Indulge and educate yourself at the Power of Chocolate Festival this weekend. Image courtesy of the American Indian Museum

Friday, February 10 Mourning

Before the Iranian Film Festival draws to a close next week, be sure to catch Morteza Fashbaf’s debut film, “Mourning,” which won the top prize at South Korea’s 2011 Busan International Film Festival. The film follows a road trip with two characters who are deaf and dumb, spending most of their time bickering almost entirely in sign language. The breakout feature led the Institute of Contemporary Art in London to speculate that it “may herald the arrival of a major new Iranian talent.” Free. 7:00 p.m. Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery.

Saturday, February 11 The Power of Chocolate Festival

Start getting your sweet tooth in shape now, because this weekend the American Indian Museum is chock full of chocolate. Considered a “food of the gods” by the Mayan and Aztec peoples, chocolate has a rich and complicated cultural history that will be on full display. Grind your own cacao beans and froth your own drink, or learn from the renowned chef Richard Hetzler of the museum’s Mitsitam Cafe about the many different ways you can cook with chocolate. And this just in—sample tastings will be offered. See the full schedule here. Free. 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. American Indian Museum.

Sunday, February 12 The Emerson String Quartet

Join the acclaimed Emerson String Quartet for an evening of diverse global music ranging from Bach to jazz to Brazilian Choro. Fresh off their induction into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame last year, the Emerson String Quartet has nine Grammy Awards and the Avery Fisher Prize under their belt. Buy tickets through the Resident Associates Program. $51 for members, $63 for general admission. 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum.

How much is the Hope Diamond worth? Ask Smithsonian.

Our inquisitive readers are rising to the challenge we gave them last month. The questions are pouring in and we’re ready for more. Do you have any questions for our curators? Submit your questions here.

How much is the Hope Diamond worth? — Marjorie Mathews, Silver Spring, Maryland

That’s the most popular question we get, but we don’t really satisfy people by giving them a number. There are a number of answers, but the best one is that we honestly don’t know. It’s a little bit like Liz Taylor’s jewels being sold in December—all kinds of people guessed at what they would sell for, but everybody I know was way off. Only when those pieces were opened up to bidding at a public auction could you find out what their values were. When they were sold, then at least for that day and that night you could say, well, they were worth that much. The Hope Diamond is kind of the same way, but more so. There’s simply nothing else like it. So how do you put a value on the history, on the fact it’s been here on display for over 50 years and a few hundred million people have seen it, and on that fact it’s a rare blue diamond on top of everything else? You don’t. – Jeffrey E. Post, mineralogist, National Museum of Natural History

What’s the worst impact of ocean acidification so far?- Nancy Schaefer, Virginia Beach, Virginia

The impacts of ocean acidification are really just starting to be felt, but two big reports that came out in 2011 show that it could have very serious effects on coral reefs. These studies did not measure the warming effect of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but rather its effect of making the ocean more acidic when it dissolves in the ocean. Places where large amounts of carbon dioxide seep into the water from the sea floor provide a natural experiment and show us how ocean waters might look, say, 50 or 100 years from now. Both studies showed branching, lacy, delicate coral forms are likely to disappear, and with them that kind of three-dimensional complexity so many species depend on. Also, other species that build a stony skeleton or shell, such as oysters or mussels, are likely to be affected. This happens because acidification makes carbonate ions, which these species need for their skeletons, less abundant.

Nancy Knowlton, marine biologist
National Museum of Natural History

Art and artifacts from ancient South Pacific and Pacific Northwest tribes have similarities in form and function. Is it possible that early Hawaiians caught part of the Kuroshio Current of the North Pacific Gyre to end up along the northwest coast of America from northern California to Alaska? — April Croan, Maple Valley, Washington

Those similarities have given rise to various theories, including trans-Pacific navigation, independent drifts of floating artifacts, inadvertent crossings by ships that have lost their rudders or rigging, or whales harpooned in one area that died or were captured in a distant place. Some connections are well-known, like feather garment fragments found in an archaeological site in Southeast Alaska that appear to have been brought there by whaling ships that had stopped in the Hawaiian Islands, a regular route for 19th-century whalers. Before the period of European contact, the greatest similarities are with the southwest Pacific, not Hawaii. The Kushiro current would have facilitated Asian coastal contacts with northwestern North America, but would not have helped Hawaiians. The problem of identification is one of context, form and dating. Most of the reported similarities are either out of their original context (which can’t be reconstructed), or their form is not specific enough to relate to another area’s style, or the date of creation cannot be established. To date there is no acceptable proof for South Pacific-Northwest Coast historical connections that predates the European whaling era, except for links that follow the coastal region of the North Pacific into Alaska.

William Fitzhugh, archeologist
Natural History Museum

Giants and patriots come in all forms, as seen in "Giant Demon Attacks a Ship," an Indian watercolor ca. 1775. Photo courtesy of the Freer and Sackler Galleries

Take a look at our photo gallery of giants and patriots in the Smithsonian Institution.

In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, we’ve come up with our own contest of “giants” and “patriots.” A disclaimer, though: it has nothing to do with football. We’ve combed through archives and collections across the Smithsonian Institution to come up with a unique set of patriots and giants for you to check out to get ready for the game.

If you’re a Giants fan, we’ve got everything from giant pandas to giant sequoias to “Elaganeek: the Eskimo Giant.” “Giant’s Thumb,” a 1926 woodcut by Howard Cook in the American Art Museum, depicts one of the artist’s favorite natural spots in New Mexico, his adopted home.

For New England fans, though, the Smithsonian is filled with patriots both real and invented. Uncle Sam, of course, is the country’s iconic patriot, but real-life figures like George Washington and Samuel Adams were the original embodiments of patriotism during the birth of the country. The concept of patriotism is so powerful that the U.S. military has named missiles after it.

“Giant Demon Attacks a Ship,” an Indian watercolor painted by a Jain artist sometime around 1775, is the one piece that Giants fans might interpret as a good omen for the game. In the painting, a large blue demon seems poised to destroy a British ship, filled with sailors dressed not so differently from the Patriots original mascot, Pat Patriot. Watch on Sunday to see how the real life matchups turns out.

The American Indian Museum features two daily films through the month of February. Image courtesy of the American Indian Museum.

Tuesday, January 31 Draw and Discover

PSA for all aspiring artists: the Luce Foundation Center holds an informal sketching workshop every Tuesday afternoon. Join the group for a discussion about the artwork on display, then grab some alone time to sketch whatever inspires you. Free. Some sketching materials provided. 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Luce Foundation Center, American Art Museum.

Wednesday, February 1 Great Spies of World War II

Enter a world of danger and intrigue with the first installment of the four-session course, “Great Spies of World War II: Garbo, Baker, deClarens…and Hemingway?” presented by the Resident Associates Program and the International Spy Museum. First up is Juan Pujol Garcia, codename Garbo, who deceived the Germans into believing he was operating a valuable spy network. As it turns out, it was valuable for the Allies. $76/member, $68 senior member, $112 general admission. 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. International Spy Museum.

Thursday, February 2 February Daily Films

The American Indian Museum kicks off its February daily film series with two movies that honor the themes of Black History Month. Wapawekka deals with the cultural and generational differences between a Cree man and his son, and Nikamowin/Song experiments with sounds, the human connection to language and the demise of native languages. Both films explore identity, community and tradition. Free. Screenings every day at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. excluding Wednesdays. American Indian Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

A still life from Annie Leibovitz's Pilgrimage, on view at the American Art Museum. Image courtesy of Annie Leibovitz/Contact Press Images.

Tuesday, January 24 Annie Leibovitz’s Pilgrimage

Renowned portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz comes to the American Art Museum to discuss her latest project, Pilgrimage, currently on view. Called an “icon-maker” by the New York Times, Leibovitz departs from her usual celebrity portraits to a deeply personal, largely unpeopled study of places and objects that have moved her over the years. Free. This event is sold out, but a stand-by line will be formed at 5:30 p.m. Talk starts at 7:00 p.m. McEvoy Auditorium, American Art Museum.

Wednesday, January 25 Profile America Forum on American Indian and Alaska Native Populations

At this forum, the U.S. Census Bureau will release a 2010 Census brief on the status of American Indian and Alaska Native populations across the country. Following the presentation, museum director Kevin Gover will moderate the discussion with an expert panel on the current social and economic impact of the American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Free. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Museum of the American Indian.

Thursday, January 26 Flights of Fancy

In the latest program of the Air and Space Museum’s Flights of Fancy story series, kids of all ages will learn about the historic 1969 flight of Apollo 11 in a story-telling of Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca. Free. 11 a.m., repeating Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Air and Space Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Now that you’ve probably burned through the lists of historians, innovators, and food-writers to follow this year, we’re bringing it back home to the Smithsonian. As always, the Mall is cooking up some fascinating, crazy, and sometimes grotesque stuff for 2012. Bookmark these people and projects to keep up with this year:

Nicholas Pyenson: Pyenson studies and curates fossils of marine mammals. Get a feel for what is going on inside his lab and follow his team into the field—fresh from an expedition in Chile—at his blog, Pyenson Lab.

Postal Museum: Time for a pop quiz: A “hamper dumper” is:

a) machine in postal processing

b) bin of misprint stamps

c) failed mail vehicle

d) philatelic tool.

If you know the answer, you should be following the Postal Museum (@postalmuseum) for their daily #PostalQuiz and other philatelic factoids.

Biodiversity Heritage Library: As part of the Biodiversity Heritage Library consortium, the Smithsonian Libraries collects and digitizes biodiversity research for open online access—essentially, a bio-wiki. Check out @biodivlibrary for the species of the day: plants that eat worms, albino penguins and other bizarre creatures you never knew existed.

Archives of American Art Pinterest: The American Art Pinterest lets you browse the archives and “pin” the images you like to your virtual board. Mix and match from collections like “facial hair of note” and “ain’t no party like an artist’s party.”

Book Dragon: The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program’s Book Dragon is the pet project of former APA Media Arts Consultant Terry Hong, featuring reviews of “books for the multi-cultural reader.” Hong highlights literature for kids and adults alike that speaks to the Asian American experience. Follow her at @SIBookDragon.

Smithsonian Vids: For a moving view of the Institution, follow @SmithsonianVids. Meet a scientist studying frog-eating bats, or get a video tour of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings from Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart.

Smithsonian Marine Station: This Natural History Museum field station, located in Fort Pierce, Florida, tweets news updates and photos from the field (er, coral reef) @SmithsonianSMS. Plus, there’s #followfriday trivia every week.

Field Book Project: Also, from the Natural History Museum and the Smithsonian Institution Archives check out this blog, where researchers post updates on their initiative to compile an online database of field books and journals documenting biodiversity research. Besides progress updates, you’ll also find excerpts of century-old field notes from explorers, birdwatchers and scientists (including lots of fun, old-timey sketches) and learn a lot more than you ever thought there was to know about indices.

Encyclopedia of Life: Take your best shot and enter the picture in the Smithsonian’s Encyclopedia of Life Flickr photo contest. The bi-weekly contest could be (and has been) any theme from “backyard life” to “sexual dimorphism.” Even if you don’t enter, be sure to browse the entries for gems like this.

And of course, if you’re not following them already, the museums are always Tweeting up a storm. Here’s the checklist:

American Indian Museum: @SmithsonianNMAI

National Portrait Gallery: @npg

American Art Museum: @americanart

Anacostia Community Museum: @anacostiamuseum

American History Museum: @amhistorymuseum

Air and Space Museum: @airandspace

Museum of Natural History: @NMNH

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: @hirshhorn

Freer and Sackler Galleries: @FreerSackler

Museum of African Art: @NMAfA

National Zoo: @NationalZoo

Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum: @cooperhewitt

Smithsonian: @Smithsonian

Frank Keating comes to sign copies of his book at the American Indian Museum. Photo courtesy of the American Bankers Association

During his career, Frank Keating has served as an FBI agent, a U.S. Attorney and a two-term Governor of Oklahoma. His latest turn isn’t what you’d expect: he’s the author of children’s books on American history, including Will Rogers: An American Legend, George Washington: Our Founding Father and Theodore. Tomorrow, Saturday, January 21 from 12 until 2, he’ll be visiting the American Indian Museum to sign copies of his most recent book, The Trial of Standing Bear. We spoke with Governor Keating about his entry into children’s literature, the story behind his newest book, and the similarities between children’s stories and politics.

How did you first get into writing children’s books?

Actually, it originated with an artist. As governor, I always had an Oklahoma artist paint our state Christmas card—a commitment to encourage Oklahoma arts. One year, the card was painted by Mike Wimmer, an artist. I really liked it, so I bought the original painting from him, and during the course of our conversation he said, “Oh, by the way, my publisher wants me to find someone to write a children’s book on Will Rogers, do you know of anyone?” And I said, I’d love to give it a whirl.

So that’s how it all started. The first book, called Will Rogers: An American Legend, was very successful. All of the proceeds have gone to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma. Then we did a book on George Washington, and most recently, before our new book, we did one on Theodore Roosevelt.

Your newest book, “The Trial of Standing Bear,” tells a somewhat lesser-known story in American history.

Standing Bear was a chief of the Ponca tribe. They were historically based in Nebraska, on the banks of a Niobrara River. They were a peaceful tribe and they were agricultural. Some years after the defeat of Custer, the military gave away Ponca lands to the Sioux and the Cheyenne and forced the Poncas south to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. They settled there, but around a fourth of the tribe died on the way, because they had no provisions over the winter. Standing Bear’s son died, and Standing Bear, along with a few of his followers, decided to turn back and buried him in his ancestral territory.

He was promptly arrested and detained.  General George Crook, who was Custer’s boss at Little Big Horn, was offended at how badly these un-warlike people were being treated, and he insisted that this case go to Federal court in Omaha, Nebraska. It was in this case that it was established that Indians were people, under the Constitution. By 1880, Standing Bear had become a national figure, because he spoke [to] the plight of his tribe and Native people.

What was most beautiful about the case was his oration in court, in which he argued for the rights of the Ponca. The oration caused everyone in the court to cry, even the judge. I knew this was a story that needed to be told, and when I told the story in a commencement address at Marymount University, many of the faculty were dabbing at their eyes as well. This was the beginning of the Indian rights movement and was seminal in U.S. history, but it was barely known.

Do you see any similarities between writing children’s books and being in politics?

I think, in both cases, what’s important to me is always assuring the public that they own the government, that public service is service, and that public officials should always represent not themselves, but the public at large. And in telling these stories to children, whether about a Native American figure or anyone else, I want to show that we are a society of many peoples, and no matter what your lot in life, you can become extraordinarily successful because of this system.

Particularly from my books, there’s the story of Will Rogers, who was a Cherokee Indian with just a high school degree, and went on to become one of the most famous Americans in the country. Theodore Roosevelt had a privileged background, but he lost all his money raising cattle in North Dakota, and ended up living by writing books. George Washington stopped his formal education at age 15. These are all extraordinary stories of leadership and courage, and the lesson to children is that every child should view him or herself as an opportunity in a free society.

My next book is on Abe Lincoln, and it’s an even more extraordinary story. He had less than one year of formal education, yet became the first American to have his writing etched in stone at Westminster Abbey. I want to share with children that they too can become great if they put their mind to it. And so I’m a determined believer in telling America’s story, particularly to young people.

Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. this weekend. Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.

Friday, January 13 Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrate the birthday of the civil rights leader at the Anacostia Community Museum’s 27th annual event, featuring keynote speaker Harry E. Johnson Sr., President and CEO of the Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation and a step performance by the Omicron Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Free. 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Baird Auditorium, Natural History Museum.

Saturday, January 14 To the Mountaintop
The timeless words that stirred a nation come alive as actor Xavier Carnegie presents selections from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most powerful speeches and sermons. The combination of live performance, historic photographs and audio recordings goes a step beyond “I have a dream” to honor the legacy of all who struggled for a more perfect union. Free. 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. repeats Sunday and Monday. Flag Hall, American History Museum.

Sunday, January 15 Native Dance

As the Native Storytelling Festival wraps up, enjoy a final performance by the singers, dancers and drummers from St. Labre Indian School in Montana. The group, under the guidance of Benjamin Headswift, draws on a rich cultural heritage that includes Crow and Northern Cheyenne cultures. They will perform the Grass Dance, the Crow Hop, and several other pow-wow style dances. Stick around afterwards to meet the students. Free. 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. National Museum of the American Indian.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

The Boxleys' totem pole, "The Eagle and the Chief," is currently being completed by the artists on public view in the Potomac Atrium of the American Indian Museum. Photo by Katherine Fogden

“When it shows up, it looks like a log. It’s a very daunting feeling. It rolls in, and you think, ‘Oh my god. What have I decided to do?’” David Boxley, Jr., an artist and member of the Tsimshian tribe, is discussing the moment the 22-and-a-half-foot, 2500-pound old-growth red cedar giant from British Columbia was delivered to his family’s home in Kingston, Washington in early October. Carefully chiseling it, he looks up and says, “but then you start working on it, and you get this far, and you realize it’ll be all right.”

Nearly three months later, and after a 2783-mile journey to the National Museum of the American Indian, the tree has been transformed into a monumental piece of art. Boxley and his father, expert carver and artist David Boxley, Sr., have labored over the pole for countless hours, sketching a traditional design, carving it into the wood with precision and chiseling the curves down to an immaculate smoothness. From now through January 11, they will be completing the finishing touches in front of the public, before their work is unveiled as a permanent addition to the museum’s Potomac Atrium on January 14. An official unveiling ceremony will include a performance by Git-Hoan, a traditional dance group led by Boxley, Sr.

Boxley says that totem poles have traditionally served a number of roles for Pacific Native Tribes such as the Tsimishian. “Sometimes it’s a sign post—it says, this is who lives in this house,” he says. “Or sometimes it tells the stories of great chiefs, or memorializes them.” Contrary to popular belief, the poles are never viewed as religious idols, but are rather communicative devices, telling stories or imparting other information via art.

The work that the Boxleys created for the museum, The Eagle and the Chief, tells a traditional Tsimshian story. “The legend is that there was a young man who was walking on the beach and heard a rustling in the bushes. He went over and saw an eagle caught in a fish net, so he cut the net open and the eagle flew away,” says Boxley. The top figure on the pole, the supernatural eagle, later came to deliver food to the young man’s village in a time of famine. At the bottom is the young man, now a chief, clutching a piece of fish.

The process of creating the pole from a piece of wood is long and arduous; Boxley, Sr. worked nearly nonstop for three months on this piece. “You start with a scaled drawing, then measure out the design and cut into it,” Boxley, Jr. says. “We use a chainsaw to take off excess wood, but none of the carving is done with it, that’s all with traditional tools.” The Boxleys work with remarkable patience and precision, using tiny chisels to cut into the pole like surgeons with scalpels. They slice off ribbons of wood to reveal curves far smoother and more graceful than you would image possible in the trunk of a tree.

Boxley, Sr., has completed a total of 70 totem poles of the course of his career, which decorate spaces as varied as Disneyworld, the Microsoft corporate campus, and his home village. But when he got started, totem poles were nearly a lost art. The potlatch—a traditional gift-giving festival—was banned by the U.S. government in the late 19th century, and without this and other customs, the creation of totem poles languished.

But when Boxley, Sr.’s grandmother died in 1982, he sought a way to honor her, and decided to put on a potlatch and carve his own pole. Over decades, he has taught himself the art form by examining historical poles, often kept in museums, and eventually became one of the most well-respected totem pole artists in the U.S.

“For him, it’s always been linked to helping our culture come back,” says Boxley, Jr. “It really means something, for a culture that got so close to going away, that we are still here, and we still do it. As much as we do art because we like being artists, we do this art because it’s who we are.”

Tuesday, January 3 Discovery Room

Bring children and students to the Discovery Room for a chance to do hands-on activities with real museum objects and artifacts. Visitors are able to use scientific equipment to examine fossils, skulls and shells, and museum docents are available to answer questions. Come to learn about everything from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt. Free. Open Tuesday through Thursday 12 to 2:30 p.m. and weekends 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For school groups, reservation required. Natural History Museum, 1st floor, East wing.

Wednesday, January 4 Creating A Totem Pole

Master carvers David Boxley and his son, David Boxley Jr., of the Tsimshian nation of Washington State, are building a specially-commissioned 22-foot totem pole for the American Indian Museum’s main Potomac Atrium.  Watch these artists-in-residence complete and paint the totem pole, and learn about the carving tradition and stories expressed in these items. Free. Daily 10 a..m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through January 11. American Indian Museum, Potomac Atrium.

Thursday, January 5 Tarantula Feedings

Come see the Natural History Museum’s resident tarantula population enjoy mealtime. Museum volunteers put on feeding demonstrations daily, where you can touch and hold the Insect Zoo’s creatures while watching them chow down on crickets and other tasty treats. Tarantula feedings take place year-round from Tuesday to Friday at 10:30, 11:30 and 1:30,  and at 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30 on Saturday and Sunday. Free. Natural History Museum, O. Orkin Insect Zoo.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Meet Oglala Lakota Angela Babby, the creator of "Mountain Chief" and other enameled mosaic works. Photo courtesy of the American Indian Museum.

Monday, December 12 Discovery Theater: Seasons of Light

This popular annual event captures the warmth of the holidays and provides a great interactive experience for children, ages 5 to 10. In this theater performance, audience members will have the chance to explore the customs and history of Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and more. Bring the whole family for a educational event. Tickets are $5 for Residents Associates members, $6 for children non-members, and $8 for the general public. 10:15, with a repeat performance at 11:30 daily, weekdays through Dec. 23. Ripley Center.

Tuesday, December 13 The Expert is In

As part of the Natural History Museum’s “The Expert Is In” series, where  curators are stationed within exhibitions to provide visitors with fascinating background information, bird specialist Carla Dove will speak about bird identification. When birds collide with aircraft, highly trained scientists are able to identify species and other information from feathers and small fragments. Listen to Dove’s expert perspective and ask your own questions. Free. 1 to 3 p.m. Natural History Museum, “More Than Meets the Eye” exhibition, 1st floor.

Wednesday, December 14 Day With the Artists

The American Indian Museum’s Artist Leadership Program enables Native artists to build their skills in various contemporary mediums and return to their communities to share their knowledge through art. Take this chance to meet two recipients of the program: Angela Babby, an Oglala Lakota who works with enameled glass mosaics, and Leah White Horse-Mata, from Northern California’s Northern Chumash area, who researches traditional regalia and jewelry. Free. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. American Indian Museum, Room 4018/4019.

Thursday, December 15 Holiday Jazz

Come for a festive holiday-themed jazz concert with the local DC group “The Minor Thoughts Quartet.” The group, according to its website, plays a “repertoire of straight ahead jazz standards, post-bop, and Lain-influenced jazz.” Attend this performance of the “Take 5!” series to hear their take on the seasonal classics and put a little pizzazz in your holidays. Free. 5 to 7 p.m. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Heo Yoon Jeong performs on the janggu as part of the Tori Project. Photo courtesy of the Sackler Gallery.

Monday, December 5 Through the Eye of the Needle

See the world premiere of the documentary, “Through the Eye of the Needle” at the 22nd annual Washington Jewish Film Festival. Based on the life story of Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz who went beyond storytelling to show to her daughters the painful images of loss and survival during her childhood in Poland. To do this, Krinitz created a series of 36 hand-stitched, embroidered fabric panels that are now on display at the Ripley Center. The film uses interviews from before Krinitz’ 2001 death as well as footage of family members and others. Tickets available online. 6:15 to 7 p.m. D.C. Jewish Community Center, 1529 16th St. NW.

Tuesday, December 6 Basket Weaving

Julie Parker, master basket weaver of the Me-Wuk and Kashaya Pomo tribes of Northern California, leads this fascinating demonstration workshop. Parker is a Cultural Specialist at the Yosemite Museum and one of the most renowned Native basket-makers in the country. Her work is included in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution, as well as the private collection of Queen Elizabeth II. Drop in and join Parker in this all-day demonstration of her exquisite craft. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. American Indian Museum, Potomac Atrium.

Wednesday, December 7 Smithsonian Gardens Holiday Tour

Deck the Halls! Take a festive holiday tour of the Institution’s gardens, decked out in their finest holiday decorations. The tour, led by Gardens Education Specialist Cindy Brown, will feature interesting information on history and helpful how-to tips. After winding through the Enid A. Haupt and Mary Livingston Ripley outdoor gardens, the tour will head inside the Castle where participants will get to see the Smithsonian’s annual holiday tree. The event will conclude inside the Ripley Center, where everyone will get the chance to make their own botanical decorations. Tickets are $39 for Residents Associates Members, and $52 for the general public. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with tours also offered Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10. Meet outside the South entrance to the Smithsonian Castle.

Thursday, December 8 The Tori Project

In this groundbreaking musical event, four Korean performers will collaborate with three New York-based improvisational artists to explore the variations and melodies of traditional Korean folk song in a contemporary context. The musicians will perform on instruments such as the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), geomungo (stringed instrument) and janggu (double-headed drum). Free, with tickets required. 7:30 p.m. Sackler Gallery, Meyer Auditorium.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

World War II veteran Chief Joseph Medicine Crow, a featured speaker of the "Native Americans in the Military" panel. Photo courtesy of the American Indian Museum.

Friday, December 2 Native Americans in the Military

Native Americans have served in the U.S. Armed Forces all the way back to the Revolutionary War, and by percentage serve more frequently than any other ethnic group. As part of American Indian Heritage Month, learn about this unique history and hear unforgettable stories of heroism at a program hosted by noted historian Herman J. Viola. The program will feature a panel of Natives who have served in Iraq, Korea, and World War II. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. American Indian Museum, Rasmuson Theater.

Saturday, December 3 Dress to Empress Soiree

Come to a swanky and exclusive evening of Asian food, fashion and music. The Dress to Empress Soiree and Fashion show features work by the award-winning designer Yeohlee Teng themed around Chinese fashion, celebrating the Sackler and Freer Galleries’ collections and its exhibitions, “Power|Play: China’s Empress Dowager” and “Family Matters: Portraits from the Qing Court.” Both exhibitions explore aspects of imperial life at court during the Qing dynasty, including fashion. Come in your finest Asian attire to enjoy open bars, complimentary Chinese cuisine and the hypnotic beats of DJ Nitekrawler. Tickets are $89 for Silk Road Society Members and $115 for the general public, with $150 VIP tickets providing access to a VIP-only bar, swag bags, and a special check-in. 8 p.m. to midnight. Sackler Gallery.

Sunday, December 4 All About Body Art

Join innovative artist and educator Jay Coleman as he explores the world of tattoos and body art. The program will cover the history of tattooing, the cultural significance of the art form around the world, and the health risks and myths associated with tattoos. This program, recommended for ages 13 and up, will be a fascinating journey for anyone who has ever considered getting their own tattoo. Free. 2 p.m. Anacostia Community Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Enjoy an evening event at the groundbreaking exhibition "The Bright Beneath." Photo courtesy of the Natural History Museum.

Monday, November 28 Postal Museum Tours

Only have a limited time to see the sights at the Postal Museum and don’t know where to start? Take a docent-led tour of the museum’s collections to make sure you see a little of everything, and gain insight into the collection’s significance. DIY-ers can download this self-guide brochure. Tours are generally held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily; call 202-633-5534 to confirm the day’s times. Free. National Postal Museum.

Tuesday, November 29 Viva Verdi

Come explore the remarkable life and career of Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s great 19th-century opera composer. Coleen Fay, arts editor at WAMU, will lead a seminar that traces the evolution of Verdi’s works through multimedia recordings. Learn how Verdi overcame personal misfortune to compose some of opera’s most renowned masterpieces. This Residents Associates Program is $30 for members, $27 for senior members, and $40 for the general public. 6:45 to 9 p.m. Ripley Center.

Wednesday, November 30 Celebrating Roots, Creating Community

The Smithsonian Latino Center invites everyone to a bilingual night of music and spoken word performances. This program will feature local poets Quique Avilés, Naomi Ayala and Consuelo Hernández, as well as music by singer/songwriter Patricio Zamorano and his band. The event is part of the Latino D.C. History Project series, which documents the historical presence of Latino culture in the nation’s capital. Free. 6:30 p.m. American Indian Museum, Rasumson Theater.

Thursday, December 1 The Bright Beneath

Inspired by bioluminescent organisms from deep beneath the sea, installation artist Shih Chieh Huang has created an unearthly world of glowing creatures in the Natural History Museum. At this “Mingle at the Museum” event, enjoy a specialty cocktail and themed hors d’oeuvres as Huang and curator of fishes Lynne Parenti chat about the exhibition. Demonstrations of bioluminescent deep-sea creatures and real specimens will be on hand. This Residents Associates Program is $30 for members and $35 for the general public. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Natural History Museum, Sant Ocean Hall.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Learn about the entrepreneurs who operated the Mir Space Station in "Orphans of Apollo." Photo courtesy NASA

Friday, November 18 Moving Beyond Earth

Get updated on the potential for commercial space exploration. First, film director Michael Potter will present his groundbreaking 2008 documentary Orphans of Apollo, which tells the remarkable story of MirCorp, the entrepreneurs who briefly operated the Russian space station Mir as a business venture, launching the commercial space industry. A panel discussion will follow, featuring space venture capitalists, manufacturers of space equipment and Jeffrey Manber, former CEO of MirCorp. Free, but tickets required. 8 p.m. Air and Space Museum, Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater.

Saturday, November 19 Chile Festival

Celebrate Chile’s unique Mapuche culture at the American Indian Museum’s Chile Festival. The family-friendly weekend-long event features weaving demonstrations, roundtable discussions, traditional dancing and more. The festival will use ancient crafts and teachings to help visitors understand Mapuche culture and the concept of rakizuam, the traditional knowledge passed from generation to generation. Free. The festival takes place 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Thursday, November 17 through Sunday, November 20. American Indian Museum, Potomac Atrium.

Sunday, November 20 Exploring Colors

Gain a deeper understanding of the colors we see everyday at this fascinating workshop. Artist and scientist Peter Krsko of Albus Cavus, an innovative design group, will lead an examination of the meaning of color. The topic will be approached from biological, physical and artistic perspectives. Free, reservations requested at 202-633-4844. Anacostia Community Museum.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.