Educational Travel Blog | From Sea to Shining Sea

Julia Child's exhibit at the National Museum of American History

Although Meryl Streep did not take home an Oscar for her role as Julia Child in Julie & Julia, the film has caused newfound interest in the woman who made French cuisine mainstream in America.  Julie & Julia is based on both Child’s book, My Life in France, and the story of Julie Powell.  Needing a change in her life, Julie starts to write a blog documenting her experiences cooking Julia Child’s recipes.  At the end of the film Powell, played by Amy Adams, travels to the National Museum of American History and visits the Julia Child exhibit.

The exhibit has been at the National Museum of American History since 2001.  Julia donated her kitchen to the museum after moving from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to California.  Some highlights of the exhibition include Julia’s personal blowtorch, used to brown the top of crème brulee, her extensive collection of kitchen knives, her cookbooks and all of her original appliances.  As part of the online exhibit, the Smithsonian is listing a Julia Child recipe of the week on their blog.

  

 

© Columbia Pictures

 

Michelle Obama's inaugural gown on display

Adding to the nearly century-old exhibit, the “First Ladies at the Smithsonian,” Michelle Obama's inaugural gown is now on display at the National Museum of American History.  The stunning white chiffon gown, which was donated at the start of Women’s History Month, is amongst dresses donned by Grace Coolidge, Laura Bush, Mamie Eisenhower, Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt and Helen Taft.  In addition, the exhibit includes other items from the White House like portraits, fine china and the women’s personal possessions. 

 

I actually went to visit the First Ladies at the Smithsonian exhibit when I traveled to Washington, D.C., last October.  What I was amazed by was the intricacy of some of the first ladies’ gowns.  In particular, I can still picture Helen Taft’s inaugural gown with its sparkling rhinestones and floral embroidery.  I also enjoyed seeing how varied the dresses were depending on the time period they came from.  From Martha Washington’s salmon pink dress with a large petticoat, to Grace Coolidge’s flapper-inspired dress, to Laura Bush’s silk and satin red dress, each gown is complete with its own style. 

 

 
 Photo Credit: Richard Strauss, Smithsonian Institution
 

National Museum of Natural History turns 100

Yesterday the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) turned 100!  The museum, whose 126 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts include the Hope Diamond, is dedicated to inspiring learning and discovery of the natural world through research, exhibitions and education outreach programs.  In addition to the Washington, D.C., location, the museum includes a storage facility in Maryland, a marine science research facility in Florida and various field stations across the world including one in Kenya. 

 

As part of this milestone, the NMNH will be opening a photographic exhibition in May, 2010 that documents its 100-year history. 

 

A fun fact about the museum is that it is two blocks long and covers almost four acres.  To put this in perspective, when it was first built in 1910, it was the second largest structure in Washington, D.C.!  On its opening day, 1,600 spectators came out, and since then the museum has welcomed 290 million people, making it one of the most popular museums in the world.

 

My favorite NMNH collection is the gems and minerals because I used to have my own precious stone collection growing up.  Not only is it fascinating to see the largest and most famous polished gemstones in the world, it’s also really interesting to see natural rocks from the earth.

 

Irish heritage in Boston

Did you wear green today?  Will you be eating corned beef and cabbage? 

 

Smithsonian Student Travel is headquartered in Boston where St. Patrick’s Day has become quite a big holiday.  From the Kennedys to the Dropkick Murphys, Boston boasts some pretty quintessential Irish folk.  In fact, there is even an Irish Heritage Trail in Boston, a self-guided tour of famous Irish figures and landmarks.  Boston also celebrates Evacuation Day on March 17.  This day commemorates when British forces left the city during the American Revolutionary War.

 

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston was last Sunday, but there are still plenty of events happening today like learning Irish history at the Children’s Museum.   

 

While the South Boston parade is pretty traditional as parades go, other cities around the country, like Hot Springs, Arkansas, offer more unusual characters marching down the street such as an Irish Elvis impersonator and the famous San Diego Chicken.

 

So, how will you celebrate?  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 Boston's historic brownstones 

Welcome to the Smithsonian Student Travel blog

Welcome to the Smithsonian Student Travel blog!  My name is Melissa, and I work in the marketing department at Smithsonian Student Travel.  Before that, I was actually a tour consultant working with teachers from the Midwest.  This experience has provided me with great insight into what type of support our group leaders need when planning class trips.  My goal for this blog is to share with you some of the stories and travel tips I’ve picked up along the way.  I’m also excited to be able to share with you information and articles from some of the most inspiring sights and interesting exhibits from across America.  I hope you’ll find this helpful! 

 

Happy travels, Melissa