We love telling and hearing stories—and how they connect us. This week's edition offers a few variations on the theme of storytelling, and we hope you'll be all ears.
They're designed to make sure you continue to enjoy what you've come to value from Smithsonian Associates: programs and experiences that are entertaining, informative, eclectic, and insightful.
A Community of Neighbors
No matter how big or small the gesture, Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum wants to hear your stories of how communities are supporting each other on a day-to-day basis. The Moments of Resilience project is collecting and sharing personal narratives about the ways in which neighbors are providing care, comfort, and inspiration in a time of need. The museum offers some community support of its own with Take Time Thursdays, a free Zoom program series led by local experts who cover topics from healthful eating to navigating uncertainty to urban gardening.
View Their Programs
The New Dr. Is In
The Smithsonian's popular YouTube series The Dr. Is In is back for season two with a new host. Join Smithsonian geologist Liz Cottrell-who shared her adventures as a globetrotting volcanologist in a recent Smithsonian Associates program—as she answers your questions about geology, the great outdoors, and living off the grid. Watch the season premiere now and find out when Yellowstone's super volcano might erupt next. (And learn the query that prompted Cottrell to reply, "If the skunk is spraying your yurt, then honey, stay inside.") Subscribe on YouTube so you don't miss the next episode on May 30.
Watch on YouTube
The Disasters of Thebes
Here's a small comfort: At least we're not living in ancient Thebes. Greek mythology tells that this populous city experienced the horrors unleashed by the monster Sphinx and the devastation of a divinely sent plague, as well as routinely had the bad luck to suffer under the rule of inept or self-righteous kings. In a Smithsonian Associates Streaming program, art historian Renee Gondek focuses on the literary and visual tradition of Oedipus the King to explore how supernatural and political disasters converged to test the fortitude of the citizens of Thebes. The June 4 program is among the limited-time free offerings scheduled through June 11 that introduce Smithsonian Associates Streaming, which will be expanded to a slate of online programming inspired by the full range of topics we offer year round.
Register for the Program
Tales That Soar
Flights of Fancy Storytime Online from the Air and Space Museum offers stories for young children and their families inspired by the museum's collection of air and space objects and historic photos. In the latest YouTube video, museum educator Ann Caspari reads an original story about pioneering pilot Bessie Coleman, with sketches by museum educator Diane Kidd. Afterward, Caspari leads a craft activity to make bi-plane models using paper towel tubes, paper, and tape. New episodes are scheduled for takeoff every Tuesday morning.
Watch on YouTube
Curtain Up!
Binge-watching "Hollywood" can wait. There's a brand-new library of downloadable scripts with star roles just for you. The Plays at Home project, spearheaded a group of notable companies (Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, the Public Theater, Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and D.C.'s own Woolly Mammoth), is finding ways to keep people connected to live theater. The list of original short works commissioned from theatre artists covers musicals, monologues, kids' shows, and plays for adults. Mount them in your living room with the family repertory company, or go "on tour" via Zoom with a cast of friends. Bonus: You can cater a memorable opening-night bash right from your kitchen.
Get Inspired
