Smithsonian Education

10/15/2026

On Monday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m., join educators from the National Postal Museum for interactive, virtual story time. This week, we’ll be reading The Glass Pyramid by Jeanne Walker Harvey and exploring architecture on stamps. This virtual program is a wonderful way to introduce young learners to the wonders of architecture and design through storytelling. Tune in from wherever you are to enjoy a story that blends art, imagination, and global perspectives. Registration at the link is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/story-time-with-the-national-postal-museum-registration-141338917507

Mondays at 11:00 (ET) National Postal Museum educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Designed for children ages 4-7, but all are welcome!

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

Join Smithsonian Under Secretary for Education, Monique M. Chism, PhD, on Wednesday, November 4 from 7-9 pm at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture for an intimate and uplifting evening with celebrated author, business leader, and founder of the non-profit organization Do a Little, Deborah Santana.

Her new memoir, Loving the Fire, is a journey of spirit, one that calls us to choose truth over appearances, freedom over fear, and our own voice over quiet acceptance of what no longer serves us. The conversation will explore the power of navigating life’s crossroads, honoring who you have been, and stepping into the person you are becoming.

A reception will follow, and signed books will be available for purchase from Smithsonian Enterprises.

Event Details:
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Register today! https://tickets.si.edu/nmaahc/events/01a0d99f-9584-ac84-07b7-c29dcc119172?tg=01a0d99f-958b-f59f-bc15-e31f272d3093

10/07/2026

🔴 Bring the Smithsonian into your preschool or Head Start classroom! Join us for a 30-minute virtual field trip on Thursday, October 8 at 2–2:30pm, EDT.

Discover how sharing food can bring us together by exploring the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute's Western lowland gorilla and the National Museum of American History's tortilladora. Register your class to join us live on Zoom or to receive a recorded video after the program ends along with classroom activities: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/education/get-head-start-smithsonian/classroom-resources/food-friends

Our field trip programs include spoken English, spoken Spanish (simulcast) and American Sign Language interpretation. Classroom activities are available in English and Spanish.

10/04/2026

10/02/2026

📣 Applications Close Monday, October 5!

There’s still time to apply for Cohort 7 (Spring 2027) of the Smithsonian Institution’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Program!

Join fellow educators in Washington, D.C., for an immersive 3-day summit featuring Smithsonian experts, resources, and opportunities to connect with educators from across the country.

Then, bring the experience back to your students! Guide them through place-based investigations of innovation in their local communities and connect them with peers from another part of the country to share discoveries and explore their community’s past, present, and future.

“The training with and exposure to Smithsonian resources was the single most valuable and actionable PD I've ever had.”
-Democracy in Dialogue Facilitator (North Carolina)

Last chance to apply for this one-of-a-kind journey of civic imagination!

✅ Applicants: all professional and informal educators working with students ages 10-19.
✅ Included: $1,500 honorarium, CEU credits, & costs for the January summit in D.C.
📅 Application Period: Closes Monday, October 5, 2026

To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, please visit: https://www.si.edu/educators/democracy-dialogue-virtual-exchange-program

Democracy in Dialogue is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Bezos Family Foundation and Andrew Carnegie Foundation.

09/30/2026

09/30/2026

The Smithsonian began with James Smithson’s legacy gift. Today, the Smithsonian Education Legacy Society invites others to carry his vision forward, introducing a new way for individuals to recognize the transformative power of learning and help sustain the diffusion of knowledge for generations to come.

Read more about the Smithsonian Education Legacy Society and its impact here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/smithsonian-education/2026/09/30/the-smithsonian-began-with-james-smithsons-legacy-gift-today-the-smithsonian-education-legacy-society-invites-others-to-carry-his-vision-forward/

The Smithsonian introduces a new way for individuals to recognize the transformative power of learning and help sustain the diffusion of knowledge for generations to come

09/26/2026

The Smithsonian surveyed early childhood educators from across the nation to uncover their mindsets for finding educational resources. The results will inform how organizations can play a part in helping to incorporate nature-based learning into classrooms

09/26/2026

🍬🌪️ Teachers, get ready — we’re mapping hurricanes with candy!

In this lesson, students explore how scientists use visual clues to understand big weather events. They’ll start by reviewing real hurricane photos to spot patterns and formations… then build their own data‑driven hurricane map using small multicolored candies.

This activity helps learners see how data becomes visuals — and how visuals become understanding. It’s hands‑on, colorful, and just the right amount of sweet.

Watch now: https://s.si.edu/WTT_FB