Monique M. Chism, PhD

Smithsonian Under Secretary

for Education

Welcome to May, a month full of exciting events and opportunities for learning. The Smithsonian Institution is renowned for its vast collection of objects, but it is also a repository of stories that chronicle the lives and experiences of diverse groups of people in America. In recognition of Asian American Pacific Islander Month, this month's resources will highlight individuals and communities who have shaped the fabric of American society and culture, including activists and artists, authors and athletes. Additionally, as Memorial Day (May 29) approaches, we feature resources that highlight those who have made great sacrifices in service to the country. Join us as we celebrate the diverse voices and stories of these remarkable individuals and learn about the breadth of American history.

Using Biography and Portraiture to Learn about Asian Pacific American History

Explore how biographies and portraits can be used to learn about Asian Pacific American history, art, culture, lived experiences, and more. Participants will practice techniques to analyze a portrait from the Smithsonian’s "We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States," emphasizing the story of tennis star and activist Naomi Osaka.

6th–12th Grade, Primary Source Observation and Critical Thinking

We Are Here: 30 Inspiring AAPIs Who Have Shaped the United States

The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center’s new middle-grade anthology dives into stories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have made great impacts on the cultural, social, and political fabric of the United States and the Pacific. Also included are 30 Learning Lab collections that feature related Smithsonian collection objects and links to community-created resources, including videos, archives, and more.

5th–9th Grade, Biographies with Complementary Extension Resources

Teaching Japanese Incarceration through Comics

In this series of printable comic “zines,” by the National Museum of American History, students will learn about the personal experiences of Japanese American incarcerees during World War II and will practice communicating information concisely by developing an original comic.

3rd–7th Grade, Hands-on learning, Interdisciplinary, Visual instruction

Creating Dialogue on Bias Through ‘The Bias Inside Us’ Educator Toolkit

A new toolkit, designed for educators by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, brings together the psychology, science and history behind the concept of implicit bias. The toolkit provides posters, starter questions, links to activities and articles expanding on the research of bias.

For Teachers, Online activities, animations, connected research

Let's Make and Play: USA Collage

In this hands-on activity by the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology, students use common craft supplies to create a collage that represents what America means to them. They’ll look at the Smithsonian resources for inspiration, then complete the activity that follows.

PK–5th Grade, Hands-On Craft, Symbols

Why We Serve

This interactive website by the National Museum of the American Indian honors the generations of Native Americans who have served in the armed forces of the United States—often in extraordinary numbers—since the American Revolution. For some, the Indigenous commitment to the U.S. military doesn’t make sense. Why would Indians serve a country that overran their homelands, suppressed their cultures, and confined them to reservations?

4th–7th Grade, Topical Categories, Interactive

Latino Patriots in American Military History

This bilingual publication by the National Museum of the American Latino highlights ten Latino patriots and spans the American War of Independence to the Vietnam War. The heroes presented are merely a small group of the thousands of Latinos who have served in our armed forces with distinction. The publication is meant to enhance awareness among all Americans of the positive contributions that the Latino community has made and continues to make to U.S. society.

9th–12th Grade, Español, Teacher Collection (includes strategies)

Art and Monuments: Honoring Memory and Service

During this online interactive program, representatives of the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Smithsonian American Art Museum contextualize the history of memorials, monuments, and art in their collections.

Adult Learners, Free, Discussion-Based

Virtual Story Time. |  National Postal Museum

Join educators from the National Postal Museum for live, interactive story time. Educators will read stories aloud and lead related activities in a Zoom meeting for children and their caregivers. Explore a range of postal-related topics and more! Sessions will be interactive and last approximately 45 minutes. Caregivers are expected to be present with children for the duration of the program. Designed for children ages 3-6, but all are welcome!

Virtual event. Monday, May 22, 2023, 11 – 11:45 AM EDT. Registration required.

Play Date at NMNH: Marvelous Meteorites  |  National Museum of Natural History

Tuesday, May 23rd, is all about exploring the colors, shapes, and textures of objects out in space! Families can learn about and make close observations of meteorites from our collection, explore different colors of planets, and create your own play telescope. Come and join us for a fun time learning through play and exploration!

On location event. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM EDT

Storytime: Express Yourself  |  Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Join The Washington Ballet for a special engagement at the Hirshhorn Museum for an exploration of how we express who we are. We will look closely at Your Oceanic Feeling by Olafur Eliasson, read Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, dance with the Ballet, and participate in our own playful art-making.

Virtual event. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 10 – 11:00 AM EDT. Meet in the museum lobby.

Young Portrait Explorers | National Portrait Gallery

Join our interactive virtual workshop for children ages 3-6 and their adult companions to explore portraiture, history, and culture. This thirty-minute program incorporates close looking at art, movement, and creativity. Learn new stories about changemakers, ranging from astronauts to activists, presidents to painters!

Virtual event. Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 11 – 11:30 AM EDT. Registration required.

Hello, Museo | National Postal Museum

Join educators from the National Postal Museum every other Tuesday for a bilingual program featuring music, stories, crafts, and gallery exploration. Designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers, but all are welcome!

Únase a los educadores del Museo Postal Nacional cada dos martes para un programa bilingüe que presenta música, historias, artesanías y exploración de galerías. Diseñado para niños de 2 a 5 años y sus cuidadores, ¡pero todos son bienvenidos!

On Location. Tuesday, June 13, 2023, 10:30–11:30 AM EDT.