Natural History on the Big Screen: The Great American Bison Roadtrip

In March 2026, three monumental bronze bison embarked on an unlikely road trip bound for the Smithsonian and the fulfillment of a century-old promise. On March 19th, 2026, just in time for America’s 250th birthday, they arrived at the entrance of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History after an unlikely migration across the bison’s former range from Colorado to the National Mall.
Join us for a screening of The Great American Bison Roadtrip, the fast and fun documentary that follows their journey. Smithsonian Sant Director Kirk Johnson, sculptor Gary Staab, and filmmaker Trevor Hawkins lead us on a kinetic, funny, and deeply moving adventure through the bison’s near-eradication, survival, and extraordinary return, exploring what America nearly lost and what we still have the power to restore.
After the screening, join Kirk, Gary, and Trevor for a conversation and audience Q&A about the film and their adventures.
Registration is requested. Space is filled on a first come, first served basis. The program takes place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. All other museum spaces will be closed.