Event, Great Hall, Donald W. Reynolds Center

Members’ Weekend

One of the premier benefits of membership in the Smithson Society is the Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend. Members gather from across the country to celebrate the Smithsonian programs made possible in part by their generous annual contributions.

The 32nd Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend gathers members from all over the country at the Smithsonian for three days of enrichment and social gatherings with fellow members, Smithsonian leaders and scholars. The weekend’s exclusive, in-depth tours, led by Institution curators and scholars on Saturday morning, showcase the breadth and scope of the Institution’s endeavors across many disciplines. Please join us as we celebrate the nation’s museum.

Following is the schedule for the 2008 Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend

Thursday, April 24

  • 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Reception with National Museum of the American Indian Director Kevin Gover
    Patrons’ Lounge, National Museum of the American Indian
    Council- and Guild-level members, Endowed Life Members
  • 7:30 - 9:00 pm, Dinner
    The Pavilion, National Museum of African Art with Director Sharon Patton
    Guild-level members, Endowed Life

Friday, April 25

  • 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Kogod Courtyard - Cocktail Reception
    Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture
    All JSS levels
  • 6:45 - 10:00 pm, Smithsonian National Board Opening Dinner
    National Air and Space Museum
    Guild-level members, SNB

Saturday, April 26

  • 8:30 - 9:30 am, Morning Program
    Breakfast in The Commons, Smithsonian Castle
    All JSS levels
  • 10:00 - 11:30 am, Tours (bus transportation provided)
    All JSS levels
    • Tour of Archives of American Art’s exhibition Love Letters, with Liza Kirwin
    • Behind-the-scenes tour of the Smithsonian Greenhouses with Vickie DeBella, Tom Mirenda
    • Curator-led tour of the Lincoln Gallery and the America’s Presidents gallery with Amy Henderson, followed by tour of the exhibition Kate: A Centennial Celebration
    • Preview of the Elephant Trails project at the National Zoo with John Berry
    • Tour of America by Air exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum with Bob Van Der Linden
  • 12 noon - 1:00 pm, Keynote Address by Acting Secretary Cristián Samper
    Meyer Auditorium, Freer Gallery of Art
    All JSS levels
  • 1:00 - 2:00 pm, Luncheon with the Acting Secretary
    Luncheon in the Commons
    For Circle-level, Council-level, Guild-level members only
  • 7:00 - 10:30 pm, Black Tie Reception and Dinner
    Smithsonian Castle
    All JSS levels, SNB
    • 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Cocktail Reception, Great Hall
    • 8:00 - 10:30 pm, Black tie dinner in the Enid A. Haupt Garden followed by Dessert Buffet in the Great Hall

View previous Smithson Society Annual Members’ Weekend.

Society Member Profile

Richie and Jim Wright

Richie and Jim Wright
“Jim and I have especially enjoyed the Smithsonian since we joined the Smithson Society and, through the many behind-the-scenes events we attend, have gained first-hand knowledge of all that we are supporting.”

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