Welcome
Hi, I'm Dr. Monique Chism, Under Secretary for Education at the Smithsonian, and I want to invite you to one of the most dynamic experiences for professional learning this summer: the Smithsonian National Education Summit. This year, we're celebrating the nation's semi-quincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, July 14th, 15th, and 16th in the heart of Washington, D.C, and also online around the globe. Completely free for all attendees. This year's theme, Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union, calls us to explore the stories that shaped our nation and the possibilities that lie ahead. Over three days, we'll spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and send you home with practical strategies and fresh inspiration for your learners. If you join us in person, you'll also have access to exclusive, hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes tours. Come be part of inspiring keynotes, dynamic sessions, and shared commitment to empowering the next generation. The Smithsonian National Education Summit - free to attend, made for educators just like you. Welcome to your Smithsonian!
Join Us for the Premier Learning Event of the Summer
As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment to reflect on our shared story and collective future. This year’s Smithsonian National Education Summit—Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union—is more than a conference; it is a collaborative call to action to bridge our expertise and build a future where every student has the tools, the voice, and the community support they need to truly thrive.
I am delighted to invite you to join Smithsonian educators and our national collaborators for this free, three-day program from July 14–16, 2026.
Whether you join us in person in Washington, D.C., or participate through our interactive online platform, you will gain actionable strategies and fresh perspectives for every learning environment.
Why Join Us This Year?
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Be Inspired by Visionaries: Hear from a world-class lineup, including leaders from the National Teacher of the Year Program; Mac Barnett, 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and best-selling author; and Hahrie Han, 2025 MacArthur Fellow and political scientist. They will help us all explore how the next generation learns, creates, and participates in civic life.
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Celebrate Excellence: Join us for a special evening reception at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery as we present the inaugural Smithsonian Educator Excellence Award, honoring the creativity and community impact of an outstanding peer.
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Deepen Your Practice: Choose from four dynamic learning strands designed to bridge civics with art, culture, history, and science:
- Cultivating the Power of Dialogue
- Designing STEAM Solutions for Civic Challenges
- Leveraging the Arts as Civic Voice
- Placing History in Context
Move from theory to practice in our interactive breakout sessions. These sessions, available to both our in-person and virtual audiences, are designed for educators to solve challenges together. You will leave with a toolkit of actionable strategies to spark curiosity and help your students thrive.
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Go Behind the Scenes: On Thursday, join us for exclusive in-person programming. These deep dives into Smithsonian collections and exhibitions offer a rare look at how our national collections can illuminate civic understanding in your classroom or museum. Plus, learn through hands-on sessions with educators from across the country leading the way with promising practices for meaningful learning experiences.
Each year, the Summit brings together thousands of librarians, administrators, teachers, and museum professionals. There is truly something for everyone here. We are ready to help you spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and return to your learners with renewed purpose.
Secure your spot today. Pre-registration is required, and we encourage you to invite a colleague to join the conversation.
We look forward to building the scaffolding for a more perfect union with you this July.
Sincerely,
Monique M. Chism, Ph.D.
Under Secretary for Education
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Participation
Anacostia Community Museum
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of American History
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of the American Latino
National Museum of Asian Art
National Portrait Gallery
National Postal Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Women's History Museum
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
Smithsonian Associates
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Smithsonian Digitization Program Office
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Smithsonian Gardens
Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Smithsonian Office of the Under Secretary for Education
Smithsonian Science Education Center
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
