Chalk Talk
First Ladies at the Smithsonian: A glimpse into life inside the White House
As part of the National Museum of American History reopening year celebration, the Smithsonian unveiled First Ladies at the Smithsonian last December. The exhibition honors the legendary women who have graced the halls of the White House and chronicles the history of first lady exhibitions at the Smithsonian. In addition to a selection from the Smithsonian’s inaugural gown collection, the display features portraits, china and other personal possessions that give new insight into the lives of the first ladies.
Take a closer look »Field Notes
Smithsonian Student Travel mom gets a new look in old New York
See what happens when a Washington mother accompanies her daughter on a Smithsonian Student Travel adventure! Plucked from
The Today Show crowd for an “Ambush Makeover,” the unsuspecting mom—along with her daughter and 49 other students—discovered that some of the most memorable tour moments occur when you least expect it.
Take a closer look »Smithsonian News
O, say, does that star-spangled Banner yet wave: Preserving a national treasure for future generations
For nearly a decade, the Smithsonian’s expert team of researchers, historians, engineers and textile conservators collaborated and toiled over the stars and stripes of the Star-Spangled Banner. Working with such a delicate and brittle piece of American history, every snip, stitch and scrub of the preservation process had to be perfect and precise. And when the National Museum of American History reopened its doors in November, museum visitors were greeted with a state-of-the-art Star-Spangled Banner gallery that preserves the aged flag while displaying it in all its glory.
Take a closer look »Trip Talk
Q&A: Group Leader Lynn Layman shares her Smithsonian Student Travel experiences
From life-changing moments atop the Empire State Building to White House visits and tornadoes at Mount Vernon, Lynn Layman has nearly seen it all in 10 years of travel with Smithsonian Student Travel. Still, each new tour opens up new opportunities and experiences for both her students and herself. In June, her group stumbled upon a rehearsal of the New York Philharmonic during their visit to Lincoln Center’s Avery Hall. These magical moments—along with her close relationships with Smithsonian Student Travel staff—are what keep her traveling with students year after year.
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