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Charles Darwin (ca. 1882) by Ernest Edwards. Image courtesy of Smithsonian Libraries.

Friday, September 11: Sorry kids, no special afternoon or evening events happening at the Smithsonian today. But be sure to check out this site for a listing of regularly-scheduled happenings around the Institution.

Saturday, September 12: Darwin Anniversary Symposium

The life and legacy of Charles Darwin has been celebrated worldwide throughout 2009 in honor of his 200th birthday. For those of you who want to learn more about this world-shaking figure, come on out to the Natural History Museum for a day-long symposium helmed by Dr. Hans-Dieter Sues (the museum’s associate director for Research and Collections) and Dr. Douglas Erwin (curator, Department of Paleobiology) and featuring a host of international Darwin scholars. Check out this website for a complete listing of speakers and when they are slated to appear. Free. Natural History Museum, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM.

Sunday, September 13: Grandparents Day at the Zoo

If you have grandparents who you hold near and dear to your heart, come celebrate those wonderful people at the National Zoo! Arrive  early for a special pancake breakfast at the Mane Restaurant and Grandparents will enjoy a 20 percent discount on store purchases. A free shuttle will run to help visitors who might have trouble walking some of the Zoo’s steep trails. Free. Breakfast (for purchase) is available between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. National Zoo, 7:30-10:30 AM.

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.