Spend a “spook-tacular” evening at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with their latest Smithsonian Sleepover celebrating Halloween.
The event kicks off on Friday, October 30, at 7 p.m. and runs until 9 a.m. on October 31, leaving plenty of time for trick-or-treating. According to Brigitte Blachere, Smithsonian Associates Program Manager, candy is passed out in the morning for children to take home.
The October Smithsonian sleepover welcomes attendees to come in costume. Smithsonian employees also join in the fun.
Costume Information
“One year, we made our own giant butterfly wings, and everyone had their own unique pair,” Blachere says. “Other times, we have come dressed in the decades and fan favorite objects from the collection. Costumes are usually related to the museum we’re holding the sleepover in that year.”
Keep in mind, Smithsonian security does have costume guidelines for guests, including:
- No wearing masks or other items that obscure the face
- No sharp or pointed objects, or materials that may accidentally hit guests or exhibits, or any elements that could resemble an actual weapon
- Costumes should be child-friendly
- Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive, or violent
- Adult guests should not wear first responder costumes to avoid any confusion in the event of an emergency
“We encourage everyone, including adults, to dress up, and the costumes do not have to relate to the museum,” Blachere says.
The evening, which is designed for children ages 8 to 14 with an adult chaperone age 21 or older, begins with check-in followed by a mandatory orientation.
After that, there are plans for American Road Trip activities to coincide with the museum’s ongoing In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness exhibit. The next morning, breakfast will be served and guests should leave the museum by 9 a.m. There should be one adult chaperone for every five children per registered group.
Feature image courtesy Smithsonian Associates
