently made by a group of women in the then small, rural town of South Reading, Massachusetts (today’s Wakefield, just 10 miles north of Boston), to raise funds for the Yale Engine Company, the museum speculates. At the time the quilt was crafted, the South Reading town records show that a “handsome new, double-decker fire-engine, resplendent in finish of rosewood and trimmings of polished brass,” was purchased and named “Yale Engine, No. 1.” And in 1853, South Reading became home to a new engine house.
The quilt is made of 30 blocks. All but five have geometric appliqués in fire engine red. The others contain embroidery, a star of Bethlehem, an American flag, a wreath cut from a floral print and glued to the background; and one contains a bright, shiny hook and ladder truck. It is labeled “Yale 1.”
History shows that Yale 1 served its community well. An 1894 note in the town records says that the engine “distinguished herself in many fields, and saved much property from destruction.” The engine was often pulled out in later years by veteran firefighters for parades and other celebrations. The quilt will be on view through the end of the year.
