Smithsonian Celebrates Women’s History Month 2014
The Smithsonian celebrates Women’s History Month in March with a series of films, lectures and performances at museums around the Institution. All programs are free unless otherwise indicated.
Feature Event
The Institution will kick off Women's History Month at the National Portrait Gallery Saturday, March 1, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a day of music, hands-on activities and more.
Performances
The Anacostia Community Museum will present “Community History Series: In Her Words” Saturday, March 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. The music and social activism of Nina Simone, Lena Horne and Billie Holiday are explored in this performance by the all-female Liberated Muse Arts Group. Reservations are required. Call (202) 633-4844 to RSVP.
The Smithsonian American Art Museum will present “Take 5! Women in Jazz: A Tribute to Melba Liston” Thursday, March 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Washington Women in Jazz Festival Quintet will showcase the music of Liston, one of the great American jazz trombonists. The performance will feature Jen Krupa on trombone and Leigh Pilzer on saxophone.
The Freer Gallery of Art will host “Ego Trippin’: There May Be a Reason Why” Saturday, March, 29, at 7 p.m. This musical performance will celebrate the power, beauty and intelligence of African women. It features Maimouna Youssef, Carolyn Malachi, Amma Whatt, Laini Mitaka, Versatile Soundz Women Drum Ensemble and Sound of the City. Hosted by Risikat Okedeyi and presented by the National Museum of African Art. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Films
The National Museum of Natural History will screen Bless Me, Ultima (106 minutes, 2013), Tuesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. The film is a new adaptation of the 1972 novel by Rudolfo Anaya. It tells the dramatic story of a curandera (traditional healer) who moves in with the family of Tony, the film’s child protagonist. The film explores tradition, religion and community by capturing the magical New Mexican landscape with beautiful cinematography. Presented by the Smithsonian Latino Center. Reservations are required. Email SLCevent@si.edu to RSVP. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For Children
The National Air and Space Museum will host “Women in Aviation and Space Family Day” Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors will learn about some of the contributions women have made to aviation and space exploration. The day features hands-on activities and stories for young visitors. Presenters include Devon Meister, Air Force pilot and meteorologist, featured on the Weather Channel’s Hurricane Hunters; curator Dorothy Cochrane; author Wendy Hollinger; and former astronaut and Space Shuttle commander Pam Melroy. Special rates for Girl Scouts: $5 for IMAX and $5 for simulators.
Tours and Lectures
The National Museum of American History will present “The First Ladies Exhibition: Changing Fashions, Changing Roles” Wednesday, March 12, from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. In this evening seminar, curator Lisa Kathleen Graddy shares stories of one of the museum’s most popular exhibitions, tracing its development from a display of dress to an examination of the contributions of first ladies to the presidency and American society. Michelle Obama’s 2008 inauguration gown will be on special display for this program. Graddy is co-author of First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image and the upcoming The Smithsonian First Ladies Collection. Presented by The Smithsonian Associates. Tickets required. Call (202) 633-3030 or visit http://www.smithsonianassociates.org for prices and information.
All programs are subject to change. For more information about the Women’s History Month programs, visit: www.SmithsonianEducation.org/Heritage or email heritagemonths@si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
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SI-99-2014
