Smithsonian Holiday Festival – Visit the Mall with More
December 7–8, 2013
The museum opens early at 9:30 a.m. both days
The National Museum of American History embraces the holiday spirit with a weekend of musical performances, screenings, book signings and family-oriented activities. For a full schedule of events, visit www.si.edu/events/holiday.
Performances
U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants
Dec. 7; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Flag Hall, Second Floor
The official chorus of the United States Air Force will fill Flag Hall with the sounds of the holidays. Each performance by 18 professional Airmen vocalists, begins on the hour and lasts approximately 20 minutes.
A Puppet Demonstration: The Puppet Co.
Dec. 7; 3:30 and 4:15 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Puppet Master Christopher Piper brings to life a Circus Bear, Cinderella’s bossy stepmother, and shows kids how to make a sassy hand puppet with a simple rubber ball. (About 20 minutes)
U.S. Air Force Silver Wings
Dec. 8; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Flag Hall, Second Floor
The premier country band of the United States Air Force will fill Flag Hall with music. Each performance begins on the hour and lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Walt Whitman High School Chamber Choir
Dec. 8; 4 p.m.
Flag Hall, Second Floor
The Walt Whitman High School of Bethesda, Maryland Chamber Choir is the school's most advanced choral group. The Chamber Choir has long been considered a flagship of excellence among high school choirs throughout the state of Maryland. The group will perform an interesting mix of a cappella pieces from a wide variety of choral styles as well as holiday songs. The highly select jazz octets, will also perform lighter selections.
Screenings
Polar Express 3-D Experience (12-minute screening)
Dec. 7 – 31; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
No screenings December 9, 10, 16, 17, 24, and 25
Warner Bros. Theater, First Floor
Tickets Required: $5, for sale outside Warner Bros. Theater
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express follows a doubting young boy as he embarks upon an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole. This abridged version utilizes Warner Bros. Theater’s 3D capability to bring the holiday tale to life. Multiple 12 minute screenings will take place every hour.
Museum Stores and Specials
Jewelry Trunk Show of Anne Koplik Designs
Dec. 7 – 8; 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Visitors can browse a selection of hand-made, vintage-inspired jewelry designed by Anne Koplik and available for sale in the museum store.
Holiday Gift Wrapping
Dec. 7 – 8; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Visitors can get a head start on holiday shopping by taking advantage of gift wrapping services available for $1 minimum donation per package.
“10 for 10” Segway Tours
Mall Terrace
Tickets Required: $10; contact SmithsonianTours@Segway.com or 202-384-8516
Visitors can experience Segway at a discounted price. For $10, visitors are able to ride a Segway for 10 minutes.
Food Programs
A Sweet World of White House Desserts: From Blown-Sugar Baskets to Gingerbread Houses, a Pastry Chef Remembers by Roland Mesnier
Saturday, Dec. 7; 3 – 5 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Mesnier signs copies of his fourth book, “A Sweet World of White House Desserts: From Blown Sugar Baskets to Gingerbread Houses, A Pastry Chef Remembers.” The memoir recalls the desserts Roland created for White House State Dinners, formal events and family celebrations.
In conjunction with this signing, special desserts will be available for sale in the Stars and Stripes Café.
Pie Love: Inventive Recipes for Sweet and Savory Pies, Galettes, Pastry Cremes, Tarts, and Turnovers by Warren Brown
Saturday, Dec. 7; 3 – 5 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Chef and author- Warren Brown- signs copies of his fourth cookbook, “Pie Love: Inventive Recipes for Sweet and Savory Pies, Galettes, Pastry Cremes, Tarts, and Turnovers,” which tackles bakers’ questions about making the perfect pie and includes recipes ranging from sweet to savory, mixing recipes for traditional fillings with his unique takes.
In conjunction with this signing, special desserts will be available for sale in the Stars and Stripes Café.
Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from a Year in Paris by Ann Mah
Saturday, Dec. 7; 3 – 5 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Food and travel writer- Ann Mah- discusses and signs copies of her new book, “Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from a Year in Paris.” This memoir recounts her life as a young diplomat’s wife who had to reinvent her dream of living in Paris—one dish at a time.
Book Signings
Three Miles From Providence: A Tale of Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers’ Home by David Bruce Smith
Saturday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Author David Bruce Smith signs copies of his book, “Three Miles From Providence: A Tale of Abraham Lincoln and the Soldiers’ Home.” Told in diary form, the book creates a unique tale about Abraham Lincoln, his family and the history of the Soldiers’ Home and Washington DC during the Civil War.
American Hero: John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States by David Bruce Smith
Saturday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Author David Bruce Smith signs copies of his illustrated children’s book, “John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States,” which delves into the life and contributions of Chief Justice John Marshall.
Wilson and the White House Pups by Susan Castriota
Saturday, Dec. 7; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
Author and illustrator, Susan Castriota, signs copies of her children’s book, “Wilson and the White House Pups.” This children’s book provides a long and happy history of dogs residing with First Families. Readers have the opportunity to learn which dog was the first to be photographed, which had a dog house patterned after The White House and much more.
The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects by Richard Kurin
Saturday, Dec. 7; 1 – 3 p.m.
East Wing, First Floor
The Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Art, History, and Culture Richard Kurin signs copies of “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects,” which highlights 101 objects from across the Smithsonian’s museums that together, offer a new marvelous new perspective on the history of the United States.
Ranging from the earliest years of the pre-Columbian continent to the digital age, and from the American Revolution to Vietnam, each entry pairs the fascinating history surrounding each object with the story of its creation or discovery and the place it has come to occupy in our national memory.
Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones
Sunday, Dec.8; 1 – 3 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Author Brian Jay Jones signs and discusses his book, “Jim Henson: The Biography,” which covers the full arc of Henson’s life. Drawing on hundreds of hours of new interviews with Henson’s family, friends and closest collaborators, as well as unprecedented access to private family and company archives, Jones explores the creation of The Muppets, Henson’s contributions to Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live and his nearly 10-year campaign to bring The Muppet Show to television.
Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures in Hell by Paula Fleming
Sunday, Dec. 8; 3 – 5 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Researcher and co-author Paula Fleming discusses and signs copies of her book, “Diableries: Stereoscopic Adventures in Hell,” which features reproductions of ghoulish stereo cards originally produced in France in the 1860s. The book offers explanatory text for every card to help unravel its meaning and hidden satirical nature.
The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic by John Fricke
Sunday, Dec. 8; 3 – 5 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Author John Fricke signs copies of his book, “The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic,” which details the magical journey through beautiful photographs of the world’s largest collection of Oz memorabilia. An Oz Pin Ball machine will also be available in the gift shop for visitors to play.
The Nutcracker by Christopher Piper, MayField Piper, Allan Stevens
Saturday, Dec. 7; 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Main Store, First Floor
Authors Christopher Piper, MayField Piper and Allan Stevens sign copies of their book “The Puppet Co.’s The Nutcracker,” illustrated with color photographs from the production and marking the 25th anniversary of the show.
