FAQs

1. How much does a program cost?
   From around $3,000 to $40,000 depending on the number of scholars, days and events.
   
   
2. What does the cost cover?
   This all-inclusive fee for your program covers speaker honorarium, per diem, travel expenses and program coordination.
   
   
3. Do the speakers come to my community?
   Yes. Speakers will usually present at a variety of venues in a community - museums, libraries, schools, businesses.
   
   
4. What topics are available?
   Just about any topic covered in the Smithsonian Institution's museums and research in art, history (primarily American history), and science.
   
   
5. How long does it take to plan a program?
   Six months' notice from the start of the program is preferred. A program might be planned in as little as three months depending on how complex the program is and availability of scholars.
   
   
6. How long are the programs?
   Each presentation last about one hour. The programs can be: a.) one presentation by one Smithsonian speaker on a given day, b.) three days of presentations by three different speakers offering a total of 27 presentations over the three days, c.) anything in between.
   
   
7. Who designs the programs? How are they designed?
   Our staff consults with community representatives and program sponsors to determine what topics will best complement the locale. Subjects may relate to museum exhibits or special activities going on during the Smithsonian's visit. If school visits will be included in the program, district school representatives and/or local educators are consulted to determine what will best supplement the school's curricula. Advance planning includes a site visit by one of our coordinators to develop a successful program that reflects community interests and directly involves the participating organizations. Selected scholars are then invited to participate, venues are selected, and events are confirmed.
   
   
8. Who participates in the programs?
   The public events will appeal to all ages. School-age participants are generally students in grades 4 - 12.
   
   
9. Can I request/select the speaker?
   If you have a specific request, we will do our best to honor it. Speakers are generally requested or selected by the specific topics chosen.
   
   
10. Where do the programs take place?
    Programs take place in museums, libraries, civic organizations and businesses. School events take place in the classroom or science lab, or, depending on the size of the group, in the school cafeteria, auditorium, library, or other appropriate meeting space.