Encyclopedia Smithsonian

Experience a Puerto Rican carnival and design your own mask!

Play dress up with traditional or modern African styles.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a day of celebration for the people of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America, and more recently for Mexican Americans.  Rather than grieve over the loss of a beloved family or friend, they choose to commemorate the lives of the dearly departed and welcome the return of their spirits.

Are you a brainiac on the subject of the human brain? An authority on American authors? An ace on astronomy? A whiz on The Wizard of Oz? If not, don’t worry. The game Digging for Answers tests your research skills as well as your expertise.

(Grades 4-8) This is an introduction to the inviting sounds of mariachi: its instruments and how they are played, its rhythms, and how it is important to people. The activity uses maps, video, and interactive instrument demonstrations to give an "insider's view" that will help students enjoy the music and learn to talk about it with others.

The Smithsonian asks and answers questions about science, art, history and culture every day. Test your SI—Q!

Stay connected with Smithsonian Channel’s original series, documentaries and fun facts — on the go, anytime, anywhere with the Smithsonian Channel app for iPhone and iPod Touch. View full episodes and hundreds of video clips of your favorite Smithsonian Channel programs. Check the schedule for what’s on tonight, tomorrow or next week.

Find lots of fast, fun, cool, scary, patriotic, and beautiful things from the Smithsonian and send free E-cards to your friends!
 

Discover ten stories from UNESCO’s World Heritage List: The list of the most outstanding natural and cultural sites in the world. Add your voice to the conversation! In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1972 UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and to further its objectives, the Smithsonian and UNESCO have partnered to produce the Stories of World Heritage app and website.

The Anthropology Outreach Office serves to promote the understanding of the field of anthropology and the research conducted in the Smithsonian's Department of Anthropology. 

This information has been prepared to cover topics most frequently encountered: career information, excavation, fieldwork opportunities, artifact identification, and preservation.

Information and reading list on the process of Egyptian mummification.

Information and reading list on Egyptian pyramid history and construction.