Live Video Programs

An Evening With
This signature series features cutting-edge thought leaders in conversation with paleontologist and Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, Kirk Johnson.

Beyond the Exhibition
This series features the content, curators, and conversations inspiring new and developing exhibitions at the National Museum of Natural History.

HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics
We’ve moved our monthly in-person “HOT Topic” discussions that occur in the Hall of Human Origins to video webinars. These free, live programs for adults consist of a presentation by an expert, followed by a Q&A session moderated by Smithsonian scientist and educator Dr. Briana Pobiner. Program topics will include cutting-edge scientific discoveries as well as topics of broader interest at the intersection of the science of human evolution and societal issues.

Natural History on the Big Screen
This film series presents a curated selection of natural history-related films, followed by discussions with filmmakers and related experts.

Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World
The global spread of COVID-19 has caused dramatic changes in our daily lives and left many wondering, "How did we get here?" and "How can we do better?" The exhibit "Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World" explores the factors that increase the risk that new diseases will emerge and provides an intellectual framework for understanding how viruses can spill over from animals and become a global pandemic. In conjunction with the exhibition, we hosted programs to help put COVID-19 into context, to demystify vaccine production, examine disease vectors in the U.S., and to explore AIDS at the intersection of community, science, and policy.

Virtual Science Cafés
Learn, unwind, and engage with Smithsonian scientists whose curiosity and perspectives are bound to help you think differently about the natural and cultural world.

Learn more about our Adult Programs.

Natural History at Home
Join museum educators as they walk your family through science skill-building activities and ways to explore the natural world and collections. 
Learn more about our Family Programs.

Digital School Programs
We are offering live, online video school programs aligned with standards for Grades K-12. Led by museum educators, the programs are free, but registration is required. Format options include Zoom meetings or webinars, and Microsoft Teams meetings. Homeschool Days webinars are available the first Monday of each month. Registration is now open for programs through June 18, 2021. Learn more about our Digital School Programs.

Smithsonian Science How 
We've moved our popular webcast series to video webinars to connect your learners to natural history science and careers more often. Join these live, interactive, free programs, hosted by Maggy Benson, to explore different science concepts through the lens of Smithsonian scientists. Programs are designed for elementary school students, aligned with standards, and serve as excellent extension activities for the museum’s Digital School Programs. "Smithsonian Science How" programs are delivered to large groups by webinar, whereas Digital School Programs can be booked as a meeting or webinar for individual classes, groups, or groups of classes. Learn more on our Distance Learning page.

Historia Natural en Casa 
La exploración de la historia natural no solo tiene que suceder en el museo, ¡también puede ocurrir en tu hogar! Acompaña a los educadores del museo mientras guían a su familia a través de actividades de desarrollo de habilidades científicas, leen libros de ciencia y naturaleza e introducen formas de explorar el mundo natural y las colecciones del museo.
Para más información: Programas en español para familias