August at the National Museum of American History
Exhibits, music and more this month at the museum.
“¡De última hora! Latinas Report Breaking News”
Nicholas F. and Eugenia Taubman Gallery, Second Floor, West
Closes Sunday, August 17
“¡De última hora! Latinas Report Breaking News” is a bilingual exhibition showcasing the work of Latina broadcast journalists and how they wrote the first draft of history for major U.S. events for the Spanish-language communities they report on and for. Working in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of broadcast news, these journalists became powerful advocates for Spanish-speaking communities. “¡De última hora!” uses the collective experience of Ilia Calderón, Dunia Elvir, Marilys Llanos, Gilda Mirós, Lori Montenegro, Teresa Rodriguez, María Elena Salinas and Blanca Rosa Vílchez, to illustrate how Latina journalists have navigated their field and shaped the narrative for major historical events.
PROGRAMS
“Country Routes: Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell on the Craft of Country Music”Nicholas F. and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music
Monday, August 25; 7 - 8 p.m.
Free; RSVPs required: Events | National Museum of American History
This fifth installment of the “Roots to Pop” series focuses on Country music, digging into its development and intersections with folk and Americana. Featuring singer-songwriter and record producer Rodney Crowell and singer-songwriter and bandleader Emmylou Harris in conversation with curator Krystal Klingenberg, the discussion will explore their work and influences as it places their songcraft in the context of Country music history.
MUSIC
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra presents:
“Jazz Rides the Rails”
Warner Bros. Theater
Sunday, August 23; 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as one of the preeminent programs of the National Museum of American History. Led by A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized in 1925 to fight the substandard treatment and working conditions of African Americans in Pullman car service. To celebrate the centennial of this historic railroad labor union—the first of its kind—the SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. Concert selections will include “Last Train from Overbrook” by James Moody; “Blues in the Night” by Harold Arlen; and “9:20 Special” by Earle Warren, Bill Engvick and Jack Palmer.
Purchase Tickets:
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Jazz Rides the Rails - Smithsonian Associates
Members: $30; Non-members $40
VISITING
What to know:
The museum is open seven days a week, except Dec. 25, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and passes are not required. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit.
Food:
The Eat at America’s Table Cafe is open for complete food and beverage service. It is peach season, and the museum will feature two main specials: Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Peach Mustard Sauce and Faroe Island Salmon in a citrus herb sauce, served along with sides Garden Succotash, Mixed Summer Squash, Heirloom Tomato Caprese and a Grilled Peach Salad with Blueberries, Feta, and Pecans. The Leroy Neiman Jazz Cafe offers a summer menu including a turkey sandwich, classic Muffaletta, vegetable wrap, as well as a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo; along with desserts and hot and cold beverages, including Starbucks coffee. For more information, visit the website.
Bottled water is allowed in the museum. Refillable water bottle for fountains are recommended.
Stores: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
ABOUT THE MUSEUM
Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History seeks to empower people to create a more just and compassionate future by examining, preserving and sharing the complexity of our past. The museum, located on Constitution Avenue N.W., between 12th and 14th streets, is open daily except Dec. 25 and in 2025, Jan. 20, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. The doors of the museum are always open online and the virtual museum continues to expand its offerings, including online exhibitions, K–12 educational materials and programs. The public can follow the museum on social media via Instagram and Facebook. For more information, go to https://americanhistory.si.edu. For Smithsonian information, the public may call (202) 633-1000.
