Smithsonian American Art Museum Hosts Scouting Family Day

The Smithsonian American Art Museum will host a free family day with the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA Saturday, July 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the museum’s Kogod Courtyard. A Triple Flag Ceremony featuring the Smithsonian Honor Guard and color guards from local chapters of both scouting groups will open the festivities.

Throughout the day, stations representing the five core values of the Boy Scouts—service, achievement, character, outdoors and leadership—will offer activities such as letter writing to U.S. troops, Pinewood Derby racing, recording oral histories and orienteering demonstrations. A canoeing photo opportunity and “campfire” storytelling will take place on the museum’s F Street portico, and a “Swaps” exchange will be held to honor the Girl Scout tradition of trading keepsakes as an act of friendship. Live performances by scouts will take place throughout the day, and the Courtyard Café will feature camp-inspired snacks for sale. A special edition of the museum’s Rockwell-themed family activity booklet will be available at the information tables in the courtyard.

Scouting Family Day is presented in conjunction with the museum’s exhibition, “Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg,” and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

“Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell from the Collections of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg” is organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Booz Allen Hamilton has provided support as the corporate sponsor of the exhibition. The museum also acknowledges the contributions of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is located at Eighth and F streets N.W., above the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metrorail station. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000 or TTY (202) 633-5285. Museum information: (202) 633-7970. Website: americanart.si.edu.

Note: Press that would like to cover Scouting Family Day should contact Mandy Young in advance to make arrangements. On July 24, she can be reached on her cell phone at (202) 631-5222. Camera crews are not permitted in exhibition galleries without prior consent and a staff escort.

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