Come join us for events celebrating World Oceans Day and beyond at the National Museum of Natural History!
SUNDAY JUNE 8 – World Oceans Day
The Great Adventures of Austin Clark and the Expedition Albatross
Noon, 2pm & 4pm, open to the public in Q?rius Theater
A calamitous earthquake...a young bride left behind...a voyage to faraway shores...unknown creatures of the deep...robbery and tragic death. Dashing and adventurous Austin Clark experienced it all—and wrote about it in letters that captured the excitement and danger of the young Smithsonian scientist’s high-seas expedition in 1906. Charismatic actor Josh Sticklin brings Clark to life in an interactive production that uses a sweeping musical score and video by award-winning composer Matt Nielson and Sound Lab to create a world of adventure.
Sneak Peek at The Shark Whisperer: the first book in a new middle grade fiction series packed with adventure, humor, and learning about the ocean and marine life with
Ellen Prager, marine biologist and author
1pm & 3pm, open to the public in Q?rus Theater, continuing in loft for additional conversation/book signing.
Be one of the first to experience The Shark Whisperer. Marine scientist and author, Dr. Ellen Prager, reveals the cool real-life adventures, sea creatures, and ocean habitats integrated into her new book, The Shark Whisperer. Just released, it is the first in a new five-book middle grade fiction series. Dr. Prager will tell stories, show images, and read from the book in a first look at what's to come in this one-of-a-kind adventure series. She’ll touch on her own experiences and career as a marine scientist and show how she incorporated marine life, ocean habitats, and issues into the book.
"The Shark Whisperer is packed with science laced with humor and adventure—an underwater Harry Potter, sure to inspire readers to want to dive in and experience the ocean for themselves." — Sylvia A. Earle, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
"A wonderful read that grips you from the very beginning. This empowering story of a group of young people who band together to save the oceans and change the world is a terrific adventure; funny, exciting, and entertaining...don't miss it." — Philippe Cousteau, Explorer and Environmental Advocate
World Oceans Day Celebration in the Sant Ocean Hall, Noon-3pm
• Look for ocean specimen and education carts for the whole family.
• Shark Girl, Madison Stewart, will be in Ocean Hall to talk with visitors about her experience diving with sharks in the wild.
• Come make your own ocean origami!
World Premier of SHARK GIRL, 4pm in Baird Auditorium
SHARK GIRL (USA, 2014, 46 min) World Premiere of Smithsonian Channel documentary. Madison Stewart is an inspiring young woman with a passion to protect the creatures most people fear: sharks. Known to many simply as “shark girl,” she’s been diving with sharks since the age of 12. Now 20, Madison has made it her life’s mission to safeguard the creatures and the reefs she loves. SHARK GIRL dives into Madison’s underwater world, following her journey from Australia to Mexico, Palau and the Bahamas, where Madison’s extraordinary relationship with these wild animals unfolds. Her journey is a powerful wake-up call and a moving record of one determined young woman's devotion to protect sharks and ocean ecosystems. Produced by Kaufmann Productions in association with Smithsonian Channel.
Q & A with “shark girl”, Madison Stewart, follows screening.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 11
The Great Adventures of Austin Clark and the Expedition Albatross
10:15 & 11:30 for school groups, Q?rius Theater
See description above. Ticketed event - purchase tickets here.
Honu by the Sea
2:30pm & 4pm, open to the public in Q?rius Theater
“Honu by the Sea,” a family-friendly underwater musical fantasy with Hawaiian origins, goes beyond the reef for a visit in Washington D.C.
The show, featuring music and lyrics by Johnson Enos, tells the story of a Waikiki surfer-beachboy who finds a magical sea star that grants him a wish to spend a day under the sea. Kainoa the beachboy meets Malia the Honu sea turtle of the title, along with other fascinating creatures including Hula Hoop the octopus, Nalu the toothless tiger shark, and Kapper the sea horse.
The Broadway-style musical is unconditionally empowering, providing lessons on the value of friendship and the virtues of saving the ocean environment, through the magic of theater — colorful costumes, lively choreography, stunning orchestration, and endearing songs that enhance the storytelling.
Enos, the visionary and creative force behind “Honu,” is a veteran music producer, composer and singer. His credits include work with Disney’s Hawaii resort, the Aulani, on Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch II” soundtrack, and with such national talent as Bette Midler and Kristen Chenoweth and Hawaii singer Raiatea Helm.
THURSDAY JUNE 12
The Great Adventures of Austin Clark and the Expedition Albatross from Discovery Theater
10:15 & 11:30 for school groups, Q?rius Theater
See description above. Ticketed event - purchase tickets here.
FRIDAY JUNE 13
The Great Adventures of Austin Clark and the Expedition Albatross from Discovery Theater
10:15 & 11:30 for school groups, Q?rius Theater
See description above. Ticketed event - purchase tickets here.
SATURDAY JUNE 14
The Great Adventures of Austin Clark and the Expedition Albatross from Discovery Theater
1pm 2:30pm, 4pm, open to the public in Q?rius Theater
See description above.