Learning Hub

Explore what it means to be an engaged Affiliate or evaluate your organization’s readiness to apply!

We intentionally designed the Learning Hub with individual resources, called Learning Excursions, that apply to current Smithsonian Affiliates as well as those curious about applying for affiliation.

We present a range of topics that we hope will also resonate with you as we collectively think about our work today and into the future. Through the examples we share, you will experience how current Affiliates have built on their reciprocal relationship with the Smithsonian to become deeply engaged collaborators.

We hope these Excursions will inspire you. The stories presented are designed to help you to identify and reflect on areas where you might engage with the Smithsonian and how your collaboration with the Institution might benefit your organization as well as the Smithsonian. These are things you may use in an assessment of your current affiliation or ideas for consideration when developing the Statement of Purpose you submit with a new Affiliate application. To make the Learning Excursions actionable, we have included worksheets or tools to consider at the end of each Excursion..

Are you ready to take the first leap? Your Affiliate learning journey starts here.

“[T]his is our moment to be that place that matters…There’s not one simple path, but if we are all committed… then this country is going to be in better shape than it is now.”

Lonnie Bunch thumbnail size portraitLonnie G. Bunch III Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution

Learning Excursions

Take a deeper dive into what it means to be an Affiliate through these Learning Excursions. Use filter controls below to access content by type. 

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Essentials

Geared towards new and existing Affiliates, access modules to assess your organization’s:

  • Community Engagement
  • Vision for Engagement
  • Collaboration and Relationship Building
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Affiliate Stories

Modules to enhance your collaborative efforts, build leadership skills, and showcase your impact. Here you’ll find:

  • Case studies
  • Affiliate perspectives
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Tools for Action

To facilitate ongoing learning and skill development, find:

  • Reflection guides
  • Toolkits
  • Other resources
Feeling ready to apply?
Start your application now.
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Want to learn more about the Affiliations program?

Get in touch with one of our National Outreach Managers now…

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