JUST ANNOUNCED!
JAMES SMITHSON'S
HOLIDAY BIRTHDAY BALL:
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1765
Fri., Dec. 4, 8–11 p.m.
(7–11 p.m. for VIP ticket-holders)
Smithsonian Castle
1000 Independence Ave., SW
(Enter from Independence Ave. or Jefferson Dr., SW)
Must be 21 years old with valid photo ID to attend.
When it came to gift-giving, James Smithson was a champ. On his death in 1829, the English chemist and mineralogist left his sizeable fortune to the United States—a place he'd never visited—to found "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge" called the Smithsonian Institution.
Now, on the 250th anniversary of his birth*, it's time to give him a big thank-you by gathering in the original Smithsonian building, the historic Castle, for a birthday bash inspired by James, his era, and the Smithsonian itself.
It’s going to be a terrific party:
- Learn plenty of quirky and fascinating facts about Smithson in a trivia challenge. Here’s a head start: He was crazy about traveling, has a mineral named after him, and he wrote a cookbook.
- Like any proper ball, count on dancing and drinks, including one inspired by James’s own recipe for ginger beer. Music by DJ As-One and cash bar by Tortoise and Hare.
- A scavenger hunt lets you explore some of the treasures hidden throughout the corners of our weird and wonderful Castle. Pay a visit to Smithson’s crypt along the way.
- Head to the photo booth to create your own "portrait." Dress to impress in 18th-century-inspired finery and you might be a prize winner.
- There’ll be some crafty activities, too.
Since there are now about 137 million objects in his collections, Mr. Smithson doesn’t need any gifts. But in the spirit of his generosity, you can bring a present that will go to a local children’s charity.
Special features for VIP ticket-holders: Exclusive early access to the event from 7 to 8 p.m., including an open bar featuring beer, wine, and specialty cocktails and small bites. (Please note that these VIP benefits are available only between 7 and 8 p.m.)
*No one knows the exact date of James Smithson’s birth. His unmarried mom slipped across the Channel to Paris for his birth.
