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Food for Thought at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery

Food for Thought at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Food for Thought at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Food for Thought at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Food for Thought at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery

WASHINGTON — I had a wonderful morning attending the “Food for Thought” gathering centered on the National Portrait Gallery’s America’s Presidents exhibition—the largest and most comprehensive collection of presidential portraiture outside the White House. Acting Director Elliot Gruber was the featured speaker, and following his presentation, we made our way inside to the Fred W. Smith Gallery.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/24

 

Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt

Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt
Food for Thought at Cooper Hewitt

NEW YORK —  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

      

 

American Aspirations

American Aspirations
American Aspirations
American Aspirations
American Aspirations

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

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We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum

We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum
We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum
We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum
We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum
We Make History: Anacostia Community Museum
WASHINGTON — The Anacostia Community Museum, one of the Smithsonian museums dedicated to exploring the rich history, culture, and experiences of local communities, was a new opportunity to learn, reflect, and appreciate the stories that shape our shared history.
 
The museum recently reopened with several new exhibitions; each offering visitors a unique perspective. On the Record explores how communities preserve their histories through photographs, oral histories, newspapers, music, and personal archives, demonstrating that history is often recorded by those who live it. Portals to the Past invites visitors to discover connections between the past and present through objects, places, and personal stories that reveal the enduring impact of history on our daily lives. Game Changers and Scorekeepers celebrates the individuals, organizations, and communities that have transformed sports, highlighting how athletics can inspire social change, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. District of Creativity showcases the remarkable artistic talent, innovation, and cultural expression found throughout Washington, D.C., celebrating the people and neighborhoods that make the nation's capital such a vibrant creative community. Together We Make History reminds us that history is created every day through the actions of ordinary people. By sharing our stories, preserving our experiences, and supporting our communities, we all contribute to the historical record.
 
Each exhibition encourages visitors to see history not as something confined to the past, but as something we continue to create together every day.
 
 
 

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Member Preview

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Member Preview
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Member Preview
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Member Preview

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