OPENING
SEPTEMBER:
“A Nation Grieves”
A Display of COVID-19 Memorial Flags
Opens Sept. 17; Closes December 2021
Second Floor, East
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History collected 24 of the white plastic flags from the public art installation designed by artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg. The “In America...How Could This Happen.” installation outside of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. was designed to honor and remember the lives lost in the U.S. to COVID-19. The museum added the flags to its collection as part of its efforts to collect artifacts related to the discovery, response and loss that has continued as a result of COVID-19.
OCTOBER:
“Flying Merkel Motorcycle,” 1913
Opens Oct. 1; Closes TBD
First Floor, East within “America on the Move”
The Flying Merkel brand of motorcycles was produced in Philadelphia and Ohio from around 1910 to 1916. The motorcycles, with their distinctive orange color were popular; however, high prices, competition from Ford’s Model T and World War I, put the company out of business. The motorcycle is now on display in connection with the museum’s “America on the Move” exhibition.
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Filipino American History Month
“Kulintang Kultura: Danongan Kalanduyan and Gong Music of the Philippine Diaspora”
A double album of Philippine kulintang music
Virtual Release: Oct. 1
Kulintang Kultura pays homage to the late Danongan “Danny” Kalanduyan, a talented musician and generous teacher who championed traditional Filipino kulintang gong music in the United States, helping to keep the memory and practice alive. This album, to be released by Smithsonian Folkways on Oct. 1, is part of Folkways' Asian Pacific American Music Series. It is produced by National Museum of American History Curator Theodore Gonsalves.
BEER HISTORY
"Beer Histories, Now"
Ticketed Event
A conversation held in collaboration with The Smithsonian Associates
Friday, October 22, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET
Americans have been brewing, enjoying, and thinking about beer for generations. But there is still new light to shed on the nation’s favorite libation. The virtual program features a conversation with several individuals who are working in innovative ways to share the stories and histories of beer. Visit: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/beer-histories-now