Sneak a Peek into Julia Child’s Real Kitchen The “Bon Appétit!” exhibition—Julia’s actual 14 by 20-foot custom designed kitchen—includes nearly 1,200 objects: knives, a stainless steel kitchen sink, and her six-burner Garland commercial range, plus photos and videos. A replica of the kitchen will play a starring role in the new movie “Julie & Julia” with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. Thirty beautiful French copper pots and pans have been reunited with the kitchen and are now on view. Share your cooking stories, photos, and memories by following our recipe of the week, submitting a photo of your favorite kitchen tool, or following our "amuse-bouches" on Twitter.
"Earl Shaffer and the Appalachian Trail" Earl Shaffer, the first person to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one continuous hike, kept a diary and took photographs to prove to skeptics that he had really accomplished what he claimed. This exhibition features photographs taken along the trail, Shaffer’s diary from the 1948 hike, and maps he used. Visit the exhibition in person or online. Add your photos from the trail to our interactive map.
"On the Water: Stories from Maritime America" Now Open Visit the Smithsonian’s unparalleled National Watercraft Collection of rigged ship models, patent models, documents and images. Experience the sights, sounds and stories from the oceans, inland rivers, and coastal communities. Share your pictures and stories of life on the water in our online photo sharing activity.
"Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" Moviegoers watch the Smithsonian brought to life in this new film. Visit the artifacts that inspired the film including: Dorothy's ruby slippers, Oscar the Grouch, Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves, Archie Bunker's chair, Custer's jacket, Teddy Roosevelt's chaps, and the Teddy Bear. Download the treasure map and come visit the objects in person.
And the Winner Is... Over 800 eligible entries were submitted to our Star-Spangled Banner Singing Contest, the Smithsonian's first contest on YouTube. Thousands of people rated and commented on their favorite singers. 15 semi-finalists were chosen. Jordan Shelton of Arvada, Colorado, was selected as the grand prize winner and she performed on Flag Day. Check out the winning entries.
Maritime Music: Songs of the Water The sea and other waterways such as large lakes, long rivers, and wide bays, have inspired songs for centuries. Maritime music plays a major role in life on the water, through its ability to entertain, motivate, and pace seamen in their work. In honor of the opening of the new “On the Water” exhibition, our Sounds of America series presents a program of music inspired by waterways in the United States and around the world.
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Add Your Photos to Our Flickr Groups Hey, shutterbugs! We're looking for your photos and stories about what the American flag means to you, and for images of what your life on the water is like. Learn more about our Star-Spangled Banner Share project, On the Water Snapshots project, and contributing the photos you take during your visit.
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Watch Video of Reopening Events A special ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 to dedicate the Star-Spangled Banner gallery. An archived version of the webcast is available including remarks by President Bush and historian David McCullough. The Museum officially reopened to the public on Friday, Nov. 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Watch the archived webcast which includes Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.) reading Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.
