Featured Stories
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: Tropicos Magazine Web Issue is Now Live
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Oct. 3 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Human connection and resilience
New Tropicos magazine web issue is now live
October 2, 2026
The latest issue of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's magazine Tropicos, Human Connection and Resilience, is available for viewing online.
Human Connection and Resilience covers a broad set of topics around the intersection of people and conservation. Whether it's advancing science, describing mangrove ecosystems, coffee farms, ocean resources or reforestation initiatives, it is more
... Show Full Article
PANAMA CITY, Panama, Oct. 3 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following news:
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Human connection and resilience
New Tropicos magazine web issue is now live
October 2, 2026
The latest issue of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's magazine Tropicos, Human Connection and Resilience, is available for viewing online.
Human Connection and Resilience covers a broad set of topics around the intersection of people and conservation. Whether it's advancing science, describing mangrove ecosystems, coffee farms, ocean resources or reforestation initiatives, it is moreessential than ever for collaboration and mutual understanding to be at the forefront of conservation efforts.
"Behind every project are researchers and communities adapting to the unpredictable, rebuilding after setbacks, and persisting through changing environments and conditions," writes STRI Director Joshua Tewskbury in the issue's opening letter.
This issue of Tropicos owes a special thanks to philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, founding donor of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative, whose generous contribution is supporting the Initiative's mission to find and champion innovative solutions that benefit both people and nature.
To preview the latest issue of Tropicos, we invite you to read Adrienne Arsht's special contribution, which reflects on the importance of resilience, collaboration and investing in solutions that benefit communities and ecosystems alike.
We hope you enjoy this new issue of Tropicos. Visit the website here (https://stri.si.edu/tropicos-2026/en/).
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About the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Headquartered in Panama City, Panama, STRI is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. Our mission is to understand tropical biodiversity and its importance to human welfare, to train students to conduct research in the tropics and to promote conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. Watch our video, and visit our website, Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.
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Original text here: https://stri.si.edu/story/human-connection-and-resilience
Mitchell P. Rales Elected President of the National Gallery of Art
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release:
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Mitchell P. Rales Elected President of the National Gallery of Art
October 1, 2026
Rales Succeeds Darren Walker in the Role Leading the Board of Trustees
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Washington, DC--The National Gallery of Art announced today that Mitchell P. Rales has been elected as president, a leadership role on the Board of Trustees. Rales succeeds Darren Walker, who will remain a trustee.
Rales, who assumes the role immediately, has served on the National Gallery's board since 2006 and will continue his work advancing
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 -- The National Gallery of Art issued the following news release:
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Mitchell P. Rales Elected President of the National Gallery of Art
October 1, 2026
Rales Succeeds Darren Walker in the Role Leading the Board of Trustees
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Washington, DC--The National Gallery of Art announced today that Mitchell P. Rales has been elected as president, a leadership role on the Board of Trustees. Rales succeeds Darren Walker, who will remain a trustee.
Rales, who assumes the role immediately, has served on the National Gallery's board since 2006 and will continue his work advancingthe National Gallery's mission alongside director Kaywin Feldman, his fellow trustees, and the museum's executive team. Rales previously served as president of the National Gallery from 2019 to 2024.
"I look forward to partnering with Mitch as he resumes the role of president. For two decades as a trustee and a benefactor of the National Gallery, he has never wavered in his belief in the power of art and his commitment to serving the nation through his work at our institution. His trusted counsel and generous support have been key in expanding the museum's reach through new programs and initiatives. We are deeply appreciative of Darren, Mitch, and all the trustees for their dedication to carrying out the National Gallery's mission," said Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery. "Darren's bold vision and incomparable expertise have been an invaluable asset to the National Gallery and its service to the nation during his tenure as president. I remain inspired by his boundless energy, creative drive, and steadfast belief in the power of philanthropy. I, along with the entire board of trustees and executive team, am grateful for his continued partnership as a trustee going forward."
Throughout his previous tenure as president and his decades of service on the Board of Trustees and the Collectors Committee, Rales has provided astute counsel and helped steer the museum through periods of growth and change. A longtime benefactor of the National Gallery, Rales made a transformational gift of $116 million in April 2026 to endow Across the Nation, the museum's nationwide loan partnership program launched in 2025. The landmark gift, the largest to endow programming in the museum's history, funds the program in perpetuity, immeasurably strengthening the National Gallery's ability to reach all Americans by loaning masterpieces from the nation's collection to regional museums across the country.
Rales has also contributed major gifts to further institutional initiatives, including towards the renovation of the East Building in 2016 and for the acquisition of significant works meaningfully expanding the scope of the permanent collection. Among the works added to the museum's collection with the support of Rales's Glenstone Foundation are Jaune Quick-to-See Smith's Target (1992), Simone Leigh's Sentinel (2022), and Katharina Fritsch's Hahn/Cock (2013). A noted art collector and philanthropist, Rales is also cofounder of Glenstone, a museum and foundation in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Walker, an internationally recognized philanthropist and a deeply experienced cultural-sector executive, has served as president of the National Gallery since October of 2024. Under his leadership as president, the National Gallery presented an ambitious slate of programming to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, anchored by the launch of the Across the Nation loan initiative and through special exhibitions and programs that enabled deeper engagement with the museum's extensive collection of American art.
Since Walker joined the Board of Trustees in 2019, he has established a major art acquisition fund, made possible by the Ford Foundation, to support the National Gallery's commitment to artistic excellence and broadening the scope of art-historical narratives. The fund facilitated the acquisition of the Ross J. Kelbaugh Collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American photographs in 2023, which will be on view in the forthcoming exhibition Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography, opening November 7, 2026.
Walker is currently president and chief executive of Anonymous Content, an award-winning global media company working across film, television, and branded content. He previously served as president of the Ford Foundation for more than a decade, leading one of the largest private foundations in the United States in its work advancing human welfare and achievement. Walker will continue to serve the museum as a trustee.
David Rubenstein, one of the country's leading civic philanthropists, will continue to serve as chair of the board of trustees, and Indra Nooyi and Sarah F. Perot will continue in their roles as trustees. The National Gallery of Art Board of Trustees currently comprises nine members who contribute a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds to advance the museum's mission and initiatives. They include four ex-officio trustees: the Chief Justice of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
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About the National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, is the nation's art museum, home to a renowned collection of over 160,000 works of art, from antiquity to today. Each year, the museum welcomes millions of people in person and online to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Located on the National Mall, admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.
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Original text here: https://www.nga.gov/press/mitchell-p-rales-elected-president-national-gallery-art
National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
October 1, 2026
Kirk Johnson announced today that he will step down as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History after 14 years in the role, as he prepares to join the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as its next president and CEO.
An advocate for science, nature and the power of museums to influence the future, Johnson joined the National Museum of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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National Museum of Natural History's Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
October 1, 2026
Kirk Johnson announced today that he will step down as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History after 14 years in the role, as he prepares to join the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as its next president and CEO.
An advocate for science, nature and the power of museums to influence the future, Johnson joined the National Museum ofNatural History in 2012. Prior to arriving at the Smithsonian, he served as vice president and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
At the National Museum of Natural History, Johnson has led the efforts to leverage the museum's collection of more than 148 million objects and specimens to expand the scientific knowledge of the natural world and its cultures and pique the curiosity of millions of visitors about their planet and their own backyards.
As director, Johnson has overseen one of the world's preeminent centers of natural history research, whose scientists published more than 11,000 peer-reviewed papers and named over 4,000 species during his tenure. He helped lead the establishment of new research initiatives, including Our Unique Planet, Ocean DNA and the museum's Human Dignity Program. He has strengthened partnerships with federal agencies including NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 2023, Johnson led an international effort to quantify the specimens housed in 73 of the world's largest natural history museums resulting in a global database that contains more than a billion objects.
Johnson has placed great emphasis on ensuring a welcoming and meaningful experience for the museum's 4 million annual visitors. During his tenure, Johnson oversaw the renovation of "The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils - Deep Time," the construction of the Ocean Terrace Cafe under the life-size model of an ancient Megalodon shark and the addition of accessible walkways leading to the museum's National Mall entrance. In celebration of the nation's 250th birthday, he presided over the installation of three larger-than-life bronze bison flanking the south entrance. The renovation of the museum's historic auditorium is underway.
Johnson has also been a champion of communicating science to a broader audience through popular books, lectures, museum exhibitions, documentaries and collaborations with artists. He has hosted several PBS shows, including Making North America, The Great Yellowstone Thaw; Polar Extremes; Ice Age Footprints; and Walrus: Life on Thin Ice.
Ensuring the museum's long-term financial health has been a top priority for Johnson. Since becoming director, he has raised over $300 million for the museum and grown its endowment by 450%--from $82.7 million to nearly $380 million.
"Throughout Kirk's tenure, I have been inspired by his extraordinary passion for scientific discovery and the natural world," said Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian. "As a scientist, geologist and gifted communicator, he has captivated audiences and visitors--from dinosaurs and fossils to the changing landscapes around us--and sparked curiosity through his enthusiasm, expertise and leadership."
"Kirk Johnson has made an indelible mark on the National Museum of Natural History--fostering a dynamic atmosphere encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning," said Matt Kelly, chair of the museum's advisory board. "Working closely with our board, Kirk has been tireless, and hugely successful, in his efforts to raise the necessary resources to ensure a bright and thriving future for this incredible American institution."
"Leading the National Museum of Natural History has been a tremendous honor and an utter delight," Johnson said. "I have really enjoyed working with the museum's staff and board to create a sense of awe and wonder about the science and nature of our planet. I have always loved natural history museums and there's nothing like working here--at the nation's museum--which has allowed me to play host to thousands of research scientists and millions of visitors. This museum is a forever place, and its future is bright."
Johnson will depart the National Museum of Natural History at the end of the calendar year. An interim director and search process will be announced at a later date.
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About the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is connecting people everywhere with Earth's unfolding story. It is one of the most visited natural history museums in the world. Opened in 1910, the museum is dedicated to maintaining and preserving the world's most extensive collection of natural history specimens and human artifacts. The museum is open daily, except Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the museum on its website, blog, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/national-museum-natural-historys-sant-director-kirk-johnson-depart-denver-museum
EPA Finalizes Groundwater Cleanup Plan for Hopewell Precision Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Finalizes Groundwater Cleanup Plan for Hopewell Precision Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
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NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the update to its original cleanup plan to address trichloroethylene, or TCE, contamination at the Hopewell Precision Superfund Site in Hopewell Junction, New York. The update to the plan will address groundwater that was contaminated by past industrial practices at the Hopewell Precision, Inc., facility, where solvents
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Finalizes Groundwater Cleanup Plan for Hopewell Precision Superfund Site in Dutchess County, New York
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NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the update to its original cleanup plan to address trichloroethylene, or TCE, contamination at the Hopewell Precision Superfund Site in Hopewell Junction, New York. The update to the plan will address groundwater that was contaminated by past industrial practices at the Hopewell Precision, Inc., facility, where solventsand chemicals were improperly managed in the past.
"Finalizing this cleanup plan is a major step forward for Hopewell Junction and a powerful investment in the community's future," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "By advancing this work, we are protecting clean water and air, strengthening public confidence, and delivering meaningful progress for residents today and for generations to come."
The final cleanup plan is to rely on natural processes that are already reducing the levels of contaminants with a goal of meeting drinking water standards. This cleanup method is called monitored natural attenuation. EPA will regularly monitor and test the groundwater to ensure that natural processes-like biological or chemical reactions-are safely breaking down the contamination.
Former manufacturing operations contaminated groundwater at the site with volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. EPA is formalizing local municipal ordinances currently in place, which already require well testing for any water source outside the municipal system and allows the community to use water sourced from non-public systems for non-drinking purposes only. Residents were already connected to an alternative water supply, and specialized systems were installed on some homes to vent vapors that were seeping into the home from the groundwater.
EPA thoroughly reviewed and considered public comments submitted during the comment period before selecting the final cleanup plan.
The Record of Decision, EPA's response to comments and supporting documents will be available on the Hopewell Precision Superfund site profile page.Exit EPA's website
Follow EPA Region 2 on XExit EPA's website, InstagramExit EPA's website, and visit our FacebookExit EPA's website page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our websiteExit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-finalizes-groundwater-cleanup-plan-hopewell-precision-superfund-site-dutchess
CSB Releases BP-Husky Safety Video
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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CSB Releases BP-Husky Safety Video
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases New Safety Video on the 2022 Fatal Fire at the BP-Husky Refinery in Oregon, Ohio
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Washington D.C., September 30, 2026 - Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into the fatal fire that occurred on September 20, 2022, at the BP-Husky refinery in Oregon, Ohio. The fire occurred after highly flammable liquid naphtha was released directly to the ground from
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release:
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CSB Releases BP-Husky Safety Video
U.S. Chemical Safety Board Releases New Safety Video on the 2022 Fatal Fire at the BP-Husky Refinery in Oregon, Ohio
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Washington D.C., September 30, 2026 - Today, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a new safety video on its investigation into the fatal fire that occurred on September 20, 2022, at the BP-Husky refinery in Oregon, Ohio. The fire occurred after highly flammable liquid naphtha was released directly to the ground froma pressurized vessel during an emergency situation at the refinery. The liquid naphtha vaporized and formed a flammable vapor cloud that quickly ignited. The resulting massive flash fire fatally injured two refinery employees, who were brothers.
The CSB's new safety video, called "Alarming Mistakes, Deadly Decisions: Fatal Fire at BP-Husky," includes an animation of the events leading to the incident, and commentary from CSB Board Member Sylvia Johnson, Investigator-In-Charge Bill Steiner, and Investigator Melinda Hartz.
The video describes the series of cascading, and worsening, events that unfolded at the BP-Husky refinery on the day of the incident. At approximately 3:20 a.m. on September 20, 2022, a process upset in the refinery's naphtha hydrotreater unit resulted in a loss of containment at the refinery. This led to other refinery units being shut down, and eventually to decisions being made by BP personnel that led to liquid naphtha flowing into, and filling up the fuel gas mix drum, a pressurized vessel which normally contained only fuel gas vapor.
As the fuel gas mix drum filled with liquid naphtha, the mix drum overflowed into vapor piping that led to downstream furnaces and boilers, which created the potential for furnace fires or explosions. Because of the increasingly abnormal state of the fuel gas mix drum, a board operator in the control room directed several BP to drain the liquid in the mix drum "as fast as you guys can."
Shortly thereafter, two BP employees, who were brothers, released the liquid to the ground by directly opening several valves on the mix drum. The CSB's investigation report concluded that employees may have believed that the liquid was an amine-water solution, not flammable naphtha. As the flammable naphtha was released it vaporized and formed a large flammable vapor cloud. At 6:46 pm, the flammable cloud reached a furnace in the Crude Unit 1 and ignited, resulting in an enormous flash fire that engulfed the two BP employees.
The video notes that there was an "alarm flood" during the 12 hours preceding the flash fire. Between 6:50 a.m. and 6:49 p.m. on the day of the incident, board operators at the refinery were overwhelmed by 3,712 alarms, causing delays and errors in responding to critical alarms and communications among BP employees.
Additionally, in mid-afternoon on the date of the incident, refinery leadership and process engineering personnel met to discuss the situation and plans for oncoming night shift support. During the meeting, these personnel discussed shutting down Crude 1 operations or putting Crude 1 in "circulation" in an effort to stabilize Crude 1 Tower operations with the naphtha hydrotreater unit down and the Coker Gas Plant bypassed. Ultimately, the group decided that neither shutdown nor circulation would be done at that time, which allowed the crude oil feed to continue.
Moreover, although one of the participants in the meeting summarized the meeting's outcome in an email, the email was never sent, and there is no evidence that the actions agreed upon in the meeting were ever otherwise conveyed to the night shift refinery coordinator or board operators, either verbally or in writing.
In the video, CSB Board Member Sylvia Johnson states, "This tragic incident unfolded over a period of 24 hours and during that time there were more than 3,7000 alarms that sounded. There were many missed opportunities to prevent the fatal flash fire. Our investigation found that operators did not recognize the serious danger unfolding around them or have the tools and safeguards to effectively manage the highly stressful abnormal situation indicated by the alarm flood."
As in the CSB's final report on the incident, the safety video covers four key safety issues that contributed to the incident: 1) liquid overflow prevention, 2) abnormal situation management, 3) alarm flood, and 4) learning from incidents. The video also highlights safety recommendations made by the CSB to the American Petroleum Institute and the current owners of the refinery, the Ohio Refining Company, LLC.
Board Member Johnson concludes the video by stating, "The tragic loss of life underscores the importance of putting in place tools that employees need to perform tasks safely, such as stop work authority, and having adequate policies, procedures, and safeguards in place to effectively manage highly stressful abnormal situations. Doing so will help prevent a future needless tragedy."
The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards that result, or may result, in the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. The agency's core mission activities include conducting incident investigations; formulating preventive or mitigative recommendations based on investigation findings and advocating for their implementation; issuing reports containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations arising from incident investigations; and conducting studies on chemical hazards.
The agency's board members are appointed by the president subject to Senate confirmation. The Board does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
Please visit our website, www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Communications Manager Hillary Cohen at Hillary.Cohen@csb.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/csb-releases-bp-husky-safety-video/
Advocacy Calls on EPA to Remove Styrene From "High Priority" Chemical List
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy issued the following news release:
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Advocacy Calls on EPA to Remove Styrene from "High Priority" Chemical List
Oct 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the removal of styrene from consideration for designation as a "High Priority" substance under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
On September 28th, Advocacy Acting Chief Counsel Everett M. Woodel, Jr. sent a letter to EPA Administrator
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy issued the following news release:
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Advocacy Calls on EPA to Remove Styrene from "High Priority" Chemical List
Oct 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy (Advocacy) sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the removal of styrene from consideration for designation as a "High Priority" substance under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
On September 28th, Advocacy Acting Chief Counsel Everett M. Woodel, Jr. sent a letter to EPA AdministratorLee Zeldin highlighting concerns raised by small businesses that use styrene in their operations. Advocacy's comments emphasized the potential economic and operational consequences that additional federal regulation of styrene could have on small businesses across various industries.
"Supporting small businesses is essential to rebuilding America's manufacturing base, increasing jobs, and developing economic opportunity here in the United States," said Acting Chief Counsel Everett M. Woodel, Jr. "We want to ensure that regulatory decisions, like unnecessarily restricting the safe use of styrene, do not push small manufacturers and the jobs they support overseas. Advocacy will continue to work with federal agencies to amplify the voices of small businesses as government considers policies that affect domestic manufacturing."
Styrene is a chemical used in a variety of manufacturing applications, including recreational boat building, home furnishings, printing, water infrastructure, and other products. Styrene is already federally regulated under the Clean Air Act as well as by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Small businesses that rely on styrene have expressed concerns that additional regulatory requirements could increase compliance costs, disrupt operations, and make it more difficult for some firms to remain competitive. Regulating styrene under TSCA may force businesses to consider significant changes to their operations, including moving operations outside of the United States or shutting down entirely.
Under TSCA, EPA is required to prioritize existing chemicals to determine whether they should undergo further risk evaluation. EPA initiated the prioritization process for styrene in December 2024 and a proposed designation for the chemical is pending. The decision to place styrene on the "high priority" designation list was made shortly after President Donald Trump was re-elected and before the Biden administration left office.
Advocacy urged EPA to consider the concerns raised by small businesses and remove styrene from further consideration for high-priority designation.
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is a voice for small business within the Executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel's efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit https://advocacy.sba.gov/, or call (202) 205-6533.
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Original text here: https://advocacy.sba.gov/2026/10/01/advocacy-calls-on-epa-to-remove-styrene-from-high-priority-chemical-list/
"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
October 1, 2026
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host its annual "Air & Scare" family day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. At this year's event, visitors will explore the spooky side of air and space with candy stations and science activities for all ages inside the museum and outdoors. Attendees will be required to reserve free
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Smithsonian Institution issued the following news release:
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"Air & Scare" Event Returns to National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center Oct. 24
October 1, 2026
The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will host its annual "Air & Scare" family day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. At this year's event, visitors will explore the spooky side of air and space with candy stations and science activities for all ages inside the museum and outdoors. Attendees will be required to reserve freetimed tickets for the outdoor portion of the event in advance. Tickets are not required for the indoor Air & Scare activities or for touring the museum's exhibits.
Visitors can expect spooky discoveries and science fun as aerospace comes alive in Halloween-themed activities designed with the whole family in mind. New this year, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the Air & Scare Runway costume fashion show. Other activities will include trick-or-treat stations with free candy and snacks; creepy crafts, spooky experiments, challenges and fun demonstrations; special story times and puppet shows for the youngest Halloween revelers; photo opportunities with Star Wars characters; and more. The program will take place rain or shine. Some outdoor activities may be cancelled in the event of rain.
Free timed tickets are required for all attendees of the outdoor activities and can be reserved on the museum's website starting Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. ET. Admission is free, but parking is $15 until 4 p.m. Public transportation is also available via Metro's Silver Line and the Fairfax Connector bus.
Attendees are encouraged to come in their favorite space or flight-themed costume, or costumes of any kind safe for trick-or-treating. Real and costume weapons are prohibited. Halloween masks are prohibited inside the museum; visitors 15 years and younger may wear them at the outdoor portion of the event.
"Air & Scare" is made possible by Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC. For more information and highlights of activities, visit the museum's website.
The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, timed-entry passes are not required for regular indoor visitation and parking is $15. The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located on Jefferson Drive between Fourth and Seventh streets S.W. and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit.
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Original text here: https://www.si.edu/newsdesk/releases/air-scare-event-returns-national-air-and-space-museums-udvar-hazy-center-oct-24
