This Week at Natural History

Image credit: Natalie van Hoose

Smithsonian ‘Bioblitz’ Pioneers a New Way to Monitor Water Health that Could Help Restore Estuaries Worldwide

In the shallows of Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, 30 Smithsonian scientists sifted through mud and sand, uncovering slugs, snails and worms. Their 10-day bioblitz revealed more than 2,700 tiny creatures—buried clues of a fragile ecosystem still recovering from years of ecological upheaval. Genetic "dust" left behind by these animals offers a powerful new way to track ecosystem health in real time, guiding efforts to restore one of America’s most biodiverse estuaries.

Image credit: Life Magazine

Does Anyone Ever Wear the Smithsonian’s Jewels?

At NMNH, the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection is carefully preserved behind exhibit glass. But on rare occasions, these dazzling treasures have stepped into the spotlight. Iconic examples include Michelle Pfeiffer wearing the Hope Diamond for a photo shoot and Brooke Shields modeling the Winston Red Diamond in a pinky ring. Click the link to learn more from NMNH gem collection manager Russell Feather.

Image credit: Company E

Here is our latest programming guide. Click here for a full schedule of upcoming public programs and a link to previously scheduled video webinars.

For Families

The World & Me: Caring for the Future of our Planet with Company | E and Sound Impact
Join us for a performance featuring local dancers from Company | E and musicians from Sound Impact, explore hands-on activities with museum specimens, and discover ways to make an impact in taking care of Earth for future generations during this special The World and Me program.
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor

The World & Me: Life ON and IN the Ocean!
Explore life IN and ON the ocean with our friends from Living Classrooms. Come learn from educators about sailors, working on a boat, how boats communicate with one another, and where you can visit the Mildred Belle, a Chesapeake Bay buyboat. Look up close at oysters and specimens from our museum's collections while being inspired to design your own postage stamp in celebration of buyboats like the Mildred Belle.
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Q?rius, The Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, Ground Floor

For Everyone

Stories from Space
Meteorites are rocks that came from space, fell through the sky and crashed to Earth. Each meteorite records the story of the formation and evolution of our solar system. Come touch a meteorite and talk to Dr. Glenn Macpherson, Curator of Meteorites, about the science stories from the National Meteorites Collection.
Friday, July 11, 2025, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Geology, Gems, and Minerals Hall, 2nd Floor

For Educators

Smithsonian Education Summit 2025
Free registration is now open for the 2025 Smithsonian National Education Summit! Join us online or in person in D.C. for over 40 sessions designed to prepare educators for the nation's 250th anniversary.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, July 15, 16, and 17, 2025

Thank you for your interest in NMNH! Your generosity enables the museum to address the big questions that society faces and our fundamental understanding of how people and nature interact. Click the links below to help us spark curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world and our place in it.