Welcome to Smithsonian Associates In-Person Programs

The largest museum library system in the world, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives holds more than 2 million items. Guided by Smithsonian librarians Jane Quigley and Leslie Overstreet, visit three research collections normally accessible to members of the public by appointment only: the National Museum of Natural History Library, the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, and the John Wesley Powell Library of Anthropology. In addition to brief presentations about the collections, selected books—from 16th-century illustrated herbals and accounts of Captain Cook’s voyages to 21st-century works naming new species of plants and animals by Smithsonian scientists—are on display for browsing, questions, and discussion.

The largest museum library system in the world, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives holds more than 2 million items. Guided by Smithsonian librarians Jane Quigley and Leslie Overstreet, visit three research collections normally accessible to members of the public by appointment only: the National Museum of Natural History Library, the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History, and the John Wesley Powell Library of Anthropology. In addition to brief presentations about the collections, selected books—from 16th-century illustrated herbals and accounts of Captain Cook’s voyages to 21st-century works naming new species of plants and animals by Smithsonian scientists—are on display for browsing, questions, and discussion.

Home to practitioners of over 20 religions, Baltimore’s spiritual landscape is marked by hundreds of places of worship, each with its own story. Embark on an architectural journey visiting five sites with historian and deacon James Reaves, who showcases the beauty and history of these sacred structures.

In-person Program: Go on an interactive exploration of the Natural History Museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games. Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums! Geared for children ages 8 to 14 years old, accompanied by an adult.

Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill is rich in political and architectural history. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a tour of the iconic neighborhood. Hear stories about the original city plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol, the rise of the magnificent Beaux Arts Library of Congress, and the backstory of the imposing Supreme Court building. And learn about the influence of prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Daniel Burnham.

Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill is rich in political and architectural history. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a tour of the iconic neighborhood. Hear stories about the original city plan by Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the tumultuous construction of the U.S. Capitol, the rise of the magnificent Beaux Arts Library of Congress, and the backstory of the imposing Supreme Court building. And learn about the influence of prolific designers like Thomas Jefferson, Robert Mills, Frederick Law Olmsted, and Daniel Burnham.

Virginia holds a unique place in American history as the birthplace of eight presidents, the site of several of their residences, and home to a host of family links to the White House. Historian Gregg Clemmer leads a two-day tour of Virginia’s presidential past, exploring both well-known landmarks such as James Madison’s Montpelier and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and privately owned sites that reveal the deep connections between the state and the nation’s leaders.

Parents must bring campers to the assigned Before-Camp room in the Ripley Center to sign in daily. At 9 a.m., campers will be brought up to Drop-off and then to their camps.

Mammals and birds, insects and fish, amphibians and reptiles—oh my! Campers explore the many ways creatures of the animal kingdom are celebrated across the Smithsonian through art, scientific study, and conservation efforts. They create habitat dioramas, observe live animals, and explore animal patterns through art. After visiting various Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, they conclude their adventures with a “wild” showcase for parents and friends.

Campers dive in and discover the wonders of the watery world as they visit Sant Ocean Hall at the Natural History Museum and the American History Museum. Along the way, they learn about fish, sharks, and sting rays; lobsters, oysters, and crabs; octopus, eels, and jellyfish; and sea mammals such as otters, whales, and dolphins. They discover the lore of famous ships, pirates, and sea captains who explored the world’s great oceans, and mythical characters such as Poseidon, mermaids, and the amazing hippocamp. Campers also build ocean dioramas, coral reef exhibits, and underwater volcanoes.