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At the Vanguard

At the Vanguard
At the Vanguard
At the Vanguard
At the Vanguard

WASHINGTON — At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs is an exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture that highlights the vital role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played in preserving African American history, culture, and creativity. Drawing on collections from five partner institutions—Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, Texas Southern University, and Tuskegee University—the exhibition presents more than 100 objects that reflect artistic achievement, academic innovation, campus life, and activism. Through archival materials, artworks, and cultural artifacts, At the Vanguard emphasizes how HBCU museums and archives have long served as cultural stewards, safeguarding stories that might otherwise have been lost and shaping how Black history is remembered and shared.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/669

 

2026 Annual Smithsonian Weekend

2026 Annual Smithsonian Weekend
2026 Annual Smithsonian Weekend
2026 Annual Smithsonian Weekend
2026 Annual Smithsonian Weekend

WASHINGTON — The 2026 Smithsonian Annual Weekend brought together Smithsonian supporters around the shared experience of the Institution’s museums, research, and cultural programs, continuing a well‑established annual tradition. The Smithsonian is committed to it’s role as a place for connection, inspiration, and collective celebration of history, art, science, and culture.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/666

 

Booker T. Washington National Monument

Booker T. Washington National Monument
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Booker T. Washington National Monument

HARDY, Va. — A brief stop at one of the first places to help spark my interest in national parks and memorial sites.

The Booker T. Washington National Monument preserves the birthplace of one of the most influential African-American figures in history and offers a powerful look into the early life in enslavement of this renowned educator. It is a place of deep historical reflection, serving as a reminder of the complexities of the American experience and the enduring power of education and hard work.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/48

 

 

Spring Symphony Concert

Spring Symphony Concert
Spring Symphony Concert

HARRISONBURG, Va. — I am incredibly proud of Matthias and the JMU Symphony Orchestra. Their performance on Thursday night was incredible! 🎶 💜 💛

It was a beautiful concert, made even more special as their final performance piece of the evening was composed by JMU student and Annandale High School alum Thien Phan, who has received recognition for his works at VMEA and JMU. It was so moving to hear music created by someone who shared the same high school stage as my son.

 

Annual Smithsonian Weekend 2026

Annual Smithsonian Weekend 2026
Annual Smithsonian Weekend 2026

ANNANDALE, Va. — We’re feeling truly honored to see a photo of us from last year’s Annual Smithsonian Weekend featured in this year’s brochure! 😊 Attending this annual event is always such a special experience, and it’s amazing to have a small piece of that memory included in this year’s announcement. We can’t wait to celebrate Smithsonian Weekend again and make even more memories!