I’m excited to finally be bringing The Capitol to Washington, D.C. for a weekend in October. But first, let me tell you about another event I’ll be doing that same weekend. It involves this guy:
This has been in the works for a while–and now that it’s finally been posted, I’m excited I can officially tell you about it: on Friday, October 23, I’ll be appearing with Jim Henson Company Archives Director Karen Falk at the Smithsonian Museum of American History for a conversation about the life and work of Jim Henson, told through six objects in the Smithsonian’s collection. Our moderator and guide will be Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator in the Smithsonian’s Division of Culture and the Arts. Here’s the official description from Smithsonian Associates:
Jim Henson’s boundless imagination and enduring legacy are best revealed through his creations. From inventing beloved characters such as Kermit the Frog and Rowlf and crafting fantastical worlds in The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth to creating television for the whole family in The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, Henson’s creative genius was unparalleled.
The Jim Henson Company Archives Director Karen Falk and biographer Brian Jay Jones explore six extraordinary objects donated by Henson’s family to the National Museum of American History. Each offers a unique window into Henson’s creativity, artistic evolution, and long-lasting cultural impact. Ranging from early experiments to iconic creations, these artifacts reveal how Henson blended artistry, technology, and storytelling to reshape modern entertainment. Guided by Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator in the Smithsonian’s Division of Culture and the Arts, the discussion weaves together biography, behind-the-scenes insights, and historical context.
Following the program, attendees have the rare opportunity to see objects from the National Museum of American History’s collection that are not on public display.
Which six objects will we be discussing? You’ll have to find out–but as you can see, it’s six objects that are presently not on display in any of the Smithsonian’s museums. And as Karen and I went down the list of the six, divvying up who would discuss what, I am giddily excited about one object in particular that I get to talk about.
You can find more information about the event here at the Smithsonian’s website–and while our event is at noon on a Friday, if you’re going to be in Washington that day, I hope you’ll register and come see us. It’ll be a blast, I promise.
The very next day, at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, I’ll be discussing The Capitol at Politics and Prose with the help of ace biographer, historian, lawyer, and novelist David O. Stewart. David’s latest book is The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven Founders, Nine Documents and the Ideas that Shaped America, so between the two of us, we’ll have plenty to say about the hard work that goes into building a nation, and what our founding documents and infrastructure tell us about who we are as Americans. The event is free, but get there early to grab a seat.
Oh, and we’ll be at the flagship P&P on Connecticut Avenue, so don’t head for the one at the Wharf or at Union Market or you’ll miss us. And we’ll miss you.
If you’re near Rockville, Maryland tomorrow evening, come on over to the Johns Hopkins University, Montgomery County Campus, where I’ll be speaking about George Lucas at 7 p.m. as part of the Gaithersburg Book Festival. (Yeah, I’m back in my old neck of the woods — and I also know I’m competing with one of my old employers, since the Montgomery County Council is holding a Town Hall meeting at the same time down in Silver Spring. Choose the event that best suits your particular wants and needs…)
