10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join us for a day of fun-filled activities in the National Museum of Natural History.

Activities and lectures highlight the dangerous journeys and popularity of orchids through history.

Sponsored by Smithsonian's Smithsonian Gardens and the United States Botanic Garden.

Free Admission

Silk Painters International (SPIN) is an advocate and education group for the art of silk painting. On Festival Day, kids can paint their own piece of silk art.

Origami
Watch and learn as the Capital Folders demonstrate origami. Create your own paper ships, flowers, and trains.

Pot Your Own Orchid
The United States Botanic Gardens will be here to help kids plant your own orchid to take home.

Lecture: Orchids, 10:15 a.m.

Tom Mirenda, one of the orchid growers at the Smithsonian, and Carol Allen, of the US Botanic Garden, will be lecturing on the lessons learned about orchid cultivation from observing them in the wild.....and will be answering questions on how to grow them at home.

Location: National Museum of Natural History, Baird Auditorium

Lecture: The Orchid Trade, 11:15 a.m.

Roddy Gabel, Chief of Division of Scientific Authority of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will present "Impact of International Trade on Orchid Conservation."

Location: National Museum of Natural History, Baird Auditorium

Ask the Expert: 12:30 p.m.

Have questions regarding the orchids, model trains, or exhibit design? Meet at the sign for an informal question and answer session.

Location: Orchid Express exhibit

Book signings:Times to be announced.

Patricia Rain will be signing her new book, VANILLA: The Cultural History of the World's Favorite Flavor & Fragrance on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12.