National Museum of American History May Events

Chinese American Virginia Lee wore the vest and trousers on display in the early 1900s. Born in the United States but raised in immigrant households, Chinese American girls embodied multiple cultures. They were expected to conform to American culture while maintaining Chinese values. Clothing became an important way for Chinese American girls to navigate cultures and identities. Virginia, a first-generation Chinese American, grew up in New York City. She and her siblings wore Western-style clothing as everyday attire, but on special occasions donned imported clothes like these to showcase their Chinese heritage. The outfit will also be made available as a 3D scan. 

“Cooking Up History”
“Food for the Body and Soul: Advocating for Community through Culinary Traditions”
May 10; 6:45 p.m.
Free registration required: https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/253908

Drawing from the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum’s new exhibition, “Food for the People: Eating and Activism in Greater Washington,” this free spring series of virtual cooking demonstrations and conversations features women chefs in the greater Washington, D.C., area. The programs highlight their work to achieve food justice and community empowerment. This program features chef Janet Yu who talks about recipes, her work preserving Chinese food culture and mentorship.

Programs are presented with support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.

OPENING

“Dave’s Dream,” is a modified 1969 Ford LTD known as a “lowrider” and named for David Jaramillo of Chimayo, New Mexico who began customizing this car in the 1970s. After his death, Jaramillo’s family and local artisans completed the modifications that he had planned, and the car often won “first” or “best in show” in area competitions. Lowriding is a family and community activity with parades, trophies, and other events celebrating cars and paying homage to their power and beauty. Artistic paint schemes and custom upholstery make each lowrider unique and culturally significant. Hydraulic lifts enable lowriders to hop, making them seem alive and animated.

LEMELSON CENTER FOR INVENTION AND INNOVATION

This program features Martine Rothblatt: founder, chairperson and CEO of United Therapeutics based in Silver Spring, MD. United Therapeutics is the first publicly traded biotech or pharmaceutical company to take the form of a public benefit corporation. Not only is Rothblatt a co‑inventor on eight of the company’s patents, she also previously created the satellite radio company SiriusXM. Join moderator Arthur Daemmrich, Director of the Lemelson Center, as he talks with Rothblatt about her innovative life and career.

HistoryTime is an object-based learning video series for children ages 5-8. The May episode will feature the story of hula performer Lani McIntire. Lani’s story will help viewers explore culture and how it changes and grows as people move.  

For more information, visit HistoryTime on YouTube.

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