Programs

Capture the magic of your travels in a whole new way. Learn how to easily transform your favorite vacation photos of places into beautiful, expressive paintings in watercolor and ink.

It’s time to celebrate women in history. From anthropologist Jane Goodall to computer programmer Ada Lovelace to civil–rights activist Audrey Faye Hendrick—and many others—campers delve into the extraordinary accomplishments of women who made their mark on our world. Visits to the American History and African American History and Culture museums help tell their stories. Throughout the week, campers explore these women’s achievements and create their own journals, observe animals, dig for dinos, construct airplanes, design posters inspired by civil rights activists, and other activities. Families are invited to a Girl Power celebration on Friday.

Americans have spread innovations in culture and science across the globe for centuries. Campers visit the U.S. Patent Office and the American History Museum to explore the entrepreneurs and creations that changed America and the world. Camper–inventors then develop their own big–idea innovations, polish their elevator speeches, and build prototypes to be presented before the judges at the end of the week.

From sprawling grasslands, deserts, and the Arctic tundra, various biomes of the United States have captured our curiosity and imaginations for centuries. Throughout the week, campers look to the national parks as touchstones into American flora and fauna. Without leaving the National Mall, campers discover the minerals and processes responsible for the Arches and Grand Canyon of the Southwest, the animals of the Great Plains, and the native flora of Hawaii. With additional trips to the American History and American Indian museums, campers learn about the connections between our land and history.

Founded by the hermit monks of San Girolamo in 1396 in Venice, the Church of San Sebastiano can be described as Venetian artist Paolo Veronese’s “Sistine Chapel.” The church houses a cycle of paintings that are the most important works Veronese created. Other notable works found in the church and sacristy include Titian's St. Nicholas and works by Paris Bordone, Jacopo Tintoretto, and Bonifacio de' Pitati. Italian Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero discusses Veronese’s paintings and highlights other noteworthy works in the church. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

From September to November 1918, a hard-fought World War I battle that pitted green, poorly equipped American doughboys against combat-hardened German troops saw the U.S. military come of age in the brutal clash known as the Battle of the Meuse–Argonne. The U.S. Army pushed the Germans back and helped end World War I—succeeding where Allies had stalled for years. Military historian Mitchell Yockelson highlights key figures, including fighter ace Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, Cpl. Alvin York, Gen. John J. Pershing, Lt. Gen. Hunter Liggett, Capt. Harry S. Truman, Lt. Col. George S. Patton, and Col. Douglas MacArthur, the war’s most decorated soldier.

Travel the world with the summer edition of Sketching the Smithsonian as you take an artful break and explore the fascinating, vast collections of this extraordinary museum.

The Louisiana Purchase is often remembered as a simple bargain—four cents an acre and a nation that doubled in size overnight. But the true story is far more complex, global, and consequential. Historian Alexander Mikaberidze examines how the 1803 purchase from France led to the birth of the U.S.–Indian treaty system, redefined the United States, and reshaped the modern world.

With more than 170,000 described species—and countless more yet to be discovered—the kingdom Fungi is one of the most astonishing branches of the tree of life. Today mycology, the study of fungi, is enjoying a surge of popular attention, captivating foragers and food lovers, scientists and artists, and naturalists of all ages and experience levels. Though fungi can seem mysterious and even bewildering, mycologist David Hibbett illuminates their remarkable variety and explains what fungi are, how they live and grow, and the ways they shape the ecosystems around us.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a world leader in large-scale and long-term science that connects people and ecosystems. William “Monty” Graham, the new director of SERC, discusses the center’s work, beginning with a look at how Americans used the land and its resources 250 years ago. With a combination of knowledge from the past and innovative technology, Graham says, Smithsonian scientists can peer into the future for a glimpse at what it holds for the United States’ environment.