Pop Quiz Trivia Event: Immigrants and Revolutionaries, Wednesday, September 28

Painted portrait of Ira Aldrige Be it by plane, train, ship, or automobile, notable Americans have crossed our borders to either settle within the United States or adventure out into far-away lands.

For instance, did you know that magician Harry Houdini was originally from Budapest, Hungary, before his family settled in Wisconsin? How about that the great stage actor Ira Aldridge (right) moved to England after not being able to find work in the United States?  

On Wednesday, September 28, the National Portrait Gallery will be hosting our collections-inspired trivia game, Pop Quiz, in the Kogod Courtyard. This month’s Pop Quiz theme, “Immigrants and Revolutionaries,” is centered on our collection of portraits featuring  distinguished American immigrants and emigrants. Come spend the evening with magicians, Pulitzer Prize–winning authors, prominent politicians, Hollywood stars, and many more important migrant Americans chosen from our collection.

Sculpture of Gertrude Stein Want some advice on how to master your knowledge of American immigrants and emigrants and ensure you make your own journey home with a prize?

Head to the gallery early and explore the collection! Many of the Pop Quiz questions are based off the label content right next to the portraits currently on view.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn more about notable Americans that make up our nation's   “melting pot.” Trivia begins at 5:30 pm. No  passport or visa necessary!

Here is a sneak peek at the  10-point bonus question for this month’s Pop Quiz trivia:

After moving to Paris at the age of twenty-nine, Gertrude Stein (above) became famous for influencing the work of many artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Stein also experimented with prose and poetry. In her 1913 poem “Sacred Emily,” she wrote:

____ is a ____ is a ____ is a ____


What common romantically poetic word was Stein experimenting with?

Pop Quiz trivia occurs once a month in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard in the National Portrait Gallery. Get ready for Halloween at the next Pop Quiz, American Haute Couture, which features iconic fashions and costumes in the NPG collection, on Wednesday, October 26, at 5:30 p.m. 

 —Caitlyn Young, Public Programs Intern, National Portrait Gallery