Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Talks about Her Political Life at Smithsonian Event

The Smithsonian Associates presents a discussion with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Tuesday, Sept. 14, at noon at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History, 10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W. Albright shares accounts of her political life and diplomatic arsenal of decorative pins with interviewer Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough.

Glittering jewels have adorned leaders in public view since antiquity, but using pins to send a message is a unique combination of statecraft and personal expression that is distinctively Albright’s. Albright recounts stories behind her pins and highlights their historical, artistic and symbolic significance: a golden serpent brooch as a response to Saddam Hussein’s press; bejeweled zebras for greeting Nelson Mandela; a buzzing bee at Middle East peace negotiations; a dove pin from the widowed Leah Rabin; and a bug pin signaling the discovery of an eavesdropping device at the State Department.

Her latest book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box (HarperCollins), is available for signing following the program. The exhibition, “Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection,” is on view in the Smithsonian Castle through Oct. 11.

Tickets for the Smithsonian presentation are $25 for general admission and $15 for Associate members. For tickets and information call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

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SI-349-2010