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[[image]] The SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATE Vol. 11, No. 3, Nov.-Dec., 1982 Resident Associate Program Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560 Africa in Crisis Distinguished anthropologist Elliot Skinner, former U.S. Ambassador to Upper Volta, offers a unique perspective on the present political and economic crises in the African states. He examines how African countries are buffeted by the political agendas of major, aid-giving industrial states, while straining their meager resources to develop the political agendas of major, aid-giving industrial states, while straining their meager resources to develop the political and social infrastructures necessary to integrate fully with the global system. Professor Skinner analyzes the internal competition in African states among various status and ethnic groups which- often using foreign ideologies- struggle for control. He also discusses the societal distortions resulting from the leadership of urban, educated classes in countries with vast rural populations that live in traditional economic and social modes; the intense conflicts within former white-settler states such as Zimbabwe; and South African and Namibian struggle against apartheid and with its somber implications for African and global conflict. Dr. Skinner, Franz Boas Professor of Anthropology at Columbia University, was a fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International center for Scholars. He has published many books and articles in African studies, and has received numerous (Continued on page 8) Young Associate Winter classes, beginning the weekend of Jan. 15 and 16, are feature in this newsletter. Newsletter Contents • Reminders, page 2 • Special events, page 7 • Lectures and Symposia, page 8 • Tours, page 10 • Adult Courses and Workshops, page 15 • Young Associate and Family Activities, page 17 • Young Associate Classes, page 20 • Registration Information, page 23 • Postal Registration Number, page 24 General inquiries, 357-3030 The Astronomical Perspective Our Quest for Knowledge, Kin, and Ourselves [[image]] The domain of modern astronomer literally encompasses all that ever was, is, or will be- from the atomic nucleus to the realm of the nebulae, from the birth of the cosmos to the end of time. With the massive increase of astronomical findings in the past few years, old questions have become new and new ones have become poignant: In all the sweep of space and time, are we on earth alone? In a wide-ranging lecture illustrated by many unusual and dramatic slides, Richard Berendzen, astronomer, historian and philosopher of science, and president of the American University, discusses recent planetary findings, the evolutionary cycle of a typical star, cosmic evolution including the birth of galaxies and the formation of planets and the possible origin and evolution of intelligent life here and elsewhere. He also explores such cosmically exotic objects as quasars, pulsars, and black holes. Dr. Berendzen, the academic chair for the 1982 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, has lectured widely. Walter J. Boyne, Acting Director, National Air and Space Museum, introduces Dr. Berendzen. (Code 474-807) Tues., Nov. 16, 8 p.m. Langely Theater National Air and Space Museum Members-$5; Nonmembers-$6.50 Fee is nonrefundable. Step into the 18th Century Young Associates and their families are invited to a very special evening of 18th century entertainments. For one night only, the clock is turned back to the days of Charles Wilson Peale. It is December 12, 1783 and this eminent, but by no means stuffy, American is throwing a party. The occasion is an exhibition of his portraits, some of them grand Illusions that trick the unsuspecting eye, collections of curiosities from his museum, and his inventions. A man of many surprises, Mr. Peale has invited David Perry of this city to serenade guests with lute music and has request Mary Wiseman, a visitor from Williamsburg, to provide some instruction on the latest fashions in dance and deportment. Nel and Helen Laughon traveling from Richmond will employ Peale's own method for cutting silhouettes of attendees while Rae Owings, an itinerant artist from the neighboring countryside captures likenesses in full length portraits. Come sip some punch and consume molasses cookie before the magical moment is gone. (Code: 775-951-01) Sun., Dec 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Code: 775-951-02) Sun., Dec 12, 8 to 9:30 p.m. Suggested minimum age is 6 years. Young Associates-$2.50; Members-$3.50 Fee is nonrefundable [[image]] Charles Wilson Peale. "The Artist in His Museum," 1822, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Joseph and Sarah Harrison Collection.
