Educator Programs
Explore our vast library of live programs and archived webinars to discover tools to use digital museum resources for learning.
Cultivating Learning: Celebrating America at 250
Series
Celebrating America at 250
In this special Cultivating Learning series, Smithsonian educators share teaching techniques and resources that help tell the story of America's 250th. The series celebrates well-known people, events, and accomplishments of our nation and also provides opportunities to discuss lesser-told histories that together form our national narrative. Join us to explore strategies for using digital museum resources to support student learning at this milestone moment in American history. You’ll leave with a collection of techniques and ideas to help students think critically, recognize their own value, appreciate others’ perspectives, and gain confidence to be engaged learners.
Webinar
Unpacking Symbols and Stories in Gilbert Stuart’s Portrait of George Washington
Wednesday, September 17, 4:00 PM EST
Join Briana Zavadil White, head of education and public programs at the National Portrait Gallery, for an engaging look at the Lansdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert...
Webinar
Defining Freedom Amongst Ideas of Liberty
Wednesday, October 15, 4:00 PM EST
Join the National Museum of African American History and Culture to explore how the concept of liberty and freedom manifested for African Americans in the Revolutionary and New Nation eras. Together we will discover individual and community actions against slavery during these early periods...
Webinar
Investigating Objects: From Inquiry to Action
Wednesday, November 19, 4:00 PM EST
Many voices of the American people have contributed to and continue to shape the nation and its communities, from its earliest beginnings to the present. Join Orlando Serrano of the National Museum of American History (NMAH) to consider how material culture can be a point of departure for inquiry...
Webinar
Exploring our Sightlines: Integrating Local Stories across Subject Areas
Wednesday, December 17, 4:00 PM EST
Join the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s Education Team to explore a new virtual tour experience based on the exhibition Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond. During...
Webinar
Investigating Civic Ideals through Art
Wednesday, January 21, 4:00 PM EST
Join Phoebe Hilleman of the Smithsonian American Art Museum to explore artworks as visual metaphors that can deepen students’ understanding of civics. We’ll interpret three artworks together and discuss what each one adds to our understanding of the phrase “We the People.” You’ll leave wi...
Webinar
Rising to STEAM Challenges
Wednesday, February 18, 4:00 PM EST
Space exploration reflects America’s desire to push scientific understanding and technological innovation. Join educators from the National Air and Space Museum to learn about aviation and space heroines who rose to the challenges of their fields and participate in a design challenge with materials from home. We’ll talk about helping students tackle STEAM chal...
Webinar
Native Women Leading the Way: From Revolution to the Future
Wednesday, March 18, 4:00 PM EST
In many Native cultures, it is common for women to hold leadership roles in society. Join Renée Gokey, from the National Museum of the American Indian, to explore a new...
Webinar
Building Civic Engagement with Postage Stamps
Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 PM EST
Join Phoebe Sherman of the National Postal Museum to explore how postage stamps can be used in the classroom to encourage civic awareness and engagement. We’ll examine how stamps can spark curiosity and deepen understanding of civics, American history, national
identity, and comm...
Webinar
Promoting STEAM Innovation and Invention in the Classroom
Wednesday, May 20, 4:00 PM EST
Join Nyssa Buning of the National Museum of American History’s Spark!Lab and Carol O’Donnell of the Smithsonian Science Education Center to explore strategies for cultivating an inventive mindset in your students. We’ll discuss the history of STEAM innovation in America and try an open-ended inv...
Webinar
Fostering Civic Action in Youth
Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 PM EST
As America turns 250 in 2026, young people are writing its next chapter. Join a group of educators who apply interdisciplinary approaches to learning to engage young people in civic dialogue tied to their communities. Through a range of Smithsonian programs and resources, youth interact with historical and contemporary sources to understand their...
