Absolon Kent

NEW YORK — #TeamKent had the pleasure of attending the Smithsonian's Food for Thought Lecture & Luncheon at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. This event brought together the worlds of art, design, culture, science, and history. 

The Cooper Hewitt was a particularly fitting venue for the first program in this year's lecture series, especially with the opportunity to experience Art of Noise—an extraordinary exhibition exploring the relationship between music and design over the past 100 years. From concert posters and iconic album covers to phonographs, radios, record players, headphones, and modern digital music devices, the exhibition tells the story of how design has shaped the way we experience, share, and connect with music.

From the energy of New York City to the beauty and creativity of Cooper Hewitt, it was truly a day of food for thought, food for the soul, and inspiration for the imagination.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/743

#Smithsonian  #JamesSmithsonSociety #CooperHewitt #ArtOfNoise #FoodForThought #TodaysAdventure #NewYorkCity #TeamKent #KENTCANDO

WASHINGTON — We enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Smithsonian Castle, attending an exclusive after-hours viewing of American Aspirations, the landmark exhibition commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Co-curated by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III as a gift to the nation, American Aspirations brings together some of the Smithsonian's most treasured artifacts, each representing defining moments in the nation's history and the enduring ideals of democracy, freedom, and opportunity.

Among the exhibition's highlights are Thomas Jefferson's portable writing desk, used to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776; Harriet Tubman's hymnal; and Senator Daniel Inouye's Medal of Honor, awarded for extraordinary heroism during World War II. These are joined by other remarkable artifacts spanning two and a half centuries of American history.

American Aspirations remains on view at the Smithsonian Castle through July 26, 2026. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the people, events, and ideals that have shaped the American story for 250 years and is part of the Castle's special summer reopening in celebration of the nation's Semiquincentennial.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/740

🇺🇸 #AmericanAspirations #Smithsonian #America250 #AmericanHistory #TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #TeamKent #KENTCANDO

WASHINGTON — Another great evening in DC as we previewed the newly reimagined Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. From legendary aviation milestones to the future of space exploration, it's always inspiring to experience the stories, technology, and innovation that have shaped our world—and continue to define what's next.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/643

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #NMAAHC #Smithsonian

WASHINGTON — Last night, Thurraya and I had the honor of attending the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For the past decade, this extraordinary museum has preserved, shared, and celebrated the stories, struggles, achievements, and enduring contributions of African Americans to our nation's history. Since opening in 2016, it has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, becoming a place of education, reflection, inspiration, and hope.

The evening brought together guests to commemorate this important milestone with opening remarks, a special anniversary program, and an opportunity to celebrate the museum's remarkable first ten years. Walking through the museum and sharing in this celebration was a powerful reminder that history is not only something we study—it is something we preserve, honor, and pass on to future generations.

#TodaysAdventure #MyDMV #KENTCANDO #TeamKent #NMAAHC #Smithsonian  #BlackHistory #HistoryMatters