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Rube Goldberg's Inventions (1995). Come celebrate National Inventors Month at the American History Museum this weekend—and perhaps wonder what it would be like if one of Rube Goldberg's outlandish inventions were actually built. Image courtesy of the National Postal Museum.

Saturday, August 1: Facing History: Be the Artist

Come take a quick tour of the exhibit Inventing Marcel Duchamp, paying close attention to one of the artist’s self-portraits. Afterwards, head back to the studio for an art class and draw on Duchamp’s ideas to create your own work of art. Free, but registration is required. Seating is limited, so call 202-633-8501 to reserve your spot today. Children, aged 5-10, must be accompanied by an adult. National Portrait Gallery, 12:00-2:00 PM

Sunday, August 2: From Spark to Click: Celebrating National Inventor’s Month

Inventors of all ages are invited to come out to the American History Museum where you can explore the connection between play and invention by way of those awesome staples of childhood: LEGO bricks. Come help build a LEGO lightbulb—slated to be a record-breaking eight feet in height—alongside master LEGO builders. Afterward, head on over to the Spark!Lab where you can continue with building and engineering activities. Free. American History Museum, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM (This event also takes place on Saturday, August 1 at the same time and location if you are unable to make it out to the Sunday session).

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.