WASHINGTON — The 2026 Smithsonian Annual Weekend brought together Smithsonian supporters around the shared experience of the Institution’s museums, research, and cultural programs, continuing a well‑established annual tradition. The Smithsonian is committed to it’s role as a place for connection, inspiration, and collective celebration of history, art, science, and culture.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/666

#SmithsonianWeekend #TeamKent #Smithsonian #FamilyTime #TeamKent #MyDMV

HARDY, Va. — A brief stop at one of the first places to help spark my interest in national parks and memorial sites.

The Booker T. Washington National Monument preserves the birthplace of one of the most influential African-American figures in history and offers a powerful look into the early life in enslavement of this renowned educator. It is a place of deep historical reflection, serving as a reminder of the complexities of the American experience and the enduring power of education and hard work.

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#TodaysAdventure #GetOutside #AmericasNationalParks #OutdoorAdventures #KENTCANDO #JustMe #HistoryMatters

HARRISONBURG, Va. — I am incredibly proud of Matthias and the JMU Symphony Orchestra. Their performance on Thursday night was incredible! 🎶 💜 💛

It was a beautiful concert, made even more special as their final performance piece of the evening was composed by JMU student and Annandale High School alum Thien Phan, who has received recognition for his works at VMEA and JMU. It was so moving to hear music created by someone who shared the same high school stage as my son.

#PreciousFatherMoments #TeamKent #KENTCANDO #TeamMatty #JMUSymphonyOrchestra #MusicEducation #AnnandaleAtoms

ANNANDALE, Va. — We’re feeling truly honored to see a photo of us from last year’s Annual Smithsonian Weekend featured in this year’s brochure! 😊 Attending this annual event is always such a special experience, and it’s amazing to have a small piece of that memory included in this year’s announcement. We can’t wait to celebrate Smithsonian Weekend again and make even more memories!

#SmithsonianWeekend #TeamKent

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Our family was blessed to travel and celebrate this Resurrection Sunday as Matthias participated in the baptism service at Aletheia Church. Tears of joy were flowing as he made his public declaration his of faith.

#PreciousFatherMoments #TeamKent #KENTCANDO #TeamMatty