See Making in Action this June

Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C., will celebrate the maker movement on Capitol Hill this June. Nation of Makers, along with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Congressional Maker Caucus, will host the 2018 Capitol Hill Maker Faire on Tuesday, June 12.

This dynamic event, part of the National Week of Making from June 11-17, will celebrate trends and drivers of the popular maker movement. “Making” embraces innovation, creativity, and learning to improve communities and create a better future. The movement draws together tech enthusiasts, crafters, families, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors to explore invention, creativity and resourcefulness.

The day’s panel series will feature leaders in making from libraries, museums, academic institutions, the federal government, and the private sector, who will discuss the impact of the movement on education, economic and workforce development, entrepreneurship and the development of vibrant, innovative communities across the United States.

“The breadth and impact of the maker movement on sectors of the U.S. such as education, manufacturing, economic development and innovation are simply remarkable,” said Executive Director of Nation of Makers, Dorothy Jones-Davis. “The Capitol Hill Maker Faire is an amazing opportunity to share the enormous impact of makers on cities throughout our great country with policymakers and families alike here in Washington, D.C.”

The evening event, free and open to children, families, and people of all ages, will welcome 40-50 exhibitors representative of the breadth of the American maker movement. Hands-on displays featuring everything from 3D printed objects, defense technologies, art and robots, to crafts and artisanal handmade goods, will be available to explore. Registration is requested.

“Museums and libraries offer maker-based activities that fit well with their expertise in discovery-based learning for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “As co-host of 2018 Capitol Hill Maker Faire, we look forward to a day of learning with representatives of the maker community.”

“The maker movement has always been about getting tools, and technology in to the hands of more people,” said Congressman Mark Takano of California, co-chair of the Maker Caucus. “The Capitol Hill Maker Faire is a great way for Congress to see up close how Makers are adapting technology to democratize manufacturing.”

The day’s events are again expected to draw standing-room-only crowds. Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and general public interested in attending should reserve seats early.

Press are invited to attend both the panels and the evening event, and may RSVP to gbullard@imls.gov or 202-653-4799.

• Date: June 12, 2018
• Time: Panels (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) and Faire (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• Panel Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2044, 45 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
• Faire Location: Rayburn House Office Building Cafeteria, 45 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C.
• Cost: Free, but registration requested.
• Registration: Register for the panels and the faire, and follow along on social media with @US_IMLS, @nationofmakers and #CapMakerFaire.

Panel Schedule   

• 9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
• 9:30 a.m. Maker Education: Rethinking the Design of Curriculum, Systems, and Preparation through the Lenns of Making
• 10:30 a.m. Museums and Libraries: Community Hubs for Interest-Driven Lifelong Learning
• 11:30 a.m. The Federal Government and Making
• 12:15 p.m. Concept to Scale: Fostering Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development through Making
• 1:00 p.m. Making Community: Leveraging the Power of the Maker Movement to Build Vibrant, Inclusive Communities