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Nocturne (1879-80) by James McNeill Whistler. Image courtesy of the Freer Gallery of Art.

Friday, October 16: The Woman Behind the New Deal

Come on out to the American Art Museum where Kirstin Downey is on board to tell you about Frances Perkins, an economist and social worker who, as FDR’s Secretary of Labor, shaped the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, the National Labor Relations Act, the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. A book signing will follow the lecture. Free. American Art Museum, 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 17: Owl Prowl

Owls have a reputation for being rather intelligent animals—but how wise are you to these creatures of the night? Come on out to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and spend an evening prowling for owls along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline while learning all about how they live. Cost is $5 per person. Registration is strongly recommended, although walk-ins will be allowed to go on the tour if there is still room. To reserve a spot today, please call 443-482-2300. Also note that the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is about a 30-minute drive outside of the Washington, DC area. For directions, go to this website. The Owl Prowl will begin at the Reed Conservation Center. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 8:00-9:30 PM

Sunday, October 18: The Texture of Night: Etchings by James McNeill Whistler

Some of you may be familiar with the cheap-but-intellectual pickup line, “Would you like to come up and see my etchings?” Well, if you’re James McNeill Whistler, you’ve got etchings worth seeing. Come on over to the Freer and immerse yourself in the world created by Whistler’s nighttime visions of London, Amsterdam and Venice. After viewing the art, head down to the ImaginAsia classroom where the younger members of your family can participate in an art activity where the little ones will get an opportunity to create their favorite real or imaginary nighttime scene. Free. Freer, 2:00 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.