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Head out to the National Zoo in honor of Teacher Appreciation Day! Detail of Class learning about the Sahara Desert, Washington, D.C. (1957) by the Scurlock Studio.

Friday, November 5:

Sorry kids, no special evening events happening at the Smithsonian tonight.

Saturday, November 6: Teacher Appreciation Day

After spending a week at school, teachers need a day of fun just like the kids they have to put up with, er, nurture for seven hours a day five days a week. In honor of Teacher Appreciation Day, the National Zoo has put together a special lineup of programs especially for educators, including animal demonstrations and exhibit programs that will hopefully inspire classroom activities. You will also have an opportunity to take a peek at the new exhibit Amazonian Science on a Sphere, view the documentary The Monarch Effect and much more. Go to this website for a full list of events. Teachers will also receive discounts for the day, such as a $10 flat rate for parking, a 15 percent discount in National Zoo stores and 30 percent discount at the Mane Restaurant. Free, but registration is required. Call 202-633-3059 or send an email for more information. And don’t forget to bring your school ID! National Zoo, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Sunday, November 7: Experiments in 19th-Century Color Photography

Cameras are everywhere nowadays so it’s easy to take for granted the technology we have at our fingertips. As far as photography has come along, it’s not always easy to look back and figure out the processes shutterbug pioneers used to create their images. Case in point, the development of color photography. It wasn’t always a matter of course, which makes some modern scholars wonder: how’d they do that? (Smithsonian contributor Robert Poole wrote “In Living Color,” a piece on an early, obscure color photography process that employed potatoes.) In this scholarly symposium, come listen to a collective of international specialists and learn how color photography came about. Speakers will include: Michelle Delaney, curator, Photographic History Collection, National Museum of American History; Dr. Susan Stulik, senior scientist, The Getty Conservation Institute; Grant Romer,senior conservator, The International Museum of Photography, George Eastman House; Kelly Wright, adjunct professor and doctoral candidate, University of Cincinnati and Francois Brunet, professor of art history and literature, University of Paris. This event is part of Fotoweek DC.

And don’t forget, Smithsonian magazine’s 7th annual photo contest that is coming to a close on December 1, 2009. Time is running out to enter your photos! Free. American History Museum, 10:00 AM-5:00 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.

The ease of positioning the Flex-Straw made it appealing for hospital use. Joseph B. Friedman Papers, NMAH Archives Center

They are everywhere. Those quirky, bendy straws that make the satisfying crunching sound when flexed. They are in every soft drink, every restaurant… even when we don’t ask for them, those bendable straws magically appear in front of us. They’re one of the most undistinguished of utilitarian items of our time, yet few have surely ever paused to think about how they came to be.

Thankfully, for all those now hung-up on the history of the FlexStraw, the American History Museum has slurped up some straw stats to quench your thirst for knowledge.

The FlexStraw owes its existence to Joseph B. Friedman, (1900 – 1982) an independent American inventor, who came up with numerous interesting ideas that never really succeeded in the marketing world. When he was just 14, his list of inventions included an ice cream dispenser and the “pencilite”—a pencil with a light—creations that eventually granted him nine U.S. patents and even more in Great Britain, Australia and Canada. However, it was while working as a realtor in San Francisco, California in the 1930s, that Friedman experienced his most “prolific patenting period,” according to the museum. Six of his nine U.S. patents were issued then, one proving to be his most successful invention—our friend, the flexible drinking straw.

His “Eureka!” moment came when he was in an ice cream parlor with his young daughter, Judith. The tiny girl was struggling to get some height on a stiff straw while seated at the counter. Friedman had an idea. He began to experiment with an upgrade.

Pencil sketch of flexible drinking straw, no date.

According to the  Archives Center at the American History Museum, Friedman took a paper straight straw, inserted a screw and using dental floss, wrapped the paper into the screw threads, creating corrugations (see drawing at right). After removing the screw, the altered paper straw would bend conveniently over the edge of the glass, allowing small children, including his daughter Judith, to better reach their beverages. A U.S. patent was issued for this new invention under the title “Drinking Tube,” on September 28, 1937. Friedman attempted to sell his straw patent to several existing straw manufacturers beginning in 1937 without success, so after completing his straw machine, he began to produce the straw himself.

Today, from 12 to 12:30, you can see the machine that was used to make the FlexStraw, samples of the straw, and other items from the exhibit, “The Straight Truth About the Flexible Drinking Straw” at the “Meet the Museum” event held most Thursdays at the museum.

Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler (1893) by John Singer Sargent. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.

Monday, November 2: National Family Literacy Day

Knowledge is power (I know, it’s an overused phrase—but it’s true) and today is a great day to encourage the people in your family to pursue a lifetime full of reading. Enjoy storytelling sessions as well as theatrical performances that tie in to permanent museum exhibits like the Star Spangled Banner and the Greensboro lunch counter. Hopefully the day will inspire you to go home and do some reading on your own—and encourage you to talk about the things that grab your interest with those near and dear to you. Even if you aren’t in the DC area for this event, visit the website of the National Center for Family Literacy—who is co-sponsoring this event—to find programs in your area. Free. American History Museum, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Tuesday, November 3: FONZ Photo Club

If you’re a shutterbug with a penchant for snapping shots of critters, come on out to the National Zoo and participate in the FONZ (that’s Friends Of the National Zoo for those of you who think Henry Winkler when they see the word, FONZ) photo club’s monthly meeting. Share your photos, hear from speakers and learn about new techniques that may help you capture that picture perfect moment. You must already be a FONZ member to participate. For more information on the FONZ photo club and how to participate, check out their website. National Zoo, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 4: Portrait of Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler

John Singer Sargent had a knack for painting socialites and caused a perfectly marvelous scandal when he unveiled his Madame X in 1884. (The uproar over the painting was so great that it prompted him to move from Paris to London.) In tonight’s gallery talk led by deputy director emeritus Charles Robertson, come take a look at another work of Sargent’s: an 1893 portrait of Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler, heiress to the Astor fortune. Free. Smithsonian American Art Museum, 6:00 PM

Thursday, November 5: Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits

Photographer Dorothea Lange will perhaps be forever known for one photograph—a portrait of Florence Owens Thompson popularly known as Migrant Mother, which has become an iconic image of the Great Depression. Come listen to Linda Gordon, author of Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits, discuss the life and times of this famous photographer. A book signing will follow the lecture. Free. American Art Museum, 7:00 PM

Friday, November 6: Sounds of Africa

Modern music has a fair share of roots firmly planted in Africa, and today, Ugandan musician Daniel Ssuuna will teach you about African instruments as well as polyrhythms and syncopation. Visitors will also have the opportunity to play instruments. Ideal for visitors aged 6 and older. Free. African Art Museum, 10:30 AM. This event will repeat on November 20 at the same time and venue.

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.

Self Portrait Without Skin (1997) by Kim Eric Lilot. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.

Friday, October 30: A Salute to Judy Garland and Friends

It’s unfortunate to think that Judy Garland may now be best remembered for the tragic circumstances that filled her life, not to mention as one of the ultimate camp icons. I mean she was a darn good entertainer. (Her crowning achievement may very well have been her 1961 performances at Carnegie Hall, memorialized on vinyl—and later CD—and acknowledged by the Library of Congress as an aesthetically and culturally significant recording.) Forty years after her death (and 70 years after she appeared in The Wizard of Oz), pianist Richard Glazier is presenting a tribute show featuring a host of songs that Garland made world-famous: “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song,” “The Man That Got Away” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” Tickets are required. Rates are: $25 general admission, $20 for Resident Associate members. Tickets may be purchased online. American History Museum, 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 31: ImaginAsia: Predicting Your Future

Cootie catchers are a popular means of fortune telling, but their accuracy is somewhat suspect. When in doubt, consult the Book of Falnama—sort of the big honkin’ cootie catcher that commoners and royalty in Turkey and Iran used to consult when they needed advice about the future. Kick off the afternoon by touring the new exhibit Falnama: The Book of Omens and learn about the auspicious meanings behind the images and symbols and then go back into the classroom where you can create an amulet for protection and posterity. Free. Freer, 2:00 PM.

Sunday, November 1: Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos

Come and celebrate the Day of the Dead—a Latin American holiday that celebrates the memory of the dearly departed—at the American History Museum. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, an ofrenda (altar) will be created to memorialize the braceros, Mexican guest workers who labored in the United States from 1942–1964, and you can make your own paper flowers to leave on the ofrenda or to take home to honor the memory of whomever you like. At noon, writer Mary Andrade will talk about Day of the Dead traditions and will be available to sign copies of her book Day of the Dead: A Passion for Life. You will also be able to sample traditional Day of the Dead foods at the Stars and Stripes Café. Free. American History Museum, 11:00 AM-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.

Morris Kantor's "Baseball at Night"

The battle over (New Jersey) baseball’s championship trophy starts tonight as the New York Yankees host the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the World Series. At the Smithsonian, however, it is baseball season year-round. In the collections of the National Museum of American History, curators have obtained various items relating to the October (this year, the November) Classic. A sampling of the historic objects:

• Official programs from the 1919, 1952 and 1979 World Series
• Gameday ticket from the Colored World Series of 1934 that included squads from the Philadelphia Stars, the Pittsburgh Crawfords, the Black Yankees, and the Chicago Giants
• Parking certificate from Memorial Stadium in Baltimore from the 1979 World Series between the Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates
• A scorecard from a game from the 1951 series, decorated by small vignettes of baseball scenes in each of the four corners of the card.
• The actual third base used in the 2007 World Series, along with the jersey worn by Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester.

These items, and other sports-related memorabilia, came to the museum either from staff who were serendipitously attending games or from donations. The Red Sox objects, for instance, came from the team itself. But a diehard baseball fanatic would notice one strange thing about this collection. Who won the 1952 World Series? The New York Yankees. What about 1951? The Yankees. Also in the collection, a pennant for the Yankees.

Does the Smithsonian have a pro-Yankee bias?

Not if Jane Rogers, American History’s associate curator for the Division of Music, Sports and Entertainment has anything to say about it. Her husband is a Orioles fan, so rooting for the Yankees is out of the question for her. Her sports allegiances are more tied to the Washington Redskins, but for the sake of her dignity, it’s probably best to pretend that isn’t the case this season.

None of the World Series items are currently on display, but if you have a hankering for some museum-style baseball, go to the American Art Museum’s “1934: A New Deal for Artists” and view Morris Kantor’s “Baseball at Night,” also seen above.

Celebrate Halloween at the Smithsonian! Insignia, VMF-531 Grey Ghosts, United States Marine Corps. Image courtesy of the National Air and Space Museum

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

Tuesday, October 27: American Art Museum Architectural Tour

They don’t build ‘em like they used to—which is why touring buildings like the former Patent Office Building (home to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery) can be so charming. But it’s oh so easy to pay more attention to the art on the walls than the building itself. That said, come gain an appreciation for the building that houses these world-class works of art in this architectural tour led by Deputy director emeritus Charles Robertson. Free. American Art Museum, 5:45

Wednesday, October 28: Ask an Expert: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

In this lunchtime lecture, come listen to Tom Watters discuss the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter —a spacecraft launched earlier this year to scout out potential places on the Moon’s surface that would best accommodate an outpost and extend mankind’s presence in the solar system—and the early results of this mission. Free. Air and Space Museum, 12:00 PM

Thursday, October 29: The “Not So Spooky” Halloween Show

Halloween is so frequently celebrated with sights and sounds meant to send chills down your spine—so much so that the youngest members of your family may feel a little left out of the fun for fear of being, well, scared. So, for the littlest tricksters, here’s a treat from the Discovery Theater. Come out in your costumes and listen to two stories: the first, “Why the Bat Flies at Night” is a creation story from Africa that will be told with puppets, and the second, “The Ghosties’ Happy Day,” invites the audience to help tell the tale. Ideal for persons aged 2-7. Tickets are required. Rates are: $6 general admission, $5 for children, $4 for members, $4 for children of members, and children under the age of 2 are free, but please reserve a (free) ticket for those persons. S. Dillon Ripley Center, 10:15 AM. This event repeats on Saturday, October 31 at noon and will include a face painting activity.

Friday, October 30: A Salute to Judy Garland and Friends

It’s unfortunate to think that Judy Garland may now be best remembered for the tragic circumstances that filled her life and one of the ultimate camp icons as opposed to being remembered as a darn good entertainer. (Her crowning achievement may very well have been her 1961 performances at Carnegie Hall, memorialized on vinyl—and later CD—and acknowledged by the Library of Congress as an aesthetically and culturally significant recording.) Forty years after her death (and 70 years after she appeared in The Wizard of Oz), pianist Richard Glazier is presenting a tribute show featuring a host of songs that Garland made world-famous: “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song,” “The Man That Got Away” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” Tickets are required. Rates are: $25 general admission, $20 for Resident Associate members. Tickets may be purchased online. American History Museum, 7:30 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.

Lt. Col. Johnson salutes friends and family upon his homecoming at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, February 17, 1973. Photo courtesy of the Office of Congressman Sam Johnson.

U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson—also a member of the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents—received the National Patriot Award, the Medal of Honor Society’s highest civilian award, this past Saturday in Dallas, for his service to the nation. The Republican congressman, who represents the third district of Texas, is an Air Force veteran and former Prisoner of War in Vietnam. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a fighter pilot, and for a time, was the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, the Air Force’s version of Top Gun. In his second tour of duty in Vietnam, he was shot down over North Vietnam and taken captive for nearly seven years. A POW bracelet with his name on it is on view in the “Price of Freedom” exhibition at the National Museum of American History.

What does your POW bracelet call to mind?

The POW bracelet was something that my wife actually had a hand in getting started. She helped start the National League of Families, which still exists in Washington, and they decided to do bracelets as a means of gaining support nationwide for the return of the POWs. I guess there were thousands of them sold around the country, and people wore them to try to get recognition for the plight of the POWs. When I got home, we must have gotten a thousand of them—people returning them. It was just overwhelming to see that.

What thoughts would you say kept you alive during your imprisonment?

I think belief in the Lord and the fact that America was, is and will be a free nation.

Your strong support for men and women in the military and veterans shows how much you value service to our country. What did you learn from being in the Air Force?

I felt like it was an honor to be an Air Force pilot and be able to protect this nation. I was in two of the wars—Korea and Vietnam, Vietnam twice. Our military is the strongest military in the world. Hopefully, it will stay that way. That’s what’s kept this nation free, and the leader of the free world.

What does it mean to you to be awarded the National Patriot Award?

I think being with the Medal of Honor recipients is just the highlight of my life. I don’t take this recognition lightly. Those guys did fight for this nation and a lot of them lost their lives. In fact, the six that have been awarded in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts have all been awarded posthumously.

Many see your story as truly heroic and patriotic. And I imagine that as a politician and veteran, you have a favorite patriot that you look up to. Who would that person be?

George Washington.  You got a lot of stuff in the Smithsonian on that guy. Course, he was the founder of our nation. We need to look back at our founders and try to emulate the vision that they had for this nation today.

Learn about the dangers faced by cheetahs in the wild in a lecture this Wednesday. Photograph by Jessie Cohen, courtesy of the National Zoo.

Monday, September 28:

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

Tuesday, September 29: Smithsonian Education 3-Day Online Conference: Climate Change

Come participate in this online conference wherein Smithsonian scientists and curators address the global problem of climate change from scientific, historical and artistic perspectives. Learn about Smithsonian research and the parts of its collections that speak to the evidence for and impact of climate change. Free, but online registration is required. You may register here. Event continues September 30 through October 1. This special event is courtesy of Smithsonian Education.

Wednesday, September 30: Cheetahs in Crisis

Unfortunately, cheetahs are more abundant on bags of cheese-flavored snacks than they are in the wild. Between Africa, the Middle East and India, there were about 100,000 of these creatures roaming around in 1900; however, there are fewer than 12,000 in the wild today. (That’s an 85 percent decline in numbers.) In this evening lecture, come listen to a discussion moderated by Zoo director Steve Monfort and gain a deeper understanding of cheetah biology and the dangers these animals face. Arrive at 6:00 and you will be able to partake of the cash bar and mingle with the speakers before the lecture begins. Free. National Zoo, 7:00-8:00 PM

Thursday, October 1: Meet Our Museum: Tito Puente’s Timbales

Hailed as the King of Latin Music, Tito Puente—a Grammy Award-winning composer, bandleader and percussionist—left an indelible mark on Afro-Cuban jazz. In this lunchtime lecture, come listen to curator Marvette Pérez discuss Puente’s place in American popular culture. A question and answer session will follow. Free. American History Museum, 12:00-12:30 PM

Friday, October 2: Let’s Read About Africa

For the smaller members of your family, African Art’s story time program introduces young minds to the continent by way of children’s literature penned by award-winning authors. This series will continue most Fridays in October. Free. African Art Museum, 10:30-11:30 AM