Jan 1st, 2009 · Bolstered by gatherings such as the Smithsonian Institution's "Classical Native" series, American Indian composers are searching for a sound. The result is music in the spirit of their ancestors mixed with techniques from Western classical music.
Nov 13th, 2008 · America's newly elected president won't be sworn in for weeks, but already the Smithsonian Institution is gathering objects for a Barack Obama exhibit. And just what are those precious artifacts? Campaign mailers, election maps and a Lazy Boy chair. They were headed for the trash until curators called. The Smithsonian plans to recreate an Obama field office. It has collected so much, that some of the campaign stuff is being stored in the garage of an Obama volunteer.
Oct 1st, 2008 · Grupo Folklorico y Experimental Nuevayorquino played its first gig at the Smithsonian Institution's Folk Life Festival 33 years ago. On a recent afternoon in Washington, D.C., a handful of the Afro-Caribbean band's original members reunited to play music that, after all this time, still has the power to move hearts and hips.
Jul 13th, 2008 · The Smithsonian Institution is opening a new exhibit this weekend in honor of the wondrous world of Jim Henson. Henson elevated the simple craft of puppetry to new levels of complexity and importance, and this exhibition gives a glimpse into Henson's creative process. Curator Karen Falk takes host Andrea Seabrook on a tour of "Jim Henson's Fantastic World."
Jul 4th, 2008 · Every year around the Fourth of July, the Smithsonian Institution hosts the Folk Life Festival in Washington. The festival is an opportunity to learn about the nuances of different traditions, like the trash-talk that goes along with archery in the nation of Bhutan.
Jun 8th, 2008 · While the feelings inspired by a particular campaign may fade, the buttons, posters, T-shirts, and stickers live on. Many of these items are part of a collection at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Guest Host Audie Cornish speaks with the collection's two curators, Larry Bird and Harry Rubenstein.
Mar 17th, 2008 · The nation's "attic" has a new chief. Wayne Clough has been named secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. He is currently president of Georgia Tech, where he has a proven track record of running a large public institution. Now more than ever, the Smithsonian needs an adept leader who can restore the public trust.
Mar 15th, 2008 · The president of Georgia Tech University, Wayne Clough, is named the new head of the Smithsonian Institution on Saturday. He becomes the 12th secretary in the institution's history. When he begins in July, he'll face myriad management and financial obstacles.