Smithsonian Associates December 2025 program guide

After attending my first lecture at Smithsonian Associates, I was hooked. I'm proud to help ensure Associates can thrive for decades to come in a way that makes sense for my family and finances as a Legacy Society member.

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Join the Associates Legacy Society

In the 1830s, a gift from a single benefactor led to the birth of the Smithsonian. Today, you can share the same visionary spirit and generosity embodied by James Smithson by becoming a founding member of the Associates Legacy Society.

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Dear Friends and Members,

Ice might be the perfect playground for penguins, but this month’s guide delivers some warmer fun: programs designed to brighten your holiday season. Get a glimpse of how Christmas was celebrated in midcentury America (p. 4) and in Charles Dickens’ day (p. 15). Explore the Christmas music from composers across the centuries (p. 15).

No season of good cheer is complete without a visit to Bedford Falls—discover the story behind It’s a Wonderful Life (p. 16). Pick up tips for festive drinks that are great for toasting (p. 18). You’re familiar with the trio that ruined Scrooge’s sleep but meet the winter ghosts of folklore (p. 19).

In 2025, our gratitude resonates more deeply than ever. You helped make our 60th anniversary a milestone to remember. With heartfelt thanks, we raise a toast to you—and to all the possibilities in our future together.

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

Robin mstrong Imelda Bautista

Evan line Boers

Karen Cadogan

Louis Davis Patricia Dwyer

M ie Kermiet Steven Ly Olubunmi Shabi Ashley Thwea

Krystal Waters Mi elle Welker Makenzi Wentela Shiconia Bryant

Pamela Coke Roxana Estrada Rhonda Jones Carolyn Lyles

Lorna Maragh Elizabeth Moloney Ri ard Wilson Cynthia Cowan

Ni ole Andonegui Brigi e Bla ere Leah Connolly John Dee Noah Falk

Kathryn Fuller Samuel Game Jessica Grimes Laurie McDonald

Heather Jaran Marybeth Kelley Morgan Kuster Courtney Kuzem ak

Diana Matson Mary Mclaughlin Elizabeth Pai Nicole Parisi

Samantha S eetz Djuna Strong Anna Turner Lauren Brandt Lyons

Alexandria Reyher

Andrea Hartman Kevin Holmes Karli Landis

Ian Leahy Emma Miller

Ricardo Garcia

Diane Ki ower

Robert Sa eli

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 1,248 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each one offering a glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. In this monthly series, historian Justin M. Jacobs gives an in-depth overview of both well-known and lesser-known locations.

Teotihuacan

Machu Picchu

The monuments of Machu Picchu are perhaps the most recognizable yet least understood of the world’s famous monuments. Jacobs explores the world of the Inca empire and analyzes Machu Picchu’s original function as a royal estate for successive Incan kings. He covers the innovative layout of the site, the type of structures that have survived, the reason for their abandonment, their rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in the early 20th century, and how the site became a magnet for tourists.

Wed., Dec. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-506; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Located just outside of modern-day Mexico City, the ruins of Teotihuacan serve as a reminder that dense urban civilizations filled with grandiose monuments to wealth and power were not the exclusive preserve of Eurasian empires. Jacobs places the iconic pyramids and temple complexes of Teotihuacan into the history of the settlement of the Americas and development of distinct forms of agriculture and cultural traditions.

Wed., Jan. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-513; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Sacred Sites of Tibet

The city of Lhasa is filled with monuments that are considered sacred by the religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Jacobs provides an in-depth look at three of the most important: Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Norbulingka Park. Jacobs’ virtual journey through these sites reveals the history of Tibet, its diverse cultural influences, and its complex relationship with China.

Wed., Feb. 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-518; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Palmyra

During the first several centuries of the current era, the Syrian desert oasis of Palmyra was a crucial link in an overland trade network that stretched from Rome to India. The profits of this trade were invested in stunning monuments and works of art that fused Western and Eastern sensibilities. Jacobs explores the history of Palmyra, its monuments and sculptures, and its fate during the Syrian civil war.

Wed., March 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-527; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Machu Picchu, Peru

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Potala Palace, Tibet

LIFELONG LEARNING

Roman and other ruins at Palmyra, Syria

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

A History of American Dining

What Americans eat has changed drastically in the past 100 years. The nation transformed from having a relatively wholesome food system—in the early 1900s, wealthy Europeans traveled to the United States for vacation simply to enjoy the splendid cuisine—to having a food culture laden with fats, sugar, and ultra-processed unhealthy foods today. As a result, our healthcare system currently spends roughly $1 trillion annually to combat diet-related diseases, which account for the majority of American deaths. How did we get here?

Historian Allen Pietrobon answers that question as he leads a visual journey through the culinary history of the United States during the past century.

Mon., Dec. 1, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-505; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Clodia of Rome: Champion of the Republic

Described by Cicero more than 2,000 years ago as a promiscuous, husband-murdering harlot, Clodia of Rome led a powerful, complex life. Classicist Douglas Boin argues that Cicero lied about her to protect his own property and interests.

Drawing on neglected sources and his study of Roman lives, Boin recounts events from Clodia’s privileged childhood and describes how she engaged in her family’s tradition of egalitarian activism.

Boin’s new book, Clodia of Rome: Champion of the Republic (W. W. Norton), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-043; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Amarna Letters

Voices From the Bronze Age

The New Deal

Taking on the Crises of the Great Depression

During the early years of the Great Depression, Americans experienced an unimaginable economic decline. Historian Edward O’Donnell explores the causes and impact of this era by examining the philosophical and political ideas behind President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives. He surveys the goals and challenges, as well as the outcomes and legacy of numerous programs and agencies created at the time.

O’Donnell is an author, podcaster, curator, and speaker who has contributed perspectives to documentaries about a range of topics in 20th-century American history. He teaches at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Mon., Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-888; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

In 1887, a cache of nearly 400 clay tablets inscribed in cuneiform was found in the ruins of the heretic king Akhenaten’s ancient capital, now known as Amarna. A correspondence between Egypt’s pharaohs and the great powers of the day, they offer a glimpse of a diplomatic world filled with royal marriages, elaborate negotiations, exchanges of luxury gifts, political maneuvering, and appeals from the vassal kings of Canaan.

Eric Cline, a professor of classics, history, and anthropology at George Washington University, traces the competition among antiquities dealers and museums to acquire the tablets, the scholarly race between British and German teams to decipher them, and the colonial-era context in which they were unearthed.

Cline’s book Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Wed., Dec. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-127; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a radio broadcast

Letter from Ashur-uballit, king of Assyria, to the ruler of Egypt

1789: Threshold of the Modern Age

du Jeu de paume, June 20, 1789 (detail) by Jacques-Louis David

The adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the start of the French Revolution—events that occurred in chronological parallel— were for much of the last two centuries seen as contrasting, but equally indisputable, pillars of modernity. What has less been considered is their shared, complex interaction with the continued growth of the British Empire and how far the political turning points of the era also hinged on shifts in technology, trade, and exploitation that had a global reach. In exploring these connections, from individuals such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine to the webs of oceanic trade and nascent industrialism, historian David Andress, author of 1789: The Threshold of the Modern Age, reflects on the entanglement of budding concepts like citizenship and rights with the realities of powerful systems of government.

Fri., Dec. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-886; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Viktor Frankl: Life, Work, and Legacy

Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) was a philosopher, practicing therapist, and author of 39 books who created the theory and exercise of logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that described a search for life’s meaning and purpose as a central, if often-untapped, human dynamic. From 1942 to 1945 he was imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps, where his parents and brother were murdered.

His best-known book, A Psychologist’s Experiences in the Concentration Camp, was released in German in 1946 and translated into English in 1959 as Man’s Search for Meaning Though reflecting on his wartime incarceration, Frankl’s argument for self-determination applies broadly to conditions of abandonment and loneliness.

Historian and author Dennis B. Klein, director emeritus of the Jewish studies program at Kean University, reviews Frankl’s work, exploring how meaning-making can respond to what he called “inner emptiness.”

Mon., Dec. 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-159; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Dogfaces’ War

The American GI Experience in World War II

Millions of American GIs served in the European Theater of Operations during the Second World War, fighting their way through Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before pushing into Germany. Most were not professional soldiers but ordinary young men drafted between 1942 and 1945 and sent overseas to confront one of the most formidable armies in history.

Historian Christopher Hamner explores the experience of these ground troops—nicknamed “dogfaces”—from their stateside training and transatlantic journey to the brutal and bewildering realities of combat on the European continent. He examines the fighting as well as the daily lives of the young men at war: their fears and convictions, spiritual beliefs, and common frustrations with food, leadership, and weather.

Wed., Dec. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-129; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

A Very Midcentury Christmas

Journey back to the time when aluminum trees shimmered in living rooms, Shiny Brite ornaments sparkled on branches, and cartoon holiday specials became beloved TV traditions. Children wrote wish lists that might include Easy-Bake Ovens and electric train sets— and glowing bubble lights were the coolest decorations for Christmas trees. Through period photographs, vintage advertisements, and colorful catalogs, cultural historian Leslie Goddard brings to life the spirit of Christmas in the United States from the late 1940s through the 1960s. Goddard explores how the holiday evolved during an era marked by postwar prosperity and cultural optimism for many.

Wed., Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-074; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Serment

American Infantrymen pause to rest en route to front lines, beyond Malmedy, Belgium

Viktor Frankl

Golden Prague: Art and Politics in the Heart of Europe

Poets and patriots have long called Prague “the Golden City” for its unique beauty. But does its magical appearance conceal a deep and complex history of conflict among its inhabitants?

Historian Cynthia Paces discusses how Prague became the Golden City, focusing on two key periods: the reigns of Charles IV in the 14th century and Rudolph II in the 16th century. These Holy Roman Emperors brought in scholars, architects, and artists to make the city one of the wealthiest and most powerful in Europe. The emperors’ encouragement of new ideas and intellectual debate, however, also created hostilities that culminated in international wars shortly after their reigns.

Paces’ new book, Prague: The Heart of Europe (Oxford University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Dec. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-046; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

John Hay: An Architect of American Power

The name John Hay may not be a familiar one, but his impact on American history is profound. As a private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, Hay became more than a government aide—he was a close confidant and essentially Lincoln’s surrogate son during some of the nation’s darkest days. Hay went on to serve as secretary of state under William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, steering diplomacy at a pivotal moment, including ending the Spanish–American War and securing American control of the Philippines. He negotiated the treaties that granted the United States exclusive rights to build the Panama Canal and championed the Open Door policy, safeguarding equal trading rights in China amid growing imperial competition. Historian Ralph Nurnberger examines the life and legacy of a key architect of American power whose diplomatic vision propelled the nation onto the world stage.

Thurs., Jan. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-133; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Live from the Long Island Museum

Horse-Powered History

The Long Island Museum’s Carriage Collection

A little over a century ago, the sound of a horse-drawn carriage driving along cobblestone streets was the soundtrack of a nation on the move. The goal of the Carriage Museum—a Smithsonian Affiliate housed in the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, New York—is to bring its collection of 185 horse-drawn vehicles from the past to life

Live from the museum, curators share an overview of their collection and highlight some of the most interesting and important vehicles, including a horsedrawn streetcar used in Los Angeles and later as a prop in Hollywood films, including Hello, Dolly!; a Chariot D’Orsay once owned by the Vanderbilt family; and a Grace Darling omnibus.

Tues., Jan. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-048; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A

John Hay by J.E. Purdy, Boston, ca. 1902

Grace Darling omnibus, ca. 1880

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously (and perhaps apocryphally) nailed his 95 Theses condemning papal indulgences to the Wittenberg Castle Church door, giving the Protestant Reformation its official starting date. Five hundred years later, celebrations and evaluations of this historic event swept the globe, which seemed to solidify Luther’s enduring role as hero and exemplar of the Reformation. But the true story of reform is more complicated, and Luther the man more controversial. Historian Amy Leonard of Georgetown University provides an overview of the history and historiography of the Protestant Reformation and Luther’s place in it, also addressing his more polemical writings and the legacy of his rhetoric.

Thurs., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-891; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

The Hundred Years War

A New History

Henry V at Agincourt … Edward III at Crécy … the Black Prince at Poitiers … Joan of Arc at Orléans. The period called the Hundred Years War (1337–1453) was a cascade of violence filled with some of the most famous figures and fascinating fights in history. The central combatants, England and France, bore witness to deaths, tragedy, and glory. But there was more to this period than a struggle between two nations for dominance.

Drawing from his book Bloody Crowns, a critical revision of how modern Europe arose from medieval battlefields, military historian Michael Livingston describes a conflict that drove significant leaps forward in military technology and organization, political systems, and national identities and that laid the groundwork for the modern world.

Bloody Crowns: A New History of the Hundred Years War (Basic Books) is available for purchase.

Thurs., Jan. 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-659; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Papal Schism: A House Divided

In the late 14th century, the Catholic Church became a house divided against itself when it was confronted with the problem of having two popes claiming to be the rightful heir of St. Peter. Each had a strong case and powerful royal backers, as well as his own line of succession. The crisis persisted for decades and even led to the election of a third pope. What has become known as the Papal Schism or the Western Schism gravely weakened the papacy and had long-lasting effects.

Historian John Freymann, a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy, examines the context and causes of the schism and highlights the theological and ecclesiastical consequences of this dangerous episode in the history of the Catholic Church.

Tues., Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-889; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Life of Queen Elizabeth II

The reign of Queen Elizabeth II was exceptional for many reasons, including her remarkable longevity, her enduring marriage to Prince Philip, and her success in concealing her opinions on virtually any contentious subject. Much changed during her long life. During her reign, the United Kingdom ceased to be a great power in the world. And the country in which she died was a multicultural, multi-faith, multiethnic society that was very different from what it had been when she was born. Historian Sir David Cannadine puts the life of Elizabeth II in perspective, set against a broad domestic and international context.

Cannadine’s new book, Queen Elizabeth II: A Concise Biography of an Exceptional Sovereign, is available for purchase.

Thurs., Jan. 22, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-053; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the church door, engraving, 1890

A 14th-century miniature symbolizing the schism

Graveyards

A History of Living with the Dead

The pyramids at Giza, catacombs of ancient Rome, and cenotaphs around the world all commemorate the dead. Historian Roger Luckhurst delves into the often-unexpected visual culture surrounding these and other burial sites. Along the way, he explores the varied roles graveyards have played in literature, art, film, and television.

Luckhurst traces the journey from early burial practices and the rise of necropolises to the darker history of grave robbing and the creation of garden cemeteries. He also discusses the evolution of modern funerary customs.

Luckhurst’s new book, Graveyards: A History of Living with the Dead (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Fri., Jan. 23, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-077; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

A Milestone in Church History

The Council of Nicaea

The year 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which met in 325 in the presence of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. The gathering of some 250 bishops from across the eastern Mediterranean and beyond is remembered as the first ecumenical council, which composed the original Nicene Creed still used in modified form in many churches today. However, what really happened at the council remains controversial. The evidence is contradictory, reflecting the tensions that divided early Christianity. Historian David Gwynn explores Nicaea’s disputed legacy for both Christianity and the Roman empire.

Wed., Jan. 28, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-517; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Shadows of the Scepter

Occult Belief and Superstition in Tudor England

Behind the doors of the royal courts of the Tudor dynasty, occult belief often played a role in the lives of some of England’s most significant and revered monarchs. Historian Cheryl White unlocks a hidden world where Henry VII, Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I sometimes navigated political intrigue with the assistance of the dark currents of occult belief.

In this interplay between superstition and the sacred, predictions and omens were observed closely, with major events such as coronations, treaties, and military campaigns often timed according to favorable alignments of the stars. Drawing from historical accounts, letters, and rare texts on alchemy and witchcraft, White investigates how this culture of the occult and mysticism became deeply entwined with Tudor power.

Wed., Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-429; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Your programs...your time

Registered for a Smithsonian Associates online program but missed it because of a schedule conflict? Wish you could take a second look at a presentation you loved? Associates Encores offers the answer to these questions—and more.

The Emperor Constantine and the bishops of the First Council of Nicaea, 325 (detail)

The Danse Macabre by Michael Wolgemut, 1493

The Vikings

New Perspectives on History and Society

The Vikings have fascinated people for centuries, but new discoveries have transformed the view of the Viking world. Historian Jennifer Paxton traces how archaeology and modern scientific techniques have revealed that the Vikings were just as good at trading as they were at raiding, though the trade they engaged in— human trafficking—was anything but benign. Learn how the Vikings were pioneers in creating an economic empire that reached from the far western Atlantic Ocean to the markets of Constantinople and Baghdad.

Paxton also discusses how new discoveries have transformed the view of women’s roles in Viking society. She reveals how archaeology and DNA studies show that women may have taken a more active part in trading, warfare, and settlement than previous scholars believed.

Sat., Jan. 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-431; Members $80; Nonmembers $100

Liberty in the Cane Fields

first emperor,

The Haitian Revolution and Its Legacy Scholars contend that the Haitian Revolution remains the only successful large-scale revolt in which enslaved people won their freedom, overthrew the existing colonial government, and established an independent state. Historian and author Alexander Mikaberidze traces the rebellion from its beginnings during the French Revolution through its course to culmination in 1804, when Haiti emerged as the first independent Black republic and the second independent nation in the Americas. In achieving freedom, Haitians overturned both the power of France’s colonial elite and the broader Atlantic system of racial slavery. Their struggle inspired enslaved and colonized peoples worldwide and reshaped ideas about race, freedom, and sovereignty across the region and beyond.

Thurs., Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-433; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Sex and Love in the Ancient World

When it comes to sex and love, ancient peoples tell us a lot about what was forbidden; what men thought about women (it’s not easy to know what women thought about men because they’ve left us so little information in their own name); opportunities for premarital and extramarital sex; their ways of lovemaking; how members of the same and the opposite gender expressed love for one another; how sex workers plied their trade; and attitudes toward what we would identify as sexual abuse.

Drawing from a multitude of ancient cultures, including Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Hebrew, early Christian, Chinese, and Hindu, professor emeritus of classics Robert Garland discusses what we know and don’t know about sex and love in the ancient world.

Wed., Feb. 4, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-522; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Viking costumes on display at the Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger, Norway

Romantic mosaic scene, villa at Centocelle, 20 B.C.E.–20 C.E.

The country’s

Jean-Jacques Dessalines, on Haitian currency

The Crown and the Cradle

Royal Babies in British History

Expectations have always been high when it comes to the British line of succession, as the birth of a healthy royal baby could shape history. A few of these important infants became the casualties of political conflict, born to a kingship they never enjoyed, and one baby even sparked a revolution. For centuries, pregnancy and childbirth were shrouded by superstition, fear, and danger until modern medical advances improved survival rates for both mothers and their newborns.

Historian Siobhan Clarke explores the historical significance of royal babies from the 15th century to the present. She examines how the fertility, pregnancies, and childbirth experiences of queens have shaped politics as well as their personal relationships—and how history has often hung on one tiny heartbeat.

Mon., Feb. 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-435; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Easter Island: Revisiting a History

For decades, says archaeologist and writer Mike Pitts, the history of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) has been wrongly told as a cautionary tale: Islanders felled their trees and destroyed their resources, causing society to collapse amidst war and tumbling statues. Drawing on his new book, Island at the Edge of the World, which explores early historic records and the latest archaeology, he illustrates the resilience of island communities.

An understanding of the roots of the ecological misconception allows Pitts to frame a new explanation for the hundreds of tumbled statues. Inspired by Polynesian mythology and Pacific archaeology, he reveals a world of beliefs and rituals that embraced the entire island in a powerful vision of creativity, life, and death.

Island at the Edge of the World: The Forgotten History of Easter Island (Mariner Books) is available for sale.

Tues., Feb. 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-171; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Carthage

An Unsung Hero of the Fight Against Slavery

Thomas Smallwood, born into slavery in 1801 near Washington, D.C., bought his freedom, began organizing mass escapes from slavery by the wagonload, and wrote about the escapes in newspaper dispatches. Though he liberated hundreds and gave the Underground Railroad its name, Smallwood never got the credit he deserved, says Scott Shane, author of Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery’s Borderland

Shane recounts the exploits of Smallwood and his white colleague, Charles Torrey. He sets these men against the backdrop of the slave trade in the United States.

Tues., Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-055; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

A New History of an Ancient Empire

Founded in the 9th century B.C.E. as a small colonial outpost, the city-state of Carthage grew into the western Mediterranean’s largest and wealthiest empire. When it inevitably clashed with Rome for supremacy, the struggle spanned more than a century, three wars, and 43 years of active fighting. After Carthage ultimately fell and was destroyed in 146 B.C.E., its story was largely erased—leaving Rome to write the history books.

Drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries and research, ancient historian Eve MacDonald restores Carthage’s story, reclaiming a culture long overshadowed by Roman mythmaking. She reveals this cosmopolitan city as one of wealth and brave warriors as well as of amazing beauty and technological sophistication. MacDonald’s newest book, Carthage: A New History (W. W. Norton & Company), is available for purchase.

Wed., Feb. 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-137; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Prince Edward by Hans Holbein, 1539

Illustration from The Underground Railroad, 1872

Valentine’s Day

A Very Short History

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other holiday. Andrew Roth, scholar-in-residence at the Jefferson Educational Society in Erie, Pennsylvania, traces the surprising evolution of February 14 from its origins in pagan fertility rituals to its transformation into a religious feast, then a secular celebration of romance and erotic love, and finally a holiday for school children.

Learning From Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln is typically ranked as the nation’s foremost president. He possessed extraordinary leadership skills that he used to win the Civil War and preserve the nation. While most leaders may display a unique style, there is even more to learn from Lincoln, according to Louis P. Masur of Rutgers University, a Lincoln scholar. He used humor and storytelling to great effect and understood when to criticize and when to hold his fire. Lincoln worked deliberately and skillfully employed various tools of persuasion. Perhaps most important of all, says Masur, he was not afraid to change his mind.

Along the way, he shares fascinating Valentine’s Day facts, such as how the introduction of Britain’s “Penny Black” one-cent postal stamp in 1841 shaped the holiday into one defined by exchanging greeting cards—moving Charles Dickens to dub the burgeoning card industry “Cupid’s Manufactory.” Roth also reveals how wine, roses, and chocolate came to symbolize one of our most beloved domestic customs and cultural traditions of saying “I love you.”

Wed., Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-894; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Nourishing Networks

How Food Shaped New Orleans

Gumbo and beignets may be the flavors most people know, but the real story of New Orleans food is one of struggle, resilience, and power, reveals historian Ashley Rose Young.

Young uncovers how, from 1800 to today, food in the Crescent City was never just about nourishment. Street vendors, cooks, and customers turned meals into weapons of influence— shaping taste, battling officials, and rewriting laws—and determining not just who got to eat but who got to thrive.

Beneath the powdered sugar and peppery roux lies a history of conflict and creativity, of ordinary people whose daily struggles over food helped shape the identity of one of America’s most captivating cities.

Young’s book, Nourishing Networks: The Public Culture of Food in New Orleans (Oxford University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-138; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Marking the 217th anniversary of his birth, Masur proposes that studying this remarkable president can offer insights into becoming better leaders. His books include Lincoln’s Last Speech, Lincoln’s Hundred Days, and The Civil War: A Concise History.

Thurs., Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-661; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Presidents Ride the Rails

Curator Patricia LaBounty of the Union Pacific Railroad Museum leads a journey into an era long before Twitter and YouTube in which American presidents used railroads to bring their messages into communities across the United States.

Beginning with Abraham Lincoln, presidents recognized that railroads were vital to the country’s growth. From the 1830s to the 1940s, if the head of state needed to travel in the United States, they went by train for business, to campaign, and, for some, en route to their final resting places. It wasn’t until the end of Franklin Roosevelt’s administration in 1945 that an aircraft was configured for presidential use.

Tues., Feb. 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-172; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Penny Black, the first postage stamp in the world, issued by Great Britain in 1841

Presidential candidate William Howard Taft speaks at a whistle stop to promote his campaign in 1908

Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America

Few books are so often quoted as Democracy in America, French writer Alexis de Tocqueville’s seminal assessment of both the American experiment and the implications of developing conditions of social equality for the future of democracy. He wrote the book after a visit to the United States in 1831 to study its prisons. He left having studied much more.

In examining Tocqueville’s impressions of 19th-century America, Georgetown University professor Joseph Hartman considers, among other things, Tocqueville’s account of the relationship between aristocracy and democracy; the instability of democracy and possible antidotes; the significance of habit in Tocqueville’s thought; and the importance of religion for democracy. Hartman delves into the way in which Tocqueville thought through democracy and its problems and what Tocqueville means for us today.

Wed., Feb. 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-523; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Catherine de’ Medici

The Powerful Mother of Kings

In the 16th century, the Medici family shaped much of the religious and political life of Western Europe. Into this world stepped young Catherine de’ Medici, who left her native Florence to marry into the French royal family. When her husband ascended the throne as Henri II, Catherine became Queen Consort—yet she spent years in the shadow of his powerful mistress.

Historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger follows how Catherine rose to become one of the most influential figures in Europe. She examines how Catherine secured her strategic role in the French court through dynastic alliances, produced children who married into royal houses across the continent, and became a formidable political force during the reigns of her sons—Francis II, Charles IX, and Henri III—whom she once offered to Elizabeth I as potential husbands.

Thurs., Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-436; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Truman and the Atomic Bombing of Japan

On Aug. 6 and 9 of 1945, the United States detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively, during World War II. More than 80 years later, these acts remain the only instances of nuclear weapons being used in wartime and continue to stand as defining moments in history.

Historian Hiroshi Kitamura examines the factors leading President Harry S. Truman to take this decisive action during what turned out to be the final month of World War II. Kitamura explores the making of the atomic bomb via the Manhattan Project, takes a fresh look at Truman’s logic, analyzes why specific targets were chosen, and discusses a range of scientific perspectives.

Wed., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-056; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson made history with the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first Black player in Major League Baseball’s modern era, breaking the game’s long-standing color barrier. Robinson’s influence reached far beyond the diamond. He became a powerful voice in the civil rights movement, using his platform to challenge racial injustice. For example, in 1952 he called out the general manager of the New York Yankees because the team hadn’t signed up any Black players.

After his baseball career, he remained involved in the fight for equality, working with civil rights organizations and advocating for lasting change. Historian Fred Frommer and former Senators stadium announcer Phil Hochberg delve into Robinson’s journey as both a pioneering athlete and trailblazer.

Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-078; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Alexis de Tocqueville (detail) by Théodore Chassériau, 1850

President Truman announces Japan's surrender at the White House, 1945

Jackie Robinson in 1949

Portrait of Catherine de' Medici, ca. 1560

The Age of World’s Fairs

St. Louis, California, and Paris on the Global Stage World’s fairs have long captured the world’s imagination, bringing together nations to showcase breakthroughs in technology, art, and design. From St. Louis in 1904 to San Francisco and San Diego in 1915, and Paris in 1925, these iconic expositions dazzled millions of visitors, introducing inventions, bold architecture, and unforgettable spectacles that continue to influence aesthetics, technology, and culture today.

Classical China

Art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into three pivotal fairs, revealing how each presented the latest innovations and shaped culture, design, and the world’s vision of the future.

FEB 23 St. Louis 1904: Meet Me at the Fair

MAR 30 California 1915: Two World’s Fairs, One Golden State

APR 27 Paris 1925: Art Deco on an International Scale

3-session series: Mon., Feb. 23, March 30, and April 27, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-140; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Individual sessions: Mon., Feb. 23 (CODE 1D0-140A); Mon., March 30 (CODE 1D0-140B); Mon., April 27 (CODE 1D0-140C); 6:45 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

From Confucius to the First Emperor

In 481 B.C.E., China stood at the brink of transformation, with the basic institutions that structured social and spiritual life in decay. The following 260 years saw the largest civilization on earth reinvent and recreate itself. Through war, diplomacy, debate, commerce, philosophy, literature, science, invention, and artistic expression, a new social order was born.

This dynamic era spanned the lives of Confucius, the Buddha, and Socrates and ended with the First Emperor, famed for his tomb’s terra cotta army. Historian Andrew Seth Meyer, an expert in early Chinese history, provides an overview of one of the most fertile and significant—and lesser-known—periods in world history

Meyer’s book To Rule All under Heaven: A History of Classical China, from Confucius to the First Emperor (Oxford University Press) is available for purchase.

Mon., Feb. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-671; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Presidential Places Road Trips Into History

George III and His American Colonies

The Declaration of Independence paints King George III as one of the worst villains in history and justifies the Revolution as necessary to sever ties with him. In reality, says historian Patrick Allitt of Emory University, he was a sober, conscientious man, serious about his limited role in Britain’s constitutional monarchy. At the same time, he was eager to prevent the colonial rebellion and to defeat it when it began.

Poor British leadership and management, as well as difficult communications, made it impossible for his forces to prevail. Losing the American colonies was the bitterest chapter of his 60-year reign, which was otherwise studded with British achievements, culminating in the defeat of Napoleon. Allitt revisits the story of this complicated king and his American colonies.

Mon., Feb. 23, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-896; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

From the birthplace of George Washington to the train depot where Jimmy Carter launched his presidential campaign, travel journalist Bill Clevlen digs into his newest guide, Presidential Road Trips, to help travelers plan an unforgettable American history lesson.

He opens the doors to the homes where future presidents spent their formative years and the retreats where they relaxed and made consequential decisions. Along the way, take in stops including the library where James Madison drafted the U.S. Constitution; the living room with Dwight Eisenhower’s favorite TV trays; the desk Lyndon Johnson used to sign the Voting Rights Act; Abraham Lincoln’s house in Springfield, Illinois; and George W. Bush’s childhood bedroom. Clevlen maps out the ultimate presidential road trip including mansions, museums, grave sites, memorials, historic landmarks—and more. Tues., Feb. 24, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-173; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

1915 World's Fair postcard of the Tower of Jewels, San Francisco

King George III by Allan Ramsay, 1765

Desk on which President Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, on exhibit at the LBJ Presidential Library

The Impact of World War I on America

When World War I broke out in August 1914, most Americans favored President Woodrow Wilson’s pledge that the nation would remain neutral. But less than three years later, he announced that America had to enter the war “to make the world safe for democracy.” Historian Edward T. O’Donnell highlights the historical significance of this sometimes overlooked war and its aftermath.

He examines the causes of WWI, the sources of American isolationism, and the key events that drew the nation into the conflict. O’Donnell also explores the U.S. military mobilization, the leadership of the Wilson administration, and how American forces contributed to the victory over the Central Powers.

Wed., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-895; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

John Brown and the Civil War

A devout Christian and abolitionist, John Brown gained national attention when he led anti-slavery volunteers in “Bleeding Kansas,” a state-level civil war over whether Kansas would enter the Union as a free or slave state. When he launched his raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859 and died on the gallows on December 2 of that year, he garnered international acclaim and became a symbol of the anti-slavery cause.

Magna Carta: 1215 to Today

Magna Carta originated as what was essentially a failed peace treaty between King John of England and his barons in 1215. Centuries later, it transformed into a document held by the Founding Fathers as a foundational cornerstone of citizens’ rights in this country.

Thomas J. McSweeney, a law professor at William and Mary Law School, explores the document’s evolution. He surveys some of the major debates about Magna Carta: whether it should be seen as a statement of high-minded principle or of baronial self-interest; when and how political thinkers came to view it as fundamental law; and whether it privileged private property over common rights. McSweeney concludes with a look at whether Magna Carta was an effective model for the guarantee of rights in a republic.

Historian and author Stephen Engle traces Brown’s journey from a young zealot to a radical revolutionary. Though chiefly remembered for his role in Kansas and at Harpers Ferry, some scholars consider the complicated Brown to have been the spark that ignited the Civil War.

Thurs., Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-442; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Thurs., Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-893; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Ephrata: A Town Like No Other

A Radical Utopian Experiment in

Early America

Tucked away in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Ephrata is living testament to William Penn’s “Holy Experiment,” his ambitious vision of a society built on religious freedom, tolerance, and communal living. Founded in 1732 by a German immigrant seeking religious refuge, Ephrata became a beacon of this ideal, where celibate and married members embraced spiritual devotion over material wealth.

Though the Ephrata Cloister dissolved in 1934, its legacy is remarkable: over 1,000 hymns; intricate Germanic calligraphy; and striking buildings that still stand today. The distinctive architecture of the cloister—featuring steep gabled roofs, stone walls, and intricate wooden structures—reflected the celibates’ deep spirituality and commitment to simplicity and beauty. Brad Smith, curator at the Ephrata Cloister, leads a virtual journey into its rich history.

Tues., March 3, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV170; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Sinking of the Lusitania, 1915

King John signing the Magna Carta by Arthur C. Michael

The Sisters' House at Ephrata Cloister

Rivals and Inheritors: Goths, Huns, Franks, and Anglo-Saxons

Between 350 and 750, western Europe underwent a profound transformation. The Roman empire, which had dominated the ancient world for more than half a millennium, collapsed. The last Western Roman emperor was deposed in 476, while new peoples competed with the Roman population and with each other. Historian David Gwynn traces the entangled stories of the Goths, Huns, Franks, and AngloSaxons, each of which interacted in different ways with the Roman empire and its legacy and together shaped the history of Christian Europe and Western civilization.

4-session series: Wed., March 4–25, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-526; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Oaxaca: Crossroads of a Continent

The Declaration of Independence

America’s Birth Certificate

The Declaration of Independence is a peculiar document. It’s a literary masterpiece that was written jointly by a committee of 5 people. It’s short and punchy—just 1,310 words long—but still somehow daunting and difficult to get a grip on.

In a full-day seminar, historian Richard Bell explores the declaration’s nature, questioning whether it serves as a birth certificate heralding a new beginning, a petition for divorce steeped in grievance and scoresettling, or something entirely different. He considers its intended audience and reflects on whether it marked the first declaration of independence or followed a well-established genre. He examines how contemporaries perceived it, what transformations it triggered, and why it continues to hold significance.

Sat., March 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-444; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

The state of Oaxaca in Mexico, and its Spanish colonial capital city of the same name, have been important cultural crossroads from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Cultural historian George Scheper surveys Oaxaca’s rich cultural history and the peoples—the Zapotecs and Mixtecs—who shaped it over the centuries.

He explores Oaxaca as a Spanish Colonial capital and as a contemporary international arts center. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Oaxaca and its hinterland are home to an array of Spanish colonial churches and palaces, making it one of the best-preserved capitals of New Spain. Today its vibrant cultural scene extends from galleries of fine art and folk art to exuberant street art.

Thurs., March 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-447; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

The Princess and the Pirate

Elizabeth I and Grace O’Malley

As Elizabeth I sought to tighten England’s grip on Ireland, Grace O’Malley, who commanded her own fleet and earned the title of “the most famous woman sea captain,” led the fight against English rule. In a time of political and military struggle, these powerful women met face-to-face in an encounter that would shape the fate of Ireland.

Historian and author Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger traces O’Malley’s remarkable life, from working alongside her father at sea to gaining wealth and land through marriage and battle to continuing to resist English authority. She explores O’Malley’s extraordinary political maneuvering in securing a personal audience with Elizabeth in 1593—and emerging victorious—and examines O’Malley’s enduring legacy as one of Ireland’s most legendary pirates.

Mon., March 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-446; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Plunder of Rome by Joseph-Noel Silvestre, 1890

Santo Domingo convent, Oaxaca

Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776 by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris

The meeting of Grace O'Malley and Queen Elizabeth I, woodcut print, 1793

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Shakespeare’s London: A Living Stage

When young Will Shakespeare showed up in London sometime before 1592, it was becoming the largest and most important city in Europe. It was full of travelers from all over the world—a polyglot of languages and cultures crammed together in narrow streets and taverns. The work of writing and performing plays was changing for playwrights and actors as permanent playhouses and acting companies were established. Shakespeare was primed to make his mark.

Tudor scholar and historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger explores how London served as a backdrop and inspiration for Shakespeare’s works, revealing how he was inspired by the humanity he observed—the city’s nobility, merchants, artisans, laborers, actors, beggars, thieves, visitors, and more—to create the unforgettable worlds of his plays.

Tues., Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-425; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

The Films of Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster

Two of the most powerful actors ever to appear before Hollywood studio cameras, Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster both hailed from Manhattan. But that’s where the similarities end. “Bogie” was shoved around by the old studio system, playing tough guys who often hid a softer core. Lancaster rose as stars gained more freedom, dazzling audiences with quiet intensity and magnetic charm. Film historian Max Alvarez examines their cinematic achievements and the personal and professional turbulence that shaped their artistry.

DEC 2 The Films of Humphrey Bogart: Dark Passages and Dead Reckonings

DEC 9 Burt Lancaster: Cinematic Legend

2-session series: Tues., Dec. 2 and 9, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-635; Members $60; Nonmembers $80

Individual sessions: Tues., Dec. 2 (CODE 1K0-636); Tues., Dec. 9 (CODE 1K0-637); 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $35; Nonmembers $45

LIFELONG

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

Dickens, Christmas, and Victorian Society

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol highlights the stark contrast between London’s wealthy and impoverished. Taking a cue from the Ghost of Christmas Past, historian Julie Taddeo returns to the age of workhouses and plum puddings to examine Dickens and Christmas within the larger social dynamic of 19th-century Britain; why the author has been credited with the “invention” of Christmas; and how this holiday became a Victorian tradition that influences how it is celebrated today.

Wed., Dec. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-639; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Classical Sounds of Christmas

Rachel Franklin revisits this most beloved seasonal repertory, exploring how classical Western composers from Handel to Tchaikovsky to Duke Ellington created a canon of both secular and sacred experiences that are deeply rooted in the celebration of the holidays.

2-session series: Thurs., Dec. 4 and 11, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-640; Members $50; Nonmembers $70

LEARNING

America’s Favorite Holiday Movie: The Story of It’s a

Wonderful Life

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has been a beloved Christmas classic for generations. Yet when the film was released in 1946, it was a box office flop and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered through endless airings on local TV stations beginning in the 1970s. Media historian Brian Rose examines the fascinating story of It’s a Wonderful Life

Thurs., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-507; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Notre-Dame’s Grand Organ Magnificence and Rebirth

The great organ in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is as magnificent an instrument as it is historically significant. Its expansions over the centuries incorporated sections from earlier instruments, providing it with an exceptional variety of sounds in addition to its sheer power. Though preserved from the flames and water during the catastrophic fire that engulfed the cathedral’s roof in 2019, the instrument had to be taken apart and its 8,000 pipes cleaned individually, then carefully reconstructed and tuned.

Olivier Latry, titular organist of Notre-Dame Cathedral for 40 years, joins Bach expert Thierry van Bastelaer for a conversation about the history of the organ, the impact of the cathedral’s restoration on its sounds, and how Latry’s relationship with the instrument was revived after five years of silence.

Sat., Dec. 6, 11 a.m.; CODE 1M2-426; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Postwar Italian Cinema

Few national cinemas offer as compelling a mirror to social transformation as Italy’s. In the decades following World War II, Italian filmmakers shaped a legacy of innovation, reflection, and artistry that still resonates on the global stage. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores pivotal moments in Italian cinema, offering a deeper understanding of how Italian film captured—and questioned—its time. Through clips, discussion, and visual analysis, Hirsh illuminates the aesthetic and ethical foundations of each period in Italian cinema and its enduring legacy in world film.

DEC 7 Projections of Fascism (1970s–1980s)

JAN 11 Contemporary Crises and Postmodern Projections (1990s–Present)

Individual sessions: Sun., Dec. 7 (CODE 1D0-120C); Sun., Jan. 11 (CODE 1D0-120D); 1 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Shaping the Age of Information

A History From ARPANET to AI

ITALIAN CINEMA

How did room-sized computers and dial-up connections evolve into tools of artificial intelligence that can write, analyze, and even create? Librarian and information science educator Nancy Friedland focuses on the key moments in history that shaped today’s digital world—starting with ARPANET, a Cold War–era research project, and moving through the invention of the World Wide Web; the rise of search engines such as Google; the rapid growth of mobile and cloud computing; and the evolution of artificial intelligence. Friedland examines how these developments changed the way people communicate, access knowledge, and navigate daily life. As she traces the path from early networks to today’s intelligent systems, Friedland looks into the future of this remarkable age of information.

Wed., Dec. 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-158; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Donna Reed, James Stewart, and young Karolyn Grimes in It's a Wonderful Life, 1946

LIFELONG LEARNING

Nicoletta Braschi and Roberto Benigni

Anna Magnani

Olivier Latry

In Person

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society 2025–2026 Season

The 49th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society (SCMS) features musical masterpieces from the early 17th century to the middle of the 20th, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. Concerts (with one exception) take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music, with repertoire ranging from acclaimed masterpieces to undeservedly obscure gems by frequently overlooked composers. Veteran SCMS musicians are joined on many of the programs by emerging artists. Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to most of the programs, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers. Kenneth Slowik

The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences have the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicolò Amati—in this popular four-concert series. The Axelrod Quartet welcomes its new violist, Joan DerHovsepian, principal violist of the Houston Symphony, whose distinguished career includes membership in the Everest Quartet. Upcoming concerts: Music of Haydn, Beethoven, and Dvořák; guest violinist James Dunham; Sat., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 18, 3:30 p.m.

Masterworks of Three Centuries

At the end of January, the four-hands fortepiano team of Naoko Takao and Slowik presents the first of the season’s two Schubertiads. In late February, the full Smithsonian Academy Orchestra ventures into the second half of the 19th century with the D Major Serenade of Johannes Brahms, plus Haydn’s ever-popular “Surprise” Symphony.

The Smithsonian Consort of Viols returns in March with a concert of music by John Ward, revered until the time Henry Purcell, and Purcell himself, who penned the last—and arguably some of the greatest—essays in the contrapuntal consort genre. Catherine Manson, concertmaster of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, and Slowik perform sonatas of J. S. Bach in midApril. The season concludes mid-May with Schubert’s magnificent String Quintet in C Major, given by the Smithsonian Chamber Players on five Stradivarius instruments from the museum’s rich collection.

Upcoming concerts: 4-hands music of Franz Schubert, Sun., Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m., Naoko Takao and Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano; Music of Haydn and Brahms, Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., Smithsonian Academy Orchestra

All programs and artists are subject to change. For complete concert schedules, repertoire, subscriptions and individual concert tickets, and bonus offerings for subscribers visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

Clockwise: James Dunham, Marc Destrubé, Mark Fewer, and Joan DerHovsepian

Naoko Takao and Kenneth Slowik

Smithsonian Consort of Viols

Fall Wine Adventures: A Global Exploration of Great Taste

DEC 12 Sonoma Uncorked

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

Spend a fascinating Friday evening expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a delectable adventure. The immersive program includes a curated personal wine tasting kit to enhance the experience.

The geography of Sonoma County, California, ranges from coastal and inland mountains to sweeping valleys and high benchlands. Each distinctive geographical feature imparts its own elements of terroir, ensuring wines with both regional identity and a sense of individuality. With a seemingly endless range of microclimates and growing conditions, Sonoma’s wines run the gamut from cool coastal appellations to hot inland valleys. Enjoy this delicious deep dive into the varieties, flavors, and terroirs of Sonoma.

Fri., Dec. 12, 6 p.m.; CODE 1T0-038; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop.

Update: Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster (Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C.; Metro: NoMa–Gallaudet U station, Red line.)

NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program. Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information.

In Person

With Tasting

Raise a Glass to the Holidays

The holidays are a time of gathering and celebrating around the world, and enjoying seasonal libations is a part of the celebration. Cocktail historian Philip Greene and Washington, D.C., mixologists Gina Chersevani and Duane Sylvestre offer a look at holiday-themed drinks. Sample six holiday quaffs and enjoy light snacks as you learn how to make each drink.

Wed., Dec. 10, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1T0-045; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Reading Dante’s Divine Comedy

Paradiso: The Love That Moves the Stars

Even though it was written seven centuries ago, Dante’s Divine Comedy is essential reading today. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi explains why as he leads an all-day seminar focusing on Paradiso. He highlights the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, explaining how this great poem became one of the most influential works in literary history.

Sat., Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-490C; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

A 1910 promotional poster for an edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy

Theatrical

Christmas Ghost Stories

Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman trace the long history of the winter ghost story, sharing tales and exploring how it became tied to Christmas. They discuss tales from medieval Britain, Christmas carols, and the boom of periodicals in the 19th century and reveal the extent to which Charles Dickens is responsible for the Victorian Christmas ghost story craze.

Mon., Dec. 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-512; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Irresistible Movie Musicals of MGM

One Hollywood studio’s happy creations of joy and razzle-dazzle, gravity-defying leg lifts, and showstopping duets (with partners or an umbrella) still light up the screen and leave audiences smiling. Bursting with big talent with big dreams, MGM in the 1940s and ’50s produced the most glorious string of musicals in film history: gems like On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, The Band Wagon, and Gigi Enjoy the dancing—and marvel at those who believed the movie musical could be a breathtaking art form of its own—with Emmy Award–winning writer and documentary filmmaker Sara Lukinson, who combines a lively lecture with an abundant sample of film clips to offer a joyous evening that makes you want to sing in the rain.

Tues., Dec. 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-653; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Broadway’s Boom

Understanding Buddhist Ethics

At the heart of Buddhism lies a deep concern with how individuals live— how their actions affect others and contribute to their own awakening. Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, outlines the differences between Buddhist and Western approaches to ethics and offers a detailed discussion of Buddhist practice, focusing on the role that meditation plays in moral development. He examines the divine abodes, a series of meditative exercises designed to cultivate the virtues of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. Emmanuel also explores the use of narrative in Buddhism as a means of fostering moral development, particularly stories about the Buddha’s past lives, and examines ethical controversies surrounding the Buddhist doctrine of skillful means.

Tues., Jan. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-655; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Join Tim Dolan, an actor and owner of Broadway Up Close tours in New York City, as he leads a virtual stroll that takes in the theaters at the northern end of the Broadway Theater District from 47th Street to 54th Street. Along the way, discover how Broadway was transformed by the introduction of rock musicals with the landmark 1968 production of Hair and with the first million-dollar show, the short-lived Via Galactica from 1972. Learn how a dog named Sandy would change one Tony Award–winner’s life—and Broadway’s canine future—while Little Orphan Annie belted “Tomorrow” before thousands. Videos and rarely seen photographs help set the stage. Spotlighting some of Broadway’s most notable shows and legendary performers that have called these theaters home, Dolan pulls back the curtain on backstage quirks and secrets that are seldom revealed.

Tues., Jan. 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-166; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman

LIFELONG LEARNING

poster for the 1949 musical film On the Town

Buddha Shakyamuni, Pala dynasty, ca. 1000

Washington’s Neighborhoods: The Soul of the City

Locals in the Capital City often make a distinction between “Washington” and “D.C.” Washington is the federal city—grand government buildings, monuments, memorials, and the icons of America’s capital. But D.C. is where the real soul of the city lives. Each of the District’s neighborhoods has its own unique character, rooted in everything from the well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture of Georgetown to the up-to-the-minute transformation of the Southwest Waterfront.

Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, explores far beyond the National Mall to find the real history of the District revealed in neighborhoods that also include LeDroit Park, Dupont Circle, and Mount Pleasant.

Wed., Jan. 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-167; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Women Who Shaped the Musical World

Performers,

Patrons, Composers,

Muses … and more

Composer Fanny Mendelssohn by Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, 1842

Throughout the history of Western music, men have claimed most of the spotlight and accolades as performers, composers, teachers, impresarios, patrons, and instrument makers. Less attention has been paid to the brilliant creative women who played these roles—along w ith many others—and who were relegated to the less brightly lit corners of the musical world.

Speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin places them center stage as she examines their talent, grit, intellect, and drive, without which many of the most celebrated musical figures might have been significantly less successful, and the musical repertoire far less rich. She brings these women and their often-untold stories to life, showcasing them with live piano performances and historical and contemporary media clips.

4-session series: Mon., Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-656; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Augustine of Hippo Christianity at the Crossroads

The Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the year 312 made the young religion a permanent force in the late Roman Empire. Born four decades later in one of its remote provinces, Augustine of Hippo (354–430) would achieve for Christian thought an intellectual standing as enduring and dominant as the social and political influence conferred on Christian institutions by the first Christian emperor. Augustine found in Christianity a collection of authoritative texts, creeds, and doctrines passed down by the Church and accepted by faith. He harnessed that philosophical heritage of antiquity to express a new Christian philosophy that would eventually have a huge impact. Augustine scholar Scott MacDonald of Cornell University explores some of its compelling ideas as reflected in Augustine’s major works.

Sat., Jan. 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-427; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and essential membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenue. If the joy of learning enriches your life, please consider a charitable gift in support of the vibrant educational experiences that open the Smithsonian's world of knowledge to audiences across the country.

The Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel in Georgetown, designed by James Renwick Jr. in 1850

Saint Augustine of Hippo (detail) by Philippe de Champaigne, 1645-1650

Winter Wine Adventures A Toast to the American West Coast

FEB 20 Outstanding Oregon

Spend three fascinating Friday evenings expanding your knowledge of the world of wine as you sip along with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

JAN 23 Night in Napa California’s Napa Valley is one of America’s most significant fine wine appellations. Producers there have helped pave the way for American wine on an international scale. The so-called Judgment of Paris blind tasting and other events in the 1970s brought Napa Valley wines to the attention of connoisseurs around the world. Explore the past, present, and future of Napa Valley, learning about some of the best new and classic wines.

Oregon is synonymous with high-quality viticulture. Back in the 1970s, pioneering producers there were told they were crazy. However, the confluence of volcanic and glacial flood soils, along with the influence of the Pacific Ocean, make Oregon an incredible place to grow wines. This session features both classic and up-and-coming producers and varieties that are quickly solidifying Oregon wines as some of the best in the world.

MARCH

20 Paso Perfection

Nestled halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco sits Paso Robles wine country. The climate is perfect for the production of world-class wines, ranging from Bordeaux varieties to Rhône varieties. Whether rich, intense, and full-bodied; crisp, clean, and light; or somewhere in the middle, there’s likely a Paso Robles wine for every palate. This session explores the versatility of Paso Robles wines from some of the finest producers and subregions.

3-session series: Fri., Jan. 23, Feb. 20, and March 20, 6 p.m.; CODE 2WINE2026; Members $180; Nonmembers $225

Individual sessions: Fri., Jan. 23 (CODE 1T0-050); Fri., Feb. 20 (CODE 1T0-051); Fri., March 20 (CODE 1T0-052), 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop.

Update: Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program at Cowbell Seafood & Oyster (Union Market, 1309 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C.; Metro: NoMa–Gallaudet U station, Red line.)

NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program. Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information.

The Birth of the Sitcom in Ancient Greece

The comic poet Menander, who lived in Athens in the 4th century B.C.E., is not exactly a household name in the modern world, but he greatly influenced what people see when they go to the movies or watch TV shows. Starting in the 320s B.C.E., Menander (and perhaps a few of his contemporaries) wrote new types of plays that featured romance and familial relationships rather than politics, the usual theme. He thus set the course for dramatic comedy’s development over the next two millennia.

Classics professor Mitch Brown illustrates how, through his successors, Menander helped shape theater in the Renaissance—ultimately becoming responsible for domestic and relationshipfocused plays, movies, and sitcoms that are still popular today.

Tues., Jan. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-049; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

“One for My Baby”

The Hollywood Songbook of Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra’s 100 musical performances in motion pictures reveal a vocalist who almost from the start recognized how the camera could enhance his artistry as much as the microphone. Sinatra came to Hollywood right before he began his solo career, and within a few years he would be just as big at the box office as he was on stage and in recordings. Though he would have his ups and downs, both professionally and personally, his ability to magically convey the inner heart of whatever he sang remained undiminished on film. Media historian Brian Rose surveys Sinatra’s extraordinary Hollywood musical career, which began with uncredited appearances with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and continued through his famous days with the Rat Pack.

The Architecture of the National Parks

Sam Gennawey, a former urban planner and theme park historian, likens the National Park Service (NPS) to a meticulously curated museum that showcases the nation’s most culturally significant landscapes. The parks are categorized into three types—Nature, History, and Recreation—and within them are themes that unify and define their core values. Gennawey focuses on the Nature Parks (encompassing volcanoes, geology, vignettes of primitive America, caves, deserts, and fossils), exploring the landscapes and the architecture that frames them. From the rustic “Parkitecture” lodges of the early 20th century to modern visitor centers, these structures embody the evolving identity of the parks. Gennawey, author of Sacred Landscapes: One Van Lifer’s Six-Year, 175,000-Mile National Park Journey, offers his unique perspective on landscape storytelling, his experience visiting nearly 390 parks, and his insight as a longtime NPS volunteer.

Wed., Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-515; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Tues., Jan. 27, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-169; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Poland’s National Parks

Poland has 23 national parks, ranging from very small to well-known throughout Europe. Tour guide Christopher Skutela leads a visual journey to several of them, as well as explaining how to visit them while traveling through Poland. The parks include Tatra, site of the country’s highest mountain; Bialowieza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the midst of the old-growth Białowieża Forest; Slowinski, home to sand dunes and lakes; Biebrza, the largest national park in Poland at more than 220 square miles; and Pieniny, the country’s first national park and a comparatively petite 9 square miles.

Mon., Jan. 26, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-521; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Comedic scene on a Sicilian vessel, ca. 350–340 B.C.E.

Frank Sinatra recording at Capitol Studios

Eye of the Sea, Tatra Mountains, Poland

Masterpieces of the Symphony

For Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and others, their mastery of the symphony was the criterion by which they measured themselves—and the music by which they have been largely measured by music lovers ever since.

Opera and classical music expert Saul Lilienstein explores the breadth of the symphonic tradition with extended excerpts from some of the greatest works in the repertoire from the late 18th century through the end of the 19th. He provides a focus on contrasting methods of composition, revealing the essence of each composer’s individual contribution. Sessions are highlighted by recordings and film clips of notable orchestras and conductors.

5-session series: Tues., Feb. 3–March 3, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-430; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Over

the

Rainbow:

The Hollywood Career of Judy Garland

Judy Garland was one of the most talented people to ever set foot in Hollywood. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do, from breaking an audience’s heart with a song to dancing up a storm to delivering comic and dramatic performances that still enthrall us today.

While she was among the greatest live entertainers in show business history and one of the top recording artists of her time, her appearances in front of the camera remain her legacy. Media historian Brian Rose examines her remarkable Hollywood career, which began in her young teens at MGM and continued with such timeless classics as The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade, and her stirring comeback in 1954’s A Star is Born

Wed., Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-520; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

How the Civil War Changed Walt Whitman’s Poetry

When Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter, Walt Whitman declared it “the volcanic upheaval of the nation”—the inception of a war that would dramatically alter the shape and character of American culture. Previously, America’s leading writers had been integral to helping the young nation imagine itself, assert its beliefs, and realize its immense potential.

The war demanded new frameworks for understanding the world and new forms of communication that could engage with the immensity of the conflict. It fostered both social and cultural experimentation. Scholar Randall Fuller of the University of Kansas uses Whitman as a case study to trace the changes in his poetry from idealism to realism, from exuberant democratic celebration to a more chastened view of America as a place where enormous suffering had occurred.

Tues., Feb. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-662; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Saul Lilienstein

Greek To Us

Ancient Greek in Our Words and Culture

Ancient Greek echoes through our culture in unexpected ways— sometimes with humor, sometimes with beauty. The word for actor, “hupokrites,” gave us “hypocrite,” while “astronaut” translates poetically to “sailor of the skies.” Myths provided the Achilles heel and the Midas touch.

With humor and fascinating etymology, classical scholar John Davie, a lecturer at Trinity College, Oxford, provides an insightful journey through the world of the ancient Greeks, their extraordinary language, and how it still shapes modern minds.

Davie’s book Greek To Us: The Fascinating Ancient Greek That Shapes Our World (Bloomsbury Publishing) is available for purchase.

Fri., Feb. 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-676; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations

Stoic Wisdom for the Modern World

Written nearly 2,000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations remains one of the most profound, practical guides to living with integrity, resilience, and perspective and cultivating one’s self. Philosopher Samir Chopra leads an exploration of this foundational text of Stoicism through a historically embedded reading of passages, with a view to developing a practice of Stoic principles in daily life.

Sat., Feb. 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1CV-079; Members $80; Nonmembers $100

“Snow White”

In 1937, our perception of fairy tales was forever changed when Walt Disney Productions released its first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which reset expectations of what fairy tales are, who they’re for, and what they represent. Yet the film is only a part of a much bigger “Snow White” tradition. Every version of this fairy tale revolves around a deadly conflict between a mother figure and her daughter, and themes of beauty, jealousy, rivalry, cannibalism, and death remain prominent throughout its history.

Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman do a deep dive into the fairy tale of “Snow White,” revealing folkloric and literary tales that provided the bedrock preceding Disney’s version and examining how the story has been retold in contemporary times. This lecture also includes prompts for audience interaction.

Mon., Feb. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-525; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Coming to America

European Musical Artists Meet the United States

Beethoven never made it to America, but hundreds of important musicians and composers did. From early touring megastars like Paderewski to refugee émigrés such as Rachmaninoff, America has drawn renowned musical talents since its early years. Dvořák directed a music conservatory in New York; Korngold wrote scores for Hollywood; Tchaikovsky marveled at the warmth of American hospitality; and Schoenberg played tennis regularly with Gershwin.

In a unique course, speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores the siren call of America to musicians throughout the world.

4-session series: Mon., March 9–30, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-675; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Illustration of Igor Stravinsky, Time magazine cover, 1948

Snow White from the 1937 Disney film

Bust of Marcus Aurelius

In Person

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

2026 Concerts

Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The orchestra’s 2026 concerts add to that tradition.

Sat., Feb. 28 | Jazz With a Cuban Tinge

Since the turn of the 20th century, Cuban musical sensibilities have enriched American music with vibrant rhythms and evocative textures. In the 1940s, Cuban musicians such as Mario Bauzá, Francisco “Machito” Grillo, and Luciano “Chano” Pozo electrified jazz by fusing it with Afro-Cuban musical elements and simultaneously wove jazz improvisation into Cuban popular music. These artists and others pioneered a groundbreaking fresh style dubbed Afro-Cuban jazz. The fusion transformed jazz in the United States as it bridged cultures from across the African diaspora of the Americas. The concert honors that enduring legacy of “Cuban Tinge” with dynamic selections including Machito’s “Mango Mangue,” written by Francisco Fellove Valdés for Machito to perform with Celia Cruz, Bauzá’s “Cubauza,” and the classic “Manteca” by Chano Pozo, Gil Fuller, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Fri., April 17 | Jazz Across America

Jazz Appreciation Month

Jazz is more than just music: It is a living cultural narrative that mirrors the complexities, struggles, and triumphs of American society. From its early roots in ragtime and on the streets of New Orleans to the expansive experimentation of the avant-garde, jazz has continually redefined itself, evolving with each generation to extend the boundaries of the genre. During Jazz Appreciation Month, SJMO invites audiences to experience this vibrant story in sound. Filled with variety, the concert celebrates jazz in all its forms—contrasting styles, expressive interplays, and musicians who hail from every corner of the country and every occupation. Selections include Jelly Roll Morton’s “Black Bottom Stomp,” Sun Ra’s “Kingdom of Not,” and Leonard Bernstein’s “Meditation #1.”

Fri., June 5 | Let Freedom Ring

Since 1776, generations of Americans have pursued life, liberty, and happiness—the “unalienable rights” enshrined in the nation’s founding document. These enduring ideals have been a source of inspiration, hope, and, at times, conflict, as Americans have wrestled with their meaning and struggled to bring them to life. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, SJMO presents a powerful concert that explores the role of jazz as a guiding force in the national journey to “a more perfect union.” Jazz, with its roots in resilience, resistance, and reinvention, has long been a soundtrack to America’s evolving story. The program features stirring works that capture the spirit of protest, the hope of freedom, the depth of spirituality, and the pride of patriotism. Highlights include Billy Taylor’s poignant “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus,” and Max Roach’s “Freedom Day.”

Individual concerts: Sat., Feb. 28 (CODE 1P0-892); Fri., April 17 (CODE 1P0-893); Fri., June 5 (CODE 1P0-894); Members $30; Nonmembers $40

All concerts feature the full orchestra and take place at 7 p.m. in the Warner Bros. Theater, National Museum of American History. Program content is subject to change.

JACLYN

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

Charlie Young

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Is Extreme Weather on the Increase?

Meteorologist Edward Graham explores the science behind extreme and destructive weather, its different manifestations, and whether there is evidence for an increase in the severity of floods, windstorms, heat waves, and other types of extreme weather.

Linking such events directly with human influence on the climate is not easy. However, observational evidence of unprecedented weather extremes is mounting from all over the globe. These are confirmed by atmospheric modeling studies that show such events are more destructive today than in a world without human interference.

By comparing these real and simulated scenarios, says Graham, it’s possible to assess how the frequency and intensity of an extreme weather event may have been influenced by human effect—and if such events are on the rise.

Fri., Dec. 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-651; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Our Universe in a New Light

Exploring Chandra X-Ray Observatory’s

High-Energy Wonders

For over 25 years, NASA’s Chandra X-Ray Observatory has revealed a dramatic, invisible universe where black holes collide, stars explode, and galaxies erupt with high-energy light. Join Chandra visualization scientist Kimberly Arcand of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory for a dynamic journey through some of space telescope Chandra’s most breathtaking discoveries, transformed into stunning images, immersive experiences, and even sound.

From the birth of stars to the aftermath of supernovas, Arcand showcases how astronomers “see” the X-ray universe—and how those data are translated into visual and sonic masterpieces. Explore stellar nurseries, hear the echoes of black holes, and experience deep space like never before.

Thurs., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-510; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Volcanoes That Changed the World

Over the course of history, volcanoes have had an effect on society and the environment in many ways—not just through spectacular destruction. In fact, volcanoes and their eruptions have influenced culture, art, agriculture, scientific innovation, and even media. Was the French Revolution sparked by volcanic activity? Did a volcanic eruption influence Edvard Munch’s The Scream? Could volcanic mining be a solution to electrification for the future? Volcanologist Samuel Mitchell explores all the ways in which volcanoes have shaped our world, drawing on examples from the beginning of our planet through this year.

Fri., Dec. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-511; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Hidden History of Brainwashing

Mind-control techniques once reserved for warfare and cults are now woven into the fabric of everyday life. Historian of science Rebecca Lemov draws from her new book, The Instability of Truth, to examine their myriad forms. Based on research spanning secret government archives, Cold War experiments, and high-profile legal cases such as that of Patty Hearst, she traces mind control from the techniques used against American POWs in North Korea to the “soft” brainwashing of social media.

She identifies invasive forms of emotional engineering that exploit trauma and addiction to coerce and persuade in everyday life and how the idea of mind control has spread across the globe and penetrated courtrooms, secret labs, military schools, and today’s digital sites.

Lemov’s book The Instability of Truth: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion (W. W. Norton & Company) is available for purchase.

Wed., Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-160; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Artist’s illustration of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory

The Future of Seeing

How Imaging Is Changing Our World

Over the centuries, humans have developed a powerful and versatile set of tools to reveal what was once invisible. Daniel K. Sodickson, a physicist and pioneer in biomedical imaging, explores the rich history and surprising future of vision, from the evolution of sight in early organisms to the rise of high-tech devices that emulate human senses and minds. He traces the development of imaging tools that have revolutionized medicine, reshaped the global economy, and raised timely questions about privacy and perception. As these technologies increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, Sodickson examines how they are changing the way individuals perceive the world, connect with one another, and understand who they are.

Sodickson’s book, The Future of Seeing: How Imaging Is Changing Our World (Columbia University Press), is available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-132; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

How to Change a Memory

Memory plays a major role in defining who we are. But what if it could be changed intentionally, precisely, and for the better?

Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez examines how memory manipulation shapes the imagination and sense of self and considers the question of whether erasing a deeply traumatic memory would change who a person is. Ramirez also discusses the ethics of artificially controlling memory, exploring how the process might be used responsibly for both personal healing and the greater good. Examples include memory manipulation that could help people suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, addiction, and other neurological and behavioral disorders.

Ramirez’s book, How to Change a Memory (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-075; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Houseplants: The Science Behind the Scenes

By understanding how plants work, you can be more successful at caring for them, since knowledge of basic plant biology can be a valuable tool for indoor gardeners fascinated by plants and their unique characteristics. Virginia Velez Thaxton, a horticulturist with the Interiors Section of Smithsonian Gardens, explores the essential factors plants need from their environment and offers an overview of the physiological processes at play. She examines how plants respond to varying light, water, temperature, and nutrients so that optimum growing conditions can be provided. The presentation also provides a range of practical facts on topics from bromeliads to succulents and pruning to propagation.

Tues., Dec. 16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-153; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects

Insects are the most abundant animals on the planet—in both number of species and individual organisms— representing about 80% of all animal species and numbering in the quintillions. Oddly enough, they are also the least observed. Naturalist Eric R. Eaton aims to inspire you to watch more bugs and shares what you can do to keep these critters thriving.

He highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all five senses, suggests best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and offers tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. Eaton also addresses insect decline and how to help correct it.

Eaton’s new field guide, Bugwatching: The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects, is available for purchase.

Thurs., Jan. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-047; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates I N SI DE S C I ENCE

An indoor garden designed by a Smithsonian horticulturalist ALEXANDRA

The Giant Leap Space as Evolution’s Next Frontier

The story of life is one of great transitions and of crossing new frontiers. Among the most dramatic were the moves from the sea to land, land to sky. It might seem there are no more realms for life to venture, but astrobiologist Caleb Scharf contends there is one: space. He proposes that journeying into space isn’t simply a giant leap for humankind—it’s life’s next great transition, an evolution of evolution itself in which he sees humans and technology as catalysts for an interplanetary transformation. Scharf is the senior scientist for astrobiology at NASA’s Ames Research Center. His book, The Giant Leap: Why Space Is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life (Basic Books), is available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-657; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Myth and Reality of 100-Foot Waves

In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean

For centuries, mariners spun tales of gargantuan waves in the open ocean, walls of water measuring 100 feet high or taller. Until recently, these stories were dismissed. But over recent decades, as more ships vanished and new evidence emerged, oceanographers have re-estimated how the seas behave at their most ferocious. One instance of proof came in 2000, when a British research vessel was trapped in a vortex of mammoth waves in the North Sea—including several that topped 100 feet.

Journalist and author Susan Casey looks at these ship-swallowing rogue waves, noting that as scientists scramble to understand this phenomenon, others—including extreme surfers who fly the world to ride the ocean’s most formidable monsters—view the giant waves as the ultimate challenge.

Thurs., Jan. 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-667; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Avocados: From the Ice Age to Global Superfood

Avocados are one of today’s most beloved foods, valued for their rich flavor, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Long before they became a global superfood, avocados evolved as nourishment for giant Ice Age animals like sloths and mammoths. When those creatures vanished, humans stepped in.

Ancient Hondurans were skilled forest managers and tree farmers much earlier than previously known and domesticated avocado, and likely other tree crops, long before the arrival of domesticated maize, beans, or squash. At the El Gigante site in the country’s southern highlands, evidence shows people tending avocado trees as early as 11,000 years ago. For millennia avocados were grown from seeds, and genetic variety still survives in the wild. Archaeobotanist Heather Thakar explores how the history of avocados can offer insights for modern agriculture.

Wed., Jan. 21, 7 p.m. CODE 1NV-168; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Life on the Ice Penguins of Antarctica

Go on a voyage through the Southern Ocean to follow the lives of Antarctica’s penguins through an unforgettable season on the ice. Amanda Hunter, a marine biologist and polar expedition guide, explores their migrations, fierce challenges, and moments of new life as they navigate one of the harshest climates on Earth. Discover what makes these birds so remarkably resilient and why their story matters now more than ever.

Thurs., Jan. 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-516; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

Gentoo penguins, Antarctic peninsula

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and the Dementias

What We Know, What We Can Do

Alzheimer’s disease, and the dementias in general, are among the most-feared consequences of being lucky enough to survive into older age. Between ages 65 to 74, about 3% of the population will show signs of Alzheimer’s, rising to 30% or higher among those 85 and older. Many others as they age will suffer from dementia from other underlying conditions, such as mini-strokes.

Barry Gordon, founder of the Memory Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, draws on recent research to shed light on these debilitating conditions and provides guidance on what people need to know to take the most informed and active steps if faced with them—whether personally or in a family member or friend.

Tues., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-432; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Exoplanets

Exploring Outside the Solar System

The search for planets outside our solar system has found more than 6,000 such worlds, known as exoplanets. Now the race is on to find Earth-sized temperate planets, understand their atmospheres, and discover any signs of life on them.

Learn how astronomers are carrying out this search and what they’ve been finding out along the way with Peter Plavchan, the NASA Landolt Space Mission’s principal investigator. He also discusses the NASA Landolt mission, slated for launch in 2029, and how it will improve our understanding of exoplanets.

Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, Rob Parks, director of the George Mason Observatory, brings the skies into your living room with remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.

Fri., Feb. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-524; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Botanical Gardens of the World

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as varied as Singapore, the Arizona desert, and the American Midwest. In vibrant visuals he explores how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom.

FEB 8 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

FEB 15 Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona

FEB 22 Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis

3-session series: Sun., Feb. 8, 15, and 22, 4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1NV-BOT; Members $65; Nonmembers $90

Individual sessions: Sun., Feb. 8 (CODE 1NV-174); Sun., Feb. 15 (CODE 1NV-175); Sun., Feb. 22 (CODE 1NV-176); 4 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Wild Wood: True Tales of Trees

Soundless but sentient, trees were absent for all but the last 10% of Earth’s history yet are essential to all air-breathing life on the planet today. They are the longest-living organisms on Earth, can communicate to one another through intricate underground soil networks, and even thermoregulate, all while rarely ever dying from old age.

Liana Vitali, a naturalist and educator at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland (and selfproclaimed tree-hugger), leads an immersive audiovisual journey into the fascinatingly complicated and connected life of trees—from their first tiny emergence through the topsoil as seedlings to their lasting value to forest life as fallen logs.

Thurs., March 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-673; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Ottoman Garden at Missouri Botanical Garden

Artist's concept of exoplanet Kepler-62f with 62e as Morning Star

CULTURE HI STORY

CULTURE

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Pienza: An Ideal Renaissance City

To visit Pienza today is to step into the late 15th century. Located in the picturesque Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany, it constitutes a remarkable example of an ideal Renaissance city. Following his election to the papacy, Pope Pius II sought to elevate the status of his humble hometown through an ambitious project of urban renewal overseen by architect Bernardo Rossellino. In 1459, construction began on the Palazzo Piccolomini, the pope’s private palace; the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta; and other structures surrounding a central square, an arrangement that corresponds to the utopian notion of an ideal city.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University surveys the history, art, architecture, and urban planning of Pienza, which glorified the ambitions of its illustrious patron.

Mon., Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-424; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Harmonies and Reflections

The Aesthetic Vision of Whistler

Self-portrait by James

1872

As a forerunner of Post-Impressionism, James Abbott McNeill Whistler is celebrated for his bold and innovative style in media from painting in oil to watercolors and etchings. His artistic ideals were informed by the Aesthetic movement and its emphasis on refinement, subtlety, and belief in the autonomy of art. Whistler’s admiration for Asian art prompted his experimentation with abstract color and composition. He also departed from traditional representation to work with visual arrangements and color harmonies that correspond to those in music.

Art historian Aneta Georgievska Shine looks at how these ideals were expressed in his work—whether in subtle tonal landscapes or in his portrayal of women.

Mon., Dec. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-652; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mexican Muralists in the U.S.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Arts and Crafts Movement in Philadelphia

Secretary cabinet designed by George Washington Jack, ca. 1889

Philadelphia Art Museum curator David Barquist highlights the Arts and Crafts movement by focusing on Philadelphia artists who sought to correct what they saw as the poor quality of factory production by embracing the British Arts and Crafts movement’s principles of handwork, simplicity in design, and what they called “truth to materials.”

The Arts and Crafts movement in Philadelphia began with the 1876 Centennial Exposition in the city and the founding that year of the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, where many of the artists taught or were trained. Following World War I, Arts and Crafts artists shifted from workshops to individual studio practices, while European Modernism inspired stylistic and technological change.

Fri., Dec. 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-508; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

As the Mexican Revolution drew to a close in 1920, Mexico’s new democratic government commissioned public murals depicting what the nation could look like. The government encouraged images of pre-Hispanic pyramids and deities, juxtaposed with contemporary customs and peoples. They were painted by many artists, most notably José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. International audiences saw the appeal of the murals, and soon works by these artists and others they influenced also appeared outside of Mexico.

Using the imagery and influences of works painted in the U.S. by Orozco, Siqueiros, and Rivera, Walters Art Museum curator Ellen Hoobler explores how the ancient Americas and modern politics intertwined in 1930s and ’40s public murals in the United States.

Tues., Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-044; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

McNeill Whistler,

Detroit Industry Murals (detail) by Diego Rivera, 1932–1933

Lesser-Known Museums and Churches of Italy

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

In this ongoing series, Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero spotlights the significant collections of sometimes-overlooked museums and churches throughout Italy.

The National Gallery of Parma

In 1734, the Duke of Parma (and soon-to-be King of Naples) had most of the extensive art collection established by his family moved from Parma to Naples. Filippo Borbone, who became Duke of Parma in 1748, was determined to hold on to what works were left. This collection eventually would become the National Gallery of Parma. Ruggiero delves into the museum’s artworks, including important pieces by Correggio as well as La Scapigliata by da Vinci.

Mon., Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-509; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice, situated next to the Church of San Rocco, is the seat of the religious society named for San Rocco established in 1478. Over the next decade, the scuola became the richest in the city, so its members decided to construct a monumental building and hire Tintoretto to decorate it. Ruggiero showcases several of the scuola’s more than 60 paintings, many done by Tintoretto and his workshop.

Wed., Jan. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-514; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Marian church in Rome and houses one of the most important icons of Mary, the Salus Populi Romani, traditionally attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters. Seven popes as well as Bernini are entombed in the basilica. Ruggiero highlights the importance of Santa Maria Maggiore through its history, architecture, and works of art. Mon., Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-519; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

You love art. Now go deeper.

Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. To truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was created. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers a World Art History Certificate Program

The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. They are selected from among Smithsonian Associates courses, seminars, study tours, and studio art classes.

Look for World Art History Certificate throughout the program guide to see current listings. Get started today and complete the certificate requirements at your own pace. Registration is ongoing; Credits are counted from day of registration and are not given retroactively.

La Scapigliata (detail) by Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1506–1508

Salus Populi Romani

The Circumcision by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1587

Creative Writing Workshops

Write Into Art

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. Mary Hall Surface, the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s Writing Salon, leads workshops that explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts.

The sessions spotlight a wide range of visual art chosen to inspire writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice. Each workshop has a limited enrollment to maximize interaction among the instructor and students.

FEB 3 Explore Place

FEB 4 Unveil Stories

FEB 5 Probe Perspective

3-session series: Tues., Feb. 3, Wed., Feb. 4, and Thurs., Feb. 5, 10 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-665; Members $105; Nonmembers $125

Reflective Writing Workshops

Advent’s Anticipation

Ponder the possibilities that the contemplative season of Advent provides, inspired by Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting The Annunciation and a poem by Wendell Berry. Sun., Dec. 7, 4 p.m.; CODE 1K0-646; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Winter Landscape (detail) by Wassily Kandinsky, 1909

Winter’s Colors

Experience new ways to contemplate the gifts of winter, inspired by the vibrant Winter Landscape by Wassily Kandinsky, an artist who embraced the transcendent power of color.

Wed., Dec. 17, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-645; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Moments of Epiphany

Inspired by 19th-century French artist James Tissot’s painting Journey of the Magi and poetry across time, explore the notion of epiphany—those transformative moments in life that spark change and understanding.

Thurs., Jan. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-663; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the reflective writing workshops led by Mary Hall Surface invite you to look outwardly at art and look inwardly through writing. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more.

Colors of Love

Inspired by paintings of the visionary Belorussian-born French artist Marc Chagall and by poetry across time, participants slow down, look closely, and reflect to explore love as an animating force in their lives.

Fri., Feb. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-664; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

The Faraway Nearby

Inspired by 20th-century artist Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings of the New Mexican desert, participants slow down, look closely, and reflect on the transformative power of place in our lives.

Tues., Feb. 24, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-670; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Entrance to the Grand Canal from the Molo, Venice (detail) by Canaletto, 1742-1744

The Birthday (detail) by Marc Chagall, 1915

Journey of the Magi (detail) by James Tissot, 1894

The Annunciation (detail) by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898

Mary Hall Surface

Art-full Fridays | Live from Italy, with Elaine Ruffolo

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

Elaine Ruffolo, a Florence-based Renaissance art historian, examines the rich heritage of Italian art and architecture

The Renaissance Artist at Work

Life Behind the Masterpieces

Workshop practices and art materials are often a neglected aspect of Renaissance studies. Yet the businesses run by painters were part of the economic life of Renaissance Italy. Previously, artists were craftsmen valued for skill. But with the rediscovery of classical art and new techniques such as the use of oil paint and perspective, increasing value was placed on artistic innovation and creativity.

Artists in the Renaissance had to know mathematics and geometry and studied anatomy, classical culture, theology, and philosophy. These disciplines contributed to the idea that painting, sculpture, and architecture should be considered among the liberal arts rather than menial trades. Ruffolo examines how painters learned their craft and organized their workshops and guilds, how customers and patrons treated them, and where and how their work was displayed.

Fri., Dec. 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-131; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Palladio: Architect of the Western World

Renaissance Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508–1580) is arguably the most influential architect in the Western world. Inspired by classical Roman architecture, he designed country villas, palaces, and churches for the nobility of the city of Vicenza that were known for their pleasing proportions, grace, and symmetry. He also left an indelible mark on Venice, introducing architecture designed along classical lines into a predominantly Byzantine-built environment

Palladio’s neoclassical architectural language crossed borders and oceans, inspiring English country estates, shaping American civic buildings, and leaving its mark on the White House itself. Ruffolo explores Palladio’s life, works, and philosophy, revealing how a former stonemason came to shape the foundations of Western architecture.

Fri., Jan. 16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-135; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Sicily: Art at the Crossroads of Civilizations

A crossroads of civilizations, Sicily has been shaped over millennia by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving a distinctive mark on its art and architecture.

The Greeks introduced architectural innovations and philosophical ideas that laid the foundation of Sicilian culture. The Romans produced monumental structures and public works, while the Byzantine and Arab periods produced unique syntheses of style, merging a variety of traditions into forms of striking beauty. With the arrival of the Normans, Sicily achieved a remarkable fusion of artistic influences, giving rise to some of the most breathtaking churches, mosaics, and architectural achievements in the Mediterranean. Ruffolo leads a journey through this extraordinary artistic heritage. Fri., Feb. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-139; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Invention of Oil Painting (detail), by Jan Collaert the Elder, ca. 1580-1605

Rialto Bridge, by Giovanni Antonio Canal, designed by Andrea Palladio

Palermo Cathedral

Secrets and Symbols in Art

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

The study of iconography—how symbols and allegories function in art—offers a way to understand masterpieces that have puzzled scholars for generations. In a series of programs, art historian Noah Charney reveals how decoding these visual cues can transform the way viewers interpret pre-modern Western art—turning enigmatic images into eloquent narratives.

The Iconography of Christmas

Explore the rich stories hidden in paintings associated with Christmas, specifically representations of the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi or shepherds. Using examples of this theme in paintings by Ghirlandaio, Hugo van der Goes, Giorgione, and others, Charney investigates why there is often a devil lurking above an ox or donkey; the influence of Saint Bridget of Sweden on the Adoration genre; and why some of the gifts of the Magi are presented in surprisingly grim containers, including skulls, dark vessels, or blood-red boxes. Together, these and other details provide a clearer look at the intentions that artists sought to convey in their works.

Mon., Dec. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-887; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

The Iconography of Allegory and Personification of Ideas

When figures represent abstract concepts—such as justice, envy, or time—an artwork enters the world of allegory. Charney breaks down how allegories were constructed by artists, sometimes following conventions like those in Cesare Ripa’s book of symbols, Iconologia, and sometimes entirely original. He compares Titian’s relatively straightforward Allegory of Prudence with a brilliant and baffling painting by Bronzino, Allegory with Venus and Cupid, a complex riddle whose layers of eroticism, disease, deceit, and time have long fascinated scholars. Mon., Feb. 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-897; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Travels of Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin is a key French Post-Impressionist artist who worked in Brittany’s Pont-Aven and later with Vincent van Gogh in Arles until he decided to travel to Tahiti in 1891. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar discusses Gauguin’s unusual childhood in Peru, his many travels with the French Navy, and his time as a successful stockbroker before committing himself to painting. Focusing on Gauguin’s main masterpieces and his legacy, Cassar also provides a critical analysis of the works by the artist during his first visit to Tahiti and his second and final return in 1895 until his death in 1903.

Wed., Dec. 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-648; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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Adoration of the Magi (detail) by Ghirlandaio, 1488

Allegory with Venus and Cupid (detail) by Angelo Bronzino, 1545

Watermill in Pont-Aven by Paul Gauguin, 1894

Breezing Up (A Fair Wind) (detail) by Winslow Homer, 1873

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Winslow Homer: Portraits of American Life

Winslow Homer remains one of the most celebrated American artists of the 19th century, renowned for his evocative portrayals of everyday life and the natural world. Rather than focus on society’s elite, Homer turned his attention to ordinary Americans, capturing them with honesty, restraint, and quiet empathy.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton traces Homer’s artistic evolution, his commitment to American Realism, and his legacy as a painter of elemental truths. She also examines the parallel yet sharply contrasting career of Thomas Eakins, another major figure in American Realism. Where Homer was reserved and introspective, Eakins was bold, outspoken, and often controversial. Viewed together, the lives and work of Homer and Eakins offer a compelling lens through which to understand a nation—and its art—grappling with profound cultural transformation.

Tues., Dec. 16, 7 p.m.; CODE 1D0-128; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Fire and Ice: The Art of Scandinavian Glass

Few art forms capture the spirit of design and function quite like Scandinavian glass, celebrated worldwide for its elegant simplicity and innovative craftsmanship. From classic pieces like Alvar Aalto’s flowing Savoy vase to the bold experimentation of mid-century designers, Scandinavian glass transformed the art world and redefined everyday objects as works of art.

Art historian Jennie Hirsh traces the evolution of this distinctive glassmaking from the 19th century to the present, with a focus on the groundbreaking developments of the 20th century. Examining works from a variety of artists, she discusses how glass from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland became a global symbol of design excellence—where beauty and utility intertwine to create objects that continue to inspire and endure.

Thurs., Dec. 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-130; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

An Art-Treasure Island

Malta’s Storied History

The Mediterranean island of Malta has a rich history that reaches back some 7,000 years, when Stone Age temple builders left structures, sculpture, and pottery that demonstrate feats in engineering and artworks of outstanding aesthetic beauty—a culture that thrived well before the pyramids of Egypt. The city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller), who left behind palaces that today are used as museums, as well as a cathedral that houses works by Caravaggio.

Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar, who was born on Malta, surveys the island’s geography, history, and heritage through its prehistoric temples, outstanding Baroque architecture, and natural beauty; its connection to early Christianity; and its vibrant modern and contemporary art.

4-session series: Wed., Jan. 7–28, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-654; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

The Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto, ca. 1936-37

A view of Valletta, Malta

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Ruth Asawa and the Shape of Modernism

Best known for her mesmerizing wire sculptures that blur the line between drawing and sculpture, Ruth Asawa created a body of work that is deeply personal and universally resonant. A second-generation Japanese American, Asawa endured incarceration during World War II and emerged with a lifelong commitment to the transformative power of art and education. Influenced by mentors such as Josef Albers and Buckminster Fuller, she developed a visual language rooted in repetition, transparency, and organic form

Art historian Jennie Hirsh traces Asawa’s journey as an artist, activist, and educator, her impact on contemporary sculpture, and her role in reshaping American Modernism. In examining the artist’s life and work, she features the current retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, which brings renewed critical attention to Asawa’s legacy.

Thurs., Jan. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-134; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Women Artists of the Golden Age

From Antwerp to Amsterdam

Organized to complement a landmark exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, this lecture by art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine explores the extraordinary contributions of Dutch and Flemish women to the artistic culture of the 17th and early 18th centuries. From well-known painters like Judith Leyster and Rachel Ruysch to printmakers and sculptors whose names are less familiar, women were involved in every aspect of the art world of the Low Countries.

“Women Artists from Antwerp to Amsterdam, 1600–1750” is on view until Jan. 11, 2026, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. The exhibition is organized in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium.

Fri., Jan. 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-674; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Snapshots of History: The Story of Photography

Photography burst onto the scene in the mid-19th century and has since become one of the enduring forms of art. Art historian Matthew Palczynski traces the development of the earliest photo images with the introduction of the daguerreotype in 1839 and examines how Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen championed for photography to become a recognized art medium in the first years of the 20th century. The Depression-era images of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans documented the most destitute of the period, and their work profoundly impacted Americans’ understanding of that desperate time.

Palczynski examines some of the most notable Pulitzer Prize–winning photographs and examines the widespread role photography has played in the last 50 years.

Mon., Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-892; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Human and Animal Locomotion, photogrph by Eadweard Muybridge, 1887

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

Flowers in a glass vase on a marble ledge (detail) by Rachel Ruysch, 1716

Untitled by Ruth Asawa

Italian Regions to Discover

Three Treasures of History, Art, and Culture

Italy is a nation beloved by many for its layered history, artistic treasures, majestic landscapes, and renowned cuisine, all of which vary broadly from one region to the next. This variety is due in part to the fact that the Italian peninsula was once a mosaic of numerous smaller city-states, each of which added its own unique contributions to the cultural richness of the country, home to the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of any modern nation.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University, an expert in Italian Renaissance art and architecture, has traveled widely across the Italian peninsula over the past 20 years. In a series of illustrated talks, she explores a trio of distinctive regions of Italy, revealing their histories, mysteries, and pleasures.

Each 105-minute session requires individual registration and carries ½ credit as a World Art History Certificate elective.

The Veneto

Venice’s Territories and Their Riches

The Veneto comprises the capital city of Venice, built on the waters of the lagoon, and many mainland cities including Padua, Vicenza, and Verona, all of which are important centers for art, culture, and history in the region. In the surrounding countryside visitors can explore elegant villas (including those designed by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio) and viticulture, as winemaking is a major industry of the Veneto. Its range of microclimates allows for the cultivation of numerous varietals used to produce Prosecco, Soave, Valpolicella, and Amarone wines, among others.

Tues., Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-438; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Lombardy

The Cultural Splendors of Milan and Beyond

Lombardy’s capital of Milan is one of the most cosmopolitan of the Italian peninsula, and the region is an important center for business, industry, media, fashion, design, and agricultural production, rendering it Italy’s wealthiest. It was also an important cultural center during the Renaissance—exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci’s contributions. Lombardy is filled with numerous other città d’arte, or cities with a high concentration of significant works of art, including Bergamo, Cremona, and Mantua, as well as the charming towns on Lake Como and the western coast of Lake Garda.

Tues., Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-439; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Liguria

From Genoa’s Palazzi to the Riviera’s Timeless Charm

Liguria is best known for its idyllic seaside towns along the Italian Riviera, from such famed locales as Portofino and Rapallo to humbler fishing towns like Camogli. The capital city of the region, Genoa, was one of the major maritime powers of the Italian peninsula during the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and there are many majestic monuments across the city that date from these eras. Genoa is also celebrated for its chief culinary achievement—pesto produced with locally grown basil, a simple yet flavorful delicacy.

Tues., March 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-440; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Liguria: Camogli, Ligurian coast

Lombardy: Milan Cathedral

The Veneto: Andrea Palladio's Villa Rotonda, Vicenza

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Henri Rousseau

A Painter’s Secrets

Beginning in the late 19th century, French artist Henri Rousseau (1844–1910) crafted a distinctive vision that brought a fresh, imaginative spirit to modern art. Rousseau’s lush jungle scenes and evocative landscapes bridged the gap between fantasy and reality, influencing a broad spectrum of artists and movements.

Barnes Foundation docent Joe Caliva leads a discussion of “Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets,” a special exhibition at the museum. Caliva delves into Rousseau’s career, highlighting how the artist often adapted his works to align with viewers’ tastes. He also explores the exhibition, which includes— for the first time in over a century—works from both art dealer Paul Guillaume’s collection that are typically housed at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and Dr. Albert Barnes’ collection.

Wed., Jan. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-076; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Art + History

John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence

Popular Smithsonian Associates speaker Paul Glenshaw returns to the Art + History series to look at great works of art in their historical context. John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence is an icon of American history reprinted millions of times in textbooks, commemorative posters, $2 bills, and much more. But is the painting accurate? What happened on July 4, 1776, and what event does the painting purport to show?

Like today’s movies “based on a true story,” Trumbull arranged the characters for maximum dramatic effect with Thomas Jefferson’s direct influence. Glenshaw presents two narratives in tandem: the story of the Declaration of Independence and the events preceding and directly after July 4 and how those events ultimately intersected with Trumbull’s multifaceted career.

Tues., Jan. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-658; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Masterworks at the Barnes Foundation

Drawing on what is considered one of the greatest Post-Impressionist and early modern art collections in the world, Barnes Foundation educator Penny Hansen guides a series of online tours that examine in depth the paintings of eight artists who helped shape a revolutionary period in the history of art.

Using high-definition Deep Zoom technology developed by the Barnes, she leads participants through the Philadelphia museum’s galleries and provides remarkably close-up views of the canvases, revealing their paint surface, brushstrokes, and details in ways that bring the art and the artist vividly to life. All programs provide the chance to interact with Hansen in a Q&A session.

JAN 23 Cézanne

JAN 30 Matisse

FEB 6 Renoir

FEB 13 Modigliani and Soutine

FEB 20 Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Seurat

5-session series: Fri., Jan. 23–Feb. 20, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1NV-BAR; Members $125; Nonmembers $175

Individual sessions: Fri., Jan 23 (CODE 1NV-161); Fri., Jan. 30 (CODE 1NV-162); Fri., Feb. 6 (CODE 1NV-163); Fri., Feb. 13 (CODE 1NV-164); Fri., Feb. 20 (CODE 1NV-165); 12 p.m.; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Snake Charmer (detail) by Henri Rousseau, 1907

Declaration of Independence (detail) by John Trumbull, 1819

After The Bath by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1910

Jeanne Hébuterne by Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

Thatched Cottages in the Sunshine by Vincent van Gogh, 1890

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art

The ability to derive meaning from what is seen is an essential skill in a culture saturated with images. Much like other forms of communication, it is a way of making a statement—but visually, not verbally. Once this language is understood, reading images, particularly art, is simpler and more gratifying.

Using works from the history of art as well as images from popular culture, art historian Nancy G. Heller focuses on how art communicates, how to analyze and interpret it, and how it can be seen as a cultural product that reveals something about the society that produced it. Heller is professor emerita at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

4-session series: Mon., Jan. 26–Thurs., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-428; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Papal Patronage of the Arts

It’s no accident that the stunning art that fills St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel found a home within the confines of the Vatican walls. Artistic patronage was an important tool in a Renaissance pope’s arsenal, employed both to display power and to communicate and persuade.

Art historian Liz Lev looks at the connection between popes and art from the halcyon days of 15th-century Popes Sixtus IV and Julius II to the Enlightenment era, examining masterworks including the “Laocoön”, frescoes by Botticelli, and The Parnassus by Raphael, as well as the losses that took place along the way. She also considers the methods by which, despite vastly depleted financial resources, the papacy continues to sponsor and support the arts.

Fri., Jan. 30, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-890; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

California Modern Architecture

Redefining Modern Living

Few movements have defined a region’s identity as clearly as California Modernism. From the 1920s through the 1960s, architects, designers, and developers including Charles and Ray Eames, Joseph Eichler, Albert Frey, Pierre Koenig, John Lautner, Richard Neutra, and Rudolph Schindler transformed Los Angeles and its surroundings into a showcase of modern living. Using glass, steel, and concrete, they created homes, furnishings, and new perspectives on decorative schemes that embodied clarity, openness, and light.

Disseminated through architectural publications and immortalized by the lens of photographer Julius Shulman, California Modernism became more than a regional style—it became a symbol of innovation and elegance. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the architects and their training, influences, and legacy, tracing how a generation of visionaries reshaped the modern landscape of design across California and beyond.

Mon., Feb. 2, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-136; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash by Giacomo Balla, 1912

“Laocoön” (detail)

Stahl House (Case Study House No. 22) in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

The Origins of Western Art

From the Greek “Dark Ages” to the Early Christian Period

Our modern world echoes and sometimes even replicates creative vestiges of the past—from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris to Wedgwood pottery, from the paintings of Pablo Picasso to the Washington Monument. One key to understanding our surroundings is through an overview of ancient material culture. Focusing on the Mediterranean region, art historian Renee Gondek surveys art from the Greek “Dark Ages” through the early Christian period of ancient Rome (ca. 11th century B.C.E. to the 4th century C.E.).

4-session series: Thurs., Feb. 5–26, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1T0-054; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Art Deco: Vibrant, Eclectic, and Dynamic

With the advent of the Jazz Age, the art world searched for modern forms and decorative motifs to reflect this exciting new era. They were found in bold geometric shapes such as chevrons, lozenges, zigzags, and sunbursts and in contemporary technology and materials. Drawing on a variety of historical sources, including ancient Egypt, the classical world, and Asian art, Art Deco soon reflected modern living, the machine age, and the skyscraper.

Art historian Bonita Billman discusses this vibrant movement that used all major media, including glass, ceramics, metal, wood, textiles, paper, marble, and paint. In illustrated lectures, she highlights examples of Art Deco in architecture, furniture, interiors, fashions, advertisements, and films.

Sat., Feb. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-434; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud

Artistic Friends and Rivals

Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine explores the complex personal and artistic relationship between Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud—two key figures of postwar British art. Through a close look at their respective bodies of work, she traces how their intense mutual admiration fueled a competition that shaped their artistic trajectories.

She focuses on their early encounter, their shared fascination with the human figure, and their differing painterly approaches—Bacon’s expressive manner contrasted with Freud’s meticulous realism. She also discusses the artists’ mature years and the legacy of their intertwined careers.

Wed., Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-660; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

René Lalique Victoire hood ornament, 1928

Fresco of Primavera (or Flora), ca. 1st century

Study For Portrait V by Francis Bacon, 1953

Night Portrait by Lucian Freud, 1985-1986

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Art + History

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze

One of the most iconic and most reproduced images in American art, Washington Crossing the Delaware, has a surprising history. The most famous version is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but it’s not the original. Nor was it painted in the United States. The work was created in Germany, where the original was on display in Bremen before being destroyed in an Allied bombing raid in World War II.

What inspired Emanuel Leutze, who was raised in the United States, to paint the picture in Düsseldorf in 1851? Why is this crossing worthy of such an epic portrayal? How historically accurate is the painting? Speaker Paul Glenshaw rolls back the clock to Germany in 1851 and Delaware in 1776 to find out.

Tues., Feb. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-669; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit Caravaggio

The Rebel Who Changed Baroque Art

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, one of the most important and complex Baroque painters, revolutionized European painting with his stark naturalism and dramatic use of light and shadow. Notorious for his violent temper, culminating in exile after a fatal brawl, he was both criticized and admired in his time.

Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar takes a close look at Caravaggio’s life and the stylistic innovations and thematic complexity that made his paintings both celebrated and controversial.

4-session series: Wed., Feb. 18–March 11, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-672; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Turkey: A Portrait of Artistic Richness

Turkey, which stretches between the borders of Greece and Iran, possesses one of the world’s most fascinating histories and richest cultural heritages. It is at once both Eastern and Western, ancient and modern, Christian and Islamic, sensual and austere.

A seminar led by independent scholar Nigel McGilchrist pays tribute to this complexity, celebrating the dramatic beauty of Turkey’s landscapes and its wealth of historic monuments and archaeological treasures. He offers an appreciation of the myriad things associated with the country—from its coffee, rugs, and Turkish baths to its exquisite ceramics and magnificent architecture.

Sat., Feb. 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-437; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

16th-century Iznik tiles from Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

Portrait of Caravaggio by Ottavio Leoni

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Realism in 19th-Century French Painting

The Modern Era Begins

In mid-19th-century France, the important political, philosophical, economic, and cultural changes sweeping through Europe weren’t lost on that nation’s artists. Many painters rejected idealized classicism and romanticism, dominant in European art since the late 1700s, and began creating art that reflected what they saw around them in the modern world.

This style, championed by the controversial Gustave Courbet among others, became known as Realism. It focused on ordinary individuals engaged in seemingly mundane activities, forcing Salon audiences to view the lives of poor, working-class individuals.

Art historian Nancy G. Heller examines the evolution, significance, and later influence of French Realism. She goes beyond France to consider Realism’s emergence in Germany, Italy, and especially the United States, where it informed the work of Thomas Eakins and members of what came to be known as the Ashcan School.

Tues., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-441; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Impressionist Painting in America

In the last quarter of the 19th century, American art students studying in Paris were deeply influenced by the work of the founding French Impressionists. Many returned to the United States to exhibit and teach the tenets of their style. A group of American Impressionists exhibited together for 20 years as “The Ten American Painters” or “The Ten.”

By the time of their last exhibition in 1918, the world had changed due to World War I, the formation of the Ashcan School of Painters, and the Armory Show. Modern European art became much more abstract, and Impressionism was now viewed as passé. Art historian Bonita Billman examines the defining style, subjects, and masterpieces of American Impressionists.

4-session series: Mon., March 2–23, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-443; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Gold Traditions of Abruzzo

Italian Craft, Culture, and Identity

For centuries, the central Italian region of Abruzzo has quietly preserved some of Italy’s most exquisite and symbolic goldsmithing traditions. From the richly detailed presentosa, a star-shaped pendant given as a love token, to the intricate filigree work worn by women as markers of social status and regional identity, Abruzzese jewelry is more than adornment—it is a living chronicle of history, devotion, and craftsmanship.

Cultural historian Viviana Altieri, executive director of Istituto Mondo Italiano in Pittsburgh, explores the origins, meanings, and social significance of traditional gold jewelry from Abruzzo. Highlighting images of heirloom pieces, she traces how these ornaments reflect evolving customs, women’s roles, and the cultural pride of an often-overlooked mountainous region.

Wed., March 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-445; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Ten in 1908

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet, 1857

Fall Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

ART THEORY & PRACTICE

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 6, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ACR; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

MIXED MEDIA

Holiday Keepsake Ornaments

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Sun., Dec. 7, 12 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ACE; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

CALLIGRAPHY

NEW | Jazz It Up

Holiday Cards Using Pointed-Pen Calligraphy

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E00ZW; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Art Journaling for Self-Expression

INSTRUCTOR: Carter Umhau

IN PERSON: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADN; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 13–Feb. 10, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AFN; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Illuminating Positivity

Transforming Inspirational Words into Art

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

NEW ONLINE DATES: Wed., Jan. 21–Feb. 18, 3 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFS; Members $215; Nonmembers $240

Color Theory and Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGN; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Creative Mind Mapping

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15 and 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFE; Members $80; Nonmembers $105

By Renee Sandell

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sat., Jan. 31, 1 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AFT); Sat., March 7, 1 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AFU); Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Painting in the Key of Color

A Streamlined Approach to Color in Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sat., March 7, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AFP; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Sharon Robinson

By Sharmila Karamchandani

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DRAWING

IN PERSON

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADW; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADV; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 17–March 7, 10:45 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGA; Members $235; Nonmembers $270

Figure Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 18–March 8, 2:15 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AFY; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

NEW CLASS

Introduction to Figure Drawing

WINTER

This six-session course is an introduction to live figure drawing. Working with charcoal and graphite on paper, become familiar with classical formats for figure drawing sessions.

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Kim

IN PERSON: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 25, 10:30 a.m., no class Feb. 18; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGP; Members $210; Nonmembers $245

ONLINE

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mark of van Gogh

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 11, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AFR; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Drawing Birds from Around the World

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFD; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

The Simplified Figure

INSTRUCTOR: Amy Dapice

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADD; Members $195; Nonmembers $220

By Tom Kim

Shadows First

An Alternative Approach to Drawing Portraits

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15–Feb. 5, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AFQ; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15–March 5, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AEK; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Creating with Chalk Pastels

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15 and 22, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AET; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

Flowers For a Country by Mindy Weisel (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $1000*

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 18–Feb. 15, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AFL; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 18–March 8, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AEJ; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

NEW CLASSES

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 21, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0AFJ; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Drawing Techniques Composition and Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Desarae Lee

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 22 and 29, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADR; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

WINTER

Drawing Techniques Perspective

INSTRUCTOR: Desarae Lee

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 12 and 19, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADS; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

Digital

Drawing Advanced Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 25, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0AFK; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Masters and Mediums Pastels

Get an introduction to works of Degas, Renoir, Cassatt, and other masters of pastel. Instruction in a variety of techniques helps you on your way to an inspired pastel art adventure.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 29, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEX; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Drawing with Pen and Ink

Drawing with pen and ink is a versatile and inexpensive way to create art. Learn a variety of techniques in the medium, from hatching to washes.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 5 and 12, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEU; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

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Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 17–March 7, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AFX; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Intermediate Oil

Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 18–March 8, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AFZ; Members $285; Nonmembers $320

Masters and Mediums Trois Crayon

In this Masters and Mediums class, meet Botticelli, Michelangelo, Watteau, and other masters of trois crayon art and learn techniques that help you on your way to inspired three-chalk art.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 26, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0AEV; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio

NEW CLASS

Watercolor Portraits

Painting from Photographs

Begin your watercolor portrait journey stress-free as you study photographs of well-known sculptures to practice monochromatic portraits and then build up to painting a portrait of your choice.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGD; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Lori VanKirk Schue

work

ONLINE

Introduction to Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 12–March 9, 6 p.m., no class Jan. 19 and Feb. 16; CODE 1E0-AEL; Members $240; Nonmembers $275

Paint Nature’s Little Creatures in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AEZ; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Painting Water in Landscapes and Seascapes

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 5 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEY; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15–Feb. 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGM; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Principles of Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 20–Feb. 24, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFW; Members $240; Nonmembers $275

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MIXED MEDIA

IN PERSON

Romare Bearden−Inspired Compositions

Exploring Mixed Media Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar

IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 1–22, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AFV; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 28–March 4, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADT; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 29–March 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADZ; Members $215; Nonmembers $250

CLASS

By Cindy Briggs

WINTER

Watercolor Workshop: Quick-Sketch for a Day

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 21, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0ADQ; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

From Frustration to Flow Harnessing Wet Techniques in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AFM; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Paths of Light

Capturing Light and Atmosphere in Landscapes

Whether you’re drawn to the misty grandeur of Yosemite’s waterfall or the quiet drama of trees silhouetted against the sky, explore how to suggest an atmosphere with flowing washes, layered values, and subtle edges.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 13 and Thurs., Jan. 15, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0ADP; Members $145; Nonmembers $160

Paper, Paint, and Scissors

Find out what masterpieces you can create with paper, paint, and scissors. Explore a multitude of possibilities using an assortment of handmade and found papers alongside acrylic paints and inks.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 17–Feb. 28, 1 p.m., no class Feb. 7; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGG; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

By Sharon Robinson

Poetry and Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 10–24, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AEM; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Birds and Nature in Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 11–March 4, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFA; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Student work

NEW CLASSES

Creating Tiny Books in Mixed Media

Explore the charm and versatility of the accordion book form—perfect for storytelling, journaling, or simply experimenting with imagery. Using a mix of techniques, work with watercolors, acrylics, and other materials to bring your pages to life.

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 2 and 9, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFC; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

Beginning Mixed-Media Techniques

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

This class prepares you to create your next mixed-media masterpiece. The techniques you learn can be applied to a variety of subject matter, styles, and surfaces to create your own artistic statement.

INSTRUCTOR: Jean Pederson

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 7–28, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEB; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

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Knitting for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 20–Feb. 24, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADH; Members $165; Nonmembers $200 IN PERSON

NEW CLASSES

Continued Knitting

In this six-session course, students who have the basics down review knitting vocabulary and fundamentals, then move on to cables, lace, circular knitting, reading charts, double stitching, and avoiding and fixing mistakes.

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 20–Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADJ; Members $145; Nonmembers $180

Embroidery 101 Workshop

Learn the basics of hand embroidery, including how to best thread your needle, prepare your hoop, and begin stitching. You also learn about different types of embroidery thread, fabric, needles, and hoops.

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

IN PERSON: Sat., March 7, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADX; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

WINTER

A Walk on the Wild Side with Photomontage

This class provides a wealth of imagery and ideas for executing your own photomontage. Take this opportunity to walk down the path of surrealism, political commentary, or any other subjects of your choosing.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 17–March 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGE; Members $130; Nonmembers $155

Masters and Mediums Collage

The teacher introduces students to works of Matisse, Bearden, Braque, and other masters of collage. Learn a variety of techniques that help you on your way to creating inspired collage art.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 19, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEW; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Embroidery 101

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEA; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Quilting Together

A Virtual Open Studio with Expert Guidance for Your Quilt Project

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 17–Feb. 7, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AES; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Back-to-Basics Knitting Boot Camp

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 17 and 24, 12:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADG; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio

By Sharon Robinson

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Jean Pederson

By Ann Richards

By Heather Kerley

Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

Mind-Body Centering Through Art and Handwork

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sun., Feb. 8–22, 3 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AER; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

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OTHER MEDIA

Gel Plate

Journey

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 13–Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGF; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

ONLINE

Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 24, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AGJ; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AGH; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Carve and Create Learning to Love Linocuts

INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Beachler

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 26–Feb. 23, 6:45 p.m., no class Feb. 16; CODE 1E0-AEN; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 28–March 4, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADK; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Geometric Bead Weaving Circles, Triangles, and Squares

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 21–March 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0AFF; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 10–March 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADY; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

WINTER

Improvisation in Quilts

Raw Edge Piecing and Appliqué

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 17–March 3, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AEQ; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

Wirework Intensive: Fabulous Findings

Wrap, weave, hammer, and bend your way to a new set of wire-working skills. Students are introduced to a variety of step-above-basic wire-working tools as well as household items that can be used to shape wire-based projects.

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 17–31, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFH; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Mosaic Basics

This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of mosaics that lets you build a strong foundation in materials, tools, and fabrication techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 3–17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADM; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Upcycled Brooch Workshop

Be both stylish and sustainable with a brooch you create from upcycled materials. The project takes the form of a wearable diorama made with an aluminum can, beads, wire, and any small special object that can be placed inside.

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 7, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AFG; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Wild Foliage in Printmaking

Connect with natural elements such as branches, leaves, and rocks as you explore a range of printmaking techniques including monoprints using both acrylic and gel plates, carved linocuts, and striking blue cyanotypes.

INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Beachler

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 19–March 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0AEP; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

White-Line Woodblock Printing

Advancing Your Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 28, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AGK; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Orchids for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt

ONLINE: Tues., March 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADL; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Kathy Beachler

By Mïa Vollkommer

WINTER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., Jan. 13–March

3, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-ADF); Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-ADE); Ripley Center; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 25–March 8, 1:45 p.m., no class Feb. 15; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AEF; Members $205; Nonmembers $240

NEW CLASSES

Capturing Winter Scenes

Exploring classic winter scenes, strategize the best techniques to capture the season’s unique qualities. Then go outside and use what you’ve learned to take photos to share for review.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEG; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

Understanding Your New Mirrorless Camera

Indoor Macro Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 15 and 22, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AEE; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

Photography Next Steps: The Personal Project

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 24–Feb. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0AGQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Smartphone Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sat., March 7, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGC; Members $80; Nonmembers $105

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CALLIGRAPHY

Introduction to Italic Hand Calligraphy

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 17–Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0AGB; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio

The technology of the new generation of mirrorless cameras can be overwhelming. Learn how to approach using your new DSLR camera, take it out for a photo shoot, and share your images for review.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 12 and 19, 6:30 p.m., CODE 1E0AEH; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

Black-and-White Analog Photography

Learn about using old school cameras, developing film, and creating images. Topics covered include inexpensive cameras, filters, film, and the developing and printing process.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 26 and March 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AED; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

SCULPTURE

Figure Sculpture

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 13–March 3, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ADU; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

Small Sculptures in Wood

INSTRUCTOR: Jeremiah Gallay IN PERSON: Sun., Jan. 18–Feb. 22, 10:15 a.m., Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AEC; Members $195; Nonmembers $230

3D Constructions in Mixed Media

Explore new approaches to artmaking while experimenting with a wide range of subjects. Start with quick sketches to refine your ideas, then build your work through layers of wet and dry media.

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 28–March 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFB; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

By Joe Yablonsky

JOE YABLONSKY

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

Overnight Tours 2026

A

New Year of Delightful Destinations from Smithsonian Associates

Note: All tour dates and content are subject to change.

The Road to Nashville

Sun., March 15–Thurs., March 19 (on sale, see p. 55)

Trace the roots of country music from Bristol to Nashville with insider access to legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, and Johnny Cash Museum. A perfect blend of music history, Southern flavor, and cultural landmarks.

Leader: Richard Selden

Revolutionary Philadelphia

Sat., April 18–Sun., April 19 (on sale Jan. 1)

America’s former capital city and its outskirts provide the backdrop to explore the stories, sacrifices, and enduring spirit that forged a nation’s pursuit of freedom and democracy.

Leader: Denver Brunsman

Associates’ study tours are designed for people who want more than just a getaway: They offer one-of-a-kind experiences combined with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, music, nature, or architecture— or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions offer a year’s worth of tempting travels.

New adventures that visit Newport, Rhode Island, St. Louis, and Boston have been added. By popular demand, several favorite destinations return to the schedule, including Arizona, Staten Island, and Buffalo, offering another chance to join these adventures before they sell out again. Start your plans now by registering for January’s Artful Weekend in New York City (see p. 52).

Outdoor Arizona

Sat., April 25–Thurs., April 30 (on sale, see p. 56)

From the desert gardens to the red rocks of Sedona, the northern mountains to the depths of the Grand Canyon, this six-day adventure offers trailblazing outdoor enthusiasts days filled with activity and scenic beauty.

Leader: Wayne Ranney

Splendors of Newport

Sun., May 3–Thurs., May 7 (on sale, see p. 54)

Newport, Rhode Island, is the charming coastal city where historic mansions, scenic cliff walks, and a vibrant harbor await. Discover a rich maritime heritage and Gilded Age elegance on this five-day spring tour.

Leader: Fred Zilian

Pennsylvania Gardens

Wed., May 20–Thurs., May 21 (on sale Jan. 1)

Discover the beauty of spring in the Philadelphia region with a two-day tour featuring rare exclusive access to a pair of private estates in peak bloom, complemented by visits to two world-class public gardens.

Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey

Staten Island

Sun., June 7–Mon., June 8 (on sale Feb. 1)

New York’s often-overlooked borough is packed with hidden gems and surprising treasures. Explore sites including the stunning Tibetan art museum and historic 19th-century Sailors’ Snug Harbor and take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. And of course, savor some of the best local eats along the way.

Leader: Richard Selden

An Artful Weekend in NYC

Sat., Aug. 22–Sun., Aug. 23

(on sale May 1)

An overnight escape to Manhattan that holds three art museums and an evening on your own in the city is the perfect late-summer retreat.

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Wed., Aug. 19–Sun., Aug. 23 (on sale April 1)

In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries turned Buffalo into a showcase for some of the most dazzling and innovative public and private architecture. A five-day tour surveys this rich heritage.

Leader: Bill Keene

Revolutionary Boston

September 2026 (on sale May 1)

Boston is where history comes alive along the Freedom Trail and at legendary Revolutionary War landmarks. Mark America’s 250th anniversary year in the city where the fight for independence began.

Leader: Fred Zilian

NYC Design and Architecture

Sun., Sept. 13–Mon., Sept. 14 (on sale May 1)

Experience how New York transforms its past into the future with a tour of repurposed railways, reimagined waterfronts, and cutting-edge architecture—from the High Line and Little Island to Hudson Yards, the Vessel, and the Edge—culminating in a skyline architecture cruise.

Leader: Bill Keene

St. Louis Up Close

Sept. 2026 (on sale April 1)

Step into the heart of America for a three-day, in-depth exploration where history echoes through landmarks from the soaring Gateway Arch to the vibrant neighborhoods shaped by immigration, innovation, and art. Uncover stories of exploration, civil rights, world fairs, and artistic triumphs that continue to shape the city's soul.

New York Cemeteries

Sun., Oct. 4–Mon., Oct. 5 (on sale June 1)

Explore the serene autumn landscapes of New York City’s most storied cemeteries on this two-day journey from Washington, D.C. From Green-Wood’s winding Victorian paths to Woodlawn’s grand mausoleums, uncover the legacies of artists, innovators, and notables laid to rest in these breathtaking outdoor museums.

Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota

Sat., Oct. 10–Wed., Oct. 14 (on sale April 1)

Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist. Follow the future president’s steps in these landscapes—filled with dramatic vistas, vividly colored canyons, and wandering herds of wild bison.

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam

Sat., Oct. 17–Sun., Oct. 18 (on sale June 1)

The beauty and culture of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley unfold as you ride the Virginia Scenic Railway, enjoy a performance at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, and wander through historic Staunton.

Leader: Lynn O’Connell

All Eyes on Pittsburgh

Sun., Nov. 8–Tues., Nov. 10 (on sale June 1)

Art and culture take center stage during three days of discovery in the Steel City. Dive into the vibrant scene with a visit to the 59th Carnegie International exhibition, the Andy Warhol Museum, the lively National Aviary, and the bustling Strip District.

Leader: Richard Selden

Smithsonian Associates expert-led Study Tours offer one-of-a-kind in-person experiences. They’re the perfect way to learn more about the places and topics that fascinate you, and you’re sure to discover plenty of new favorites along the way.

Henri Rousseau at the Barnes Foundation

Known for his lush jungle scenes and imaginative compositions, Henri Rousseau was a self-taught artist whose work defied convention and captivated generations of Modernists. Art historian Ursula Wolfman takes you into his vibrant world at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia with the special exhibition “Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets.”

Featuring more than 40 paintings, drawings, exhibition uncovers how Rousseau used illustrated books, photographs, and visits to zoos and botanical gardens to craft his dreamlike imagery. The show is the result of a research project focused on the 18 Rousseau works in the Barnes collection and was co-organized with the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, which houses the collection of art dealer Paul Guillaume. Guillaume sold many Rousseau paintings to Dr. Albert Barnes and kept others for himself: The exhibition reunites these works for the first time in more than 100 years.

Following the exhibition tour, enjoy time to explore the permanent collection—home to over 3,000 works, including pieces by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso—arranged as Barnes intended. Artworks are shown in conversation with African sculptures, Native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative arts.

A private lunch at the museum is included. Sun., Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-003; Members $226; Nonmembers $286

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

An Artful Weekend in New York

The Frick Collection, Neue Galerie New York, and Morgan Library & Museum

Discover three of New York City’s most renowned cultural treasures, starting with the Frick Collection, recently reopened after four years of restoration.

Upon arrival in the city, spend an immersive afternoon at the Frick, self-guiding through its remarkable range of artwork spanning from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Wander through masterpieces by Old Masters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Goya and the collection of decorative arts and period rooms. These beautifully preserved spaces offer a glimpse into the lavish lives of New York’s Gilded Age elite. The heart of the Frick, the serene Garden Court, provides a peaceful retreat year-round.

Sunday morning begins with a private tour before opening hours of the Neue Galerie New York’s main collection and a special exhibition, “German Masterworks from the Neue Galerie.” The exhibition showcases significant German art from 1890 to 1940, highlighting movements like Die Brücke, Der Blaue Reiter, Neue Sachlichkeit, and Bauhaus. Works by Kirchner, Kandinsky, Dix, and Klee are featured, along with a powerful piece by Felix Nussbaum that reflects the horrors of the National Socialist era.

The Morgan Library & Museum’s architectural histor y is as rich as its collections of over 350,000 illuminated manuscripts, rare books, literary and historical manuscripts, music manuscripts, and drawings, spanning from antiquity to the present day. Designed in 1904 by architect Charles Follen McKim for banking magnate Pierpont Morgan, the private library has a collection that includes original manuscripts by Charles Dickens and Leonardo da Vinci. A guided tour of the museum offers a curated exploration of its treasures, followed by time to explore on your own.

Tour participants stay at the Art Deco–era Hotel Edison in the heart of the Theater District. The location is perfect for visiting the TKTS booth for discount tickets to a show on Saturday evening, which is yours to fill. An early three-course supper is included before you set off on Sunday.

Sat., Jan. 24, 8 a.m.–Sun., Jan. 25, 10:30 p.m., by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-FNM; Members $717; Nonmembers $956

A Gutenberg Bible at the Morgan Library & Museum

Bus Tour

The Sleeping Gypsy (detail) by Henri Rousseau, 1897

Living Hall, the Frick Collection, New York

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

An Art Lover’s Day Out

The Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art Baltimore is a destination for art lovers, boasting world-class collections. Beat the winter blues and immerse yourself in the warmth of creativity at two of Baltimore’s cultural gems: the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Begin at the Walters, whose collection spans more than seven millennia, from 5000 B.C.E. to the 21st century. A special tour of the “Latin American Art/Arte Latinoamericano” exhibition is led by curator Ellen Hoobler. The exhibition presents more than 200 artworks from the museum’s expansive collection of art from South, Central, and North America and the Caribbean in one contiguous space for the first time in the museum’s history. An educator-led tour explores the history of the museum’s collection and some of its newly acquired works.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Baltimore Museum of Art, whose collections encompass 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art. The renowned Cone Collection is the museum’s crown jewel and focus of a docent-led tour. In the early 20th century, Baltimore sisters Claribel and Etta Cone forged close relationships with artists like Matisse and Picasso, ultimately amassing a collection of nearly 3,000 objects, including 500 works by Matisse. Once displayed in their Baltimore apartments, this collection now offers a deep look into the works. Free time is given to explore the special exhibition “Amy Sherald: American Sublime.” The exhibition tells the story of Sherald’s vision and practice through approximately 40 paintings, from early, rarely seen works to her renowned, larger-than-life portraits of Black Americans in everyday moments. Fri., Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-006; Members $191; Nonmembers $255

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Rooted: Origins of American Gardening

Whether it’s the memory of a grandparent’s backyard garden or a beloved family recipe that starts with a homegrown herb or vegetable, our personal, cultural, and horticultural traditions help shape how we garden. A celebration of gardening origin stories inspires the theme of this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” and is captured by creative designers of floral arrangements, lush gardens, and landscapes for visitors from around the world. Experience memories and magnificence in a day spent at the show. Started in 1829 by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the show is both the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event, known for acres of beautiful displays. In addition, the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show explores the traditions, practices, and personal journeys that shape our relationship with plants. Sustainable plant varieties and garden and design concepts are introduced at the show. It also offers horticulture and artistic floral arranging competitions, gardening presentations, lectures, demonstrations, and special events. Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads the tour. A gourmet box lunch is provided. Participants purchase their own supper before departure in the evening.

Fri., March 6, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-004; Members $199; Nonmembers $260

Cintli, Corn, Maíz (detail) by Jessy DeSantis, 2020

Frog pendant (detail), 800–1521

Bus Tour

The Jewish History of Washington, DC

Discover the deep-rooted and multifaceted history of Jewish life in the nation’s capital during a tour of key landmarks and institutions led by Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours. The day begins at the Capital Jewish Museum, where visitors gain a comprehensive introduction to Jewish life in the city from the 18th century to the present day. A guided walking tour of the historic 7th Street corridor, once a bustling center of Jewish-owned businesses, offers insight into the enterprising spirit that helped shape the neighborhood. Enjoy a stop for lunch at Loeb’s NY Deli, a classic Jewish deli.

Capital Jewish Museum

The tour continues past the Albert Einstein Memorial at the National Academy of Sciences and the Oscar Straus Memorial, commemorating the first Jewish member of a U.S. presidential cabinet and a champion of religious liberty. At the historic Sixth & I Synagogue, explore one of the city’s oldest Jewish houses of worship, now a vibrant hub for spiritual and cultural events.

Ride through Southwest Washington, including a brief stop at Arena Stage, co-founded by pioneering theater director Zelda Fichandler, whose progressive vision helped shape modern American theater. A visit to the Museum of American Jewish Military History rounds out an illuminating look at Jewish life and its legacy in Washington’s historic corridors.

Thurs., March 12, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1ND-002; Members $197; Nonmembers $260

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

5-Day Tour

The Splendors of Newport

Colonial Roots to Gilded Grandeur

Newport, Rhode Island, is one of America’s earliest colonial seaports and a cradle of both freedom and fortune. Founded in 1639, Newport flourished as a center of trade, religious tolerance, and revolutionary thought before transforming into the summer playground of America’s elite during the Gilded Age. Participants in a 5-day tour led by historian and guide Fred Zilian discover Newport’s layered history—from its cobblestone colonial streets and harborfront wharves to its grand seaside mansions that stand as monuments to an era of opulence and innovation.

Highlights of the tour include self-guided visits to four Newport mansions: The Breakers, the grand palatial residence of the Vanderbilts; The Elms, inspired by an 18th-century French château; Marble House, a dazzling symbol of wealth and artistry; and Rough Point and estate gardens, the eclectic home of heiress Doris Duke.

Connect with Newport’s natural splendor on the Cliff Walk, a trail where the rugged Atlantic shoreline meets the manicured lawns of magnificent estates, offering sweeping views that capture Newport’s blend of wild beauty and refined elegance. Experience the coastline from a different perspective aboard a harbor cruise and take in some of Newport’s most recognizable lighthouses.

Beyond the mansions, immerse yourself in Newport’s colonial roots during a guided walking tour led by the study leader, exploring the city’s historic streets. A guided visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, housed in the 19th-century Newport Casino, celebrates a beloved American pastime.

The Breakers

And during an evening at Newport Vineyards you’ll enjoy a tour of the winery and a tasting, followed by a farm-to-table buffet dinner. Sun., May 3, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 7, 3:30 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-NEW; Members $1,943 Nonmembers $2,590

5-Day Tour

The Road to Nashville

The capital of Tennessee and of country music, Nashville is a 21st-century boom town, a cultural melting pot that attracts residents from across the nation and around the world. If the Ken Burns documentary Country Music sparked an appetite to learn more about the form’s roots and influences, this tour led by arts journalist Richard Selden offers the perfect way to do it. Several key locations featured in the film are part of the itinerary.

The 5-day tour follows the road to Nashville through the twin cities of Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee, home of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, with a stop at the Patsy Cline Historic House in Winchester, Virginia, on the return trip.

In Nashville, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and enjoy a performance at the Grand Ole Opry from the best seats in the house. Explore beyond the music scene with a driving tour of the city’s architectural landmarks that includes the Tennessee State Capitol and Downtown Presbyterian Church, both by 19th-century architect William Strickland, and the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park. And it wouldn’t be a trip to Nashville without sampling both the traditional Southern food and contemporary cuisine for which the city is noted.

The group stays two nights in Nashville and one each in Bristol and Roanoke. The tour departs from Washington, D.C.

Sun., March 15, 8 a.m.–Thurs., March 19, 6 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-NAS; Members $2,234; Nonmembers $2,610

Other highlights of this one-of-a-kind visit include:

• A backstage tour of the Ryman Auditorium, dubbed the “Mother Church of Country Music”

• Access to the Opry’s exclusive Circle Room lounge before and during the show, where you can sample bites from some of Nashville’s favorite restaurants, enjoy complimentary drinks, meet one of the evening’s performers, and receive a commemorative photo to take home

• A driving tour along Lower Broadway, home of landmarks including the Ernest Tubb Record Shop and Tootsies Orchid Lounge, the legendary honky-tonk that’s a country music institution

• A visit to the Johnny Cash Museum, displaying a comprehensive collection of Man in Black memorabilia

• A group experience at Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop founded in 1879 that has produced iconic posters for the Grand Ole Opry, fairs, circuses, and musical acts

• A visit to the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, the 1928 movie palace that helped launch the career of fiddler Roy Acuff

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

A performance at the Grand Ole Opry

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

Patsy Cline Historic House, Winchester, Virginia

Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville

6-Day Tour

Outdoor Arizona

Geology, Architecture, and Natural Beauty

Meet in Arizona and embark on a springtime exploration of some of the Grand Canyon State’s best-known sites (as well as hidden gems) that highlight its rich ecology, geology, stunning landscapes, and architectural masterworks. Wayne Ranney, a geologic educator, author, lecturer, and trail and river guide, leads the outdoor adventure.

DAY 1: Participants arrive in Phoenix. The tour opens with a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2: Start your Arizona explorations at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the state’s oldest and largest botanical garden, set in a beautiful natural environment along Queen Creek Canyon in the Sonoran desert. Next, uncover the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West. On a guided tour, learn about the innovative designs and philosophies that define this architectural masterpiece set against a desert backdrop.

DAY 3: Delve into geology and history in Sedona, where red-rock formations and vibrant landscapes inspire awe. Take a Jeep tour into the canyons; view the hilltop chapel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright; travel scenic route 89A; and enjoy free time for lunch in the culinary mecca of Sedona. Move on to Flagstaff, your home base for the next three nights.

DAY 4: Travel to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and set off on a 3-mile walk along the scenic Rim Trail with your study leader. Learn about the canyon’s formation and the unique ecosystems that thrive here and spend some free time at the visitor’s center. End the day with dinner in the park.

DAY 5: Visit Antelope Canyon X, known for its breathtaking light beams and swirling sandstone formations. This slot canyon is on Navajo land steeped in cultural significance. A guided tour includes insights into the nation’s traditions and the geology of the area. Stop at Horseshoe Bend, formed over thousands of years through erosion of the Colorado River, showcasing both natural beauty and geolog ical processes at work.

DAY 6: After a visit to Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, share your tour experiences over a farewell meal at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the Phoenix airport for your flight home.

Sat., April 25, 6 p.m.–Thurs., April 30, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-ARZ; Members $2,581; Nonmembers $3,300

NOTE: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Phoenix.

Horseshoe Bend

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Antelope Canyon X

Effective April 1, 2025

Smithsonian Associates Membership Levels and Benefits

Members-only priority program registration before programs go on sale to the public (some exclusions apply)

Ability to purchase one registration per program at the discounted member price

Subscription to the monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide

Subscription to the monthly Smithsonian Associates digital program guide

Access to members-only in-person and online programs

Access to free Associates in-person and online programs as available (notification sent via email)

3-day viewing access to Associates Encores recordings of online programs (some exclusions apply)

Subscription to the Smithsonian Associates Digital Digest

Ability to purchase up to four registrations per program at the discounted member price

Smithsonian magazine delivered to your home

Ability to purchase up to six registrations per program at the discounted member price

Member discounts on Art Collectors Program fine-art prints

Advance digital copy of the monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide

Two complimentary registrations for an online program, in-person lecture, or performance (value equal to $35 per registration or less)

Priority consideration for wait-listed programs (some exclusions apply)

Advance registration for high-demand programs (notification sent via email)

Ability to participate in Smithsonian Summer Camp registration lottery

Two complimentary registrations for a Smithsonian Insider event

No $3 phone order processing fees for program registrations conducted over the phone

Monthly donor preview digital communications for select upcoming programs

NEW: Registration access to complimentary Associates Insider Tours in Washington, D.C. (notification sent via email)

Copy of the Smithsonian’s annual report

Recognition on the Smithsonian Associates website, in the program guide’s annual donor list, and on the annual plaque at our headquarters in Washington, D.C.

One gift membership at the Explorer level to give to a family member or friend (restrictions apply)

Reserved seating at most Smithsonian Associates in-person programs

Invitations to backstage meet-and-greets at select Smithsonian Associates in-person programs

Dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and program registration

Invitation for two to the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend

Recognition in the Smithsonian’s annual report

Four complimentary registrations for an online program or in-person lecture (value equal to $35 per registration)

Additional 20% discount on member prices for Art Collectors Program fine-art prints

Two gift memberships at the Explorer level to give to family members or friends (restrictions apply)

Special event invitations as available

Quarterly Director’s Roundtable digital communications (opportunities to gather in person when applicable)

Invitation to a private event with members of Associates’ leadership

Individuals

Director’s Circle

Dr. Sandra B. and Mr. Ronnie A. Nichols

Benefactor

Alan and Barbara Bellack

Evelyn Blackmon

Erin Collier

Rick and Carol Froehlich

Susan Janssen

Tricia Jones

Walter and Elizabeth Lohmann

Partner

John Ates

Linda and Jim Beers

Marc and Susan Benezra

Andy Black and Laurie Trautner-Black

Margaret Burnett

Barton and Jessica Clark

Thomas and Virginia Collier

Deborah Copito

Sue and Amnon Golan

Rosemary Haas

Jack and Arlene Hermansen

Dr. Robert D. Hevey Jr.

Paula Huber and Francis Sheehan

David and Brenda Humm

Lowell and Celia Jacoby

Okhee Kim

Laurence and Barbara Miller

Wanda and Roger Monthey

The Singletary Family

Paula Thiede

Kenneth Zemrowski and Susan MacKeen

Sponsor

Anonymous

David Apatoff and Nell Minow

Dr. Christopher R. Armstrong

William Ballard

Karen Barker and George Marcou

Ms. Jane Barrow

Karen Bartman

Janet Baxter

Danielle C. Beach

Alan and Kyle Z. Bell

Ann D. Berkowitz

Sue Berryman

Elizabeth Board

Jere Broh-Kahn

Smithsonian Associates Recognizes Our Generous Donors

Special thanks to the individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations whose support makes the work of the Smithsonian Associates possible. Through them, we’re able to continue to bring programs that offer opportunities for discovery, enrichment, and knowledge to audiences of all ages nationwide. We gratefully acknowledge the donors who made gifts between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

Henry Brothers and Catherine Landry

David L. Buckley

Rosalind Carelli

Marlene Carlson

Stephen Chavez

John Chester

John E. Clark and Robin A. Parker

Mark Colley

Judith Corley

Regina A. Corso

Charles and Candace Cowan

Dr. Daniel A. Cronin

Sean Dail and Maryann Dulick

John and Diane DePodesta

Ted Doyle

Joseph and Beth Earle

Ronald and Maureen Early

Jason and Marci Eaton

Caroline Eiting

Dennis and Patricia Eker

Jean Espenshade

Carol A. Farris

Constance Filling

Louise Finch

Dennis Gallagher and Carol Barthel

Ms. Elizabeth Gemmill

Robert and Mary Jane Glass

Ted Gold and Margaret Gering

Ms. Wendy Goldberg

Ronnyjane Goldsmith

David Granite and Mary Lou Oster-Granite

Catherine Green

Hon. Robert F. Hale and Mrs. Susan Hale

Nancy Hight

Joseph and Lynne Horning

Ms. Cynthia C. Hull

William Huneke

Carolyne Hyde

Charles Jacobs

Frederick Jacobsen and Lillian Comas-Diaz

Elizabeth Janthey

Bruce E. Johnson

John Johnson and Lawrence Reynolds

Dr. Marsha Kaplan

Lou and Irene Katz

Robert Keith

Kristen Kennedy

John and Ann Kilian

Stephen and Mary Sue Kitchen

James LaBaugh

Ms. Jane Lang

Frank Maddox and Glenda Finley

Charmaine Martin

Catherine McClave

Michael McCormick

Katherine McCune

Joseph and Jo Anne Missal

Maizy Myers

Paul and Teresa Nelson

Daniel and Marie-Jo Newlon

Jill Norton

Berniece Patterson

Tracy Perreten

Mary Peters

Evelyn Petschek

Lucy Phillips

William and Brenda Romenius

Jeanne Rosenthal

Margaret Salazar-Porzio

Stacey Schacter

Jason Schaff

Sandra K. Schlachtmeyer

Carol Shivers

Thalia Sinnamon

Michael Smith

Robert and Annelise Smith

Sandra Smith

Wendy Smith and Gary Fitch

Ray and Lynne Sousa

Jennifer Speers

Harry H. Spence

Juno Spira

Chris and Robin Steis

Suzanne Stetkevych

Ellen Stichter

John and Eunice Thomas

Smithsonian Associates’ 60th anniversary year was a journey of learning that brought audiences and presenters together to spark curiosity, conversations, and connections.

Our anniversary programs delivered experiences that brought participants to all corners of the world—and into periods from prehistory to the current moment.

Together, we explored America’s history and the people who shaped it; the heritage of global cultures; the past, present, and future of the planet; creativity across the centuries; and the ever-evolving world of science. These adventures were fueled by the loyalty and generosity of our audience, friends, and members— particularly donors in our Circle of Support.

To all of you, our deepest thanks.

Kathryn Torg

Stefan and Marilyn Tucker

James and Patricia Turner

Dr. Joseph Verbalis

Michael and Janice Ward

Ms. Carol A. Wilen

Jon and Sandy Willen

Michelle and Billy Yarborough

Patron

Drs. Michael and Judy Ackerman

J. Afram

Rosa Anselmo

Michael Arthur

Mark Ascione

William Aseltyne

Hilda and William Bank

Jeffrey Barnes

Barbara Baumann

Nancy C. Beckley

Anje Berger and Eileen Hanrahan

Richard Bernal

Brian Biles and Diane Rowland

Maury Bohan

Kimball Brace

Kevin and Jacqueli Brand

Timothy Brennan

Stevan Bunnell and Laura Hills

Norma Cirincione

John Claringbould

Gregory Collins

Hilary Coman

Robert Cover and Bonnie Lepoff

Madelyn Creedon

Deborah Dale

Mary Davidson

Christine DeLong-Carr

Paul and Susan Edmondson

Gregory Fabian

Director Fredie Adelman guided donors through an illustrated timeline showcasing Smithsonian Associates’ milestones and memories through six decades. The timeline remains on view at the Ripley Center through the end of the year.

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES

LIFELONG LEARNING

PHOTOGRAPHY:

C u l ture + Ideas

Recognizing Our Generous Donors

Leading Experts

Fans of “The Great British Baking Show” were treated to a special evening in October when best-selling author and show host Paul Hollywood sat down with Washington Post food and dining editor Joe Yonan at the University of the District of Columbia for a lively conversation about his career and recipes for every holiday occasion. Smithsonian Associates’ donors enjoyed an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet following the event.

Curtis Fetty and Susan Yeager

Michael Foley

Robert Frantz

Suzan Friedman

David and Carolyn Gambrel

Kristiana Garcia

Charles and Julia Gill

Judy Gillette

Marcia Glauberman

Meghan Goldenberg

Jeff Grayson

Ken and Cindy Graziani

Robert Grimes

Janine Hackett

Kathleen Hanrahan

Chuck Hess

Carla Hogan

David and Alice Holland

Gary Hucka

Cathy Hurwit

Alan Jacobson

David and Patricia Jernigan

Norma Jo Johnson

Walter and Mary Johnston

Dianne Jordan

Michael and Erna Kerst

Kenneth Kuhn

George Kush and Margaret Snowdon

Barbara Kyse

Nikki Lakner

David LaMar and Terri Crowl

Roger and Linda Lark

Robert and Bonnie Lesnick

Jeffrey and Rachel Liang

Courtney Lix

James Loots

Ralph Lopez and Linda Marks

Jennifer Lyons

David and Lisa Markland

Warren and Diane MartonI

Devra and Jay Martus

David Mccullin

John McFarland

Nancy McGinness

Adventurous Destinations

On a six-day Smithsonian Associates spring tour led by geologic educator Wayne Ranney, participants discovered Arizona’s iconic landscapes, hidden gems, and rich natural history—an unforgettable exploration of the Grand Canyon State.

Anne McKenzie

Sheila Meehan

Antoinette Miller

James Mitchell

David and Philaine Nexon

James Noone

Maura O'Leary

Martin Petri and Marta Hidalgo

Arlene Pietranton

Scott and Susan Puritz

Sue Reamer

Lola Reid

Christine C. Reynolds

Erin Richardson and Josh Peters

Stephen Roberts and Lisa Polisar

Arthur Rubin and Elizabeth York

Alicia Saffer

Suzanne Schiffman

Lyn Schlitt

Marie Schram

Lori Schue

Richard Seldin

Sandra Sellers

Cynthia Shields

Kathryn Simon

Stan Sobel and Elizabeth Nicholas

Roger Soles and Carol Bursik

John Stephens

George and Susan Stimak

Floyd and Dena Stoner

L. E. Strickling

Erica Striebel

Lydon and Roberta Swartzendruber

Nancy E. Tate

Denny Truesdale and Jerilyn Levi

Ivan Velev and Martine Wauters

Margaret Wagner

Christine White

James and Anne Williams

Karan Williams and Lawrence Mason

Robert and Elaine Woodward

Dr. Linda J. Young

PHOTOGRAPHY: NORWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY: SMITHSONIAN STAFF/VOLUNTEER

Smithsonian Associates

Legacy Society

Patrons who express their support for the future of Smithsonian Associates in their estate plans by including bequests, charitable gift annuities, or other deferred gifts are invited to be a member of our Legacy Society. These dedicated individuals perpetuate Smithsonian Associates’ unparalleled access to the Smithsonian's world of knowledge through innovative, engaging programming that promotes learning, enrichment, and creativity for people of all ages.

Anonymous

Ralph and Birdie Albers *

Kenneth and Lorraine Appleton

Andy Black and Laurie Trautner-Black

Ms. Katherine Boyd

Jere Broh-Kahn

Linda Cullen

Genevra Davis *

Edward and Rachel Eitches

Beverly Feeser *

Grace Ferrill *

Joseph Fischer

Becky J. Fredriksson

Sallie L. Holder

Ms. Florence R. Joseph*

Shirley Loo

Associates Insider Tours

Members at the Patron level and higher enjoyed complimentary Insider Tours this past year to a dozen Washington-area locations, including (clockwise from top): the Mexican Cultural Institute, Renwick Gallery, Goddard Space Flight Center, and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument. Tours for 2026 are in the early planning stages.

William and Judy Lyzak

Linda Massaro

Lowell and Dorothy McDysan *

Eleanor McMillan *

Eugene Miller *

Judith Monte

Renee Nelson and Barbara Cronin

Jane Northern

Harry Rosenthal

Robert and Deanne Seward

Siewchin Yong Sommer

Beverly Weber

Angela Weisskopf

Jon and Sandy Willen

Douglas and Laura Wolford * - In memoriam

C u l ture + Ideas

Corporations, Foundations, Organizations, and Individuals

The following corporations, foundations, organizations, and individuals have made contributions to Smithsonian Associates during fiscal year 2025 through matching gifts, direct program support, gifts-in-kind, or unrestricted contributions at the Sponsor level and above.

Anonymous

David E. Austen

Mark and Phyllis Breese

Sy DuBow and Estelle Quain

Jean Espenshade

Robert Fabia and Kathy Aram

David Fountain and Stella Lam

Robert and Mary Jane Glass

Jane Guiliano

Lowell and Celia Jacoby

Dr. Marsha Kaplan

Nikki Lakner

Lohmann Family Charitable Fund

Ms. Charmaine Martin

Dr. Mara and Mr. Bruce Mayor

Laura Peebles and Ellen Fingerman

Edwina Sebest

Jocelyn Seller

Peter W. Sowa

Taiwan Tourism Administration

The Nora Roberts Foundation

Adele M. Thomas Charitable Foundation

Carolyn Wheeler

Smithsonian Associates appreciates the support of each individual, corporation, foundation, and organization listed here. We strive to be as accurate as possible, but as in any such listing, it is possible for errors to occur. If we listed your name incorrectly or inadvertently omitted your name, please bring it to the attention of the Office of Development immediately by emailing DonorServices@si.edu, so we may correct our records.

If you would like to make a gift to Smithsonian Associates or would like more information on ways to give, contact the Office of Development at 202-633-3440. You can also find additional information online at SmithsonianAssociates.org

PHOTOGRAPHY: SMITHSONIAN STAFF/VOLUNTEER

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Tues., Dec. 2 and 9

The Films of Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster

Thurs., Dec. 4 and 11

Tues., Feb. 3–March 3

Masterpieces of the

Tues., Feb. 3, Wed., Feb. 4, and Thurs., Feb. 5

Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Thurs., Feb. 5–26

Origins of Western Art: Greek to Christian

Feb. 8, 15, and 22

Gardens of the World

Wed., Feb. 18–March 11 Caravaggio: The Rebel Who Changed Baroque Art

Mon., Feb. 23, March 30, and April 27

Jan. 23–Feb.

Huns, Franks, and Anglo-Saxons

Lectures and Seminars—Single

Planner (New listings

and Multi-Session

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org for more details

MEMBERSHIP Depending on your level of support, you will receive special benefits, including significant savings on most Smithsonian Associates program registrations and a monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide, and much more. Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/join for more information. Become a member today!

REGISTRATION FOR PROGRAMS

Online.......................SmithsonianAssociates.org

Phone .........................202-633-3030, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Phone registration orders are subject to a $3 handling fee.

CONTACT US

Email CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org

Mail Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293

Phone 202-633-3030, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

ZOOM PROGRAM LINKS

Confirmed registrants receive an email from no-reply@zoom.us at least 24 hours prior to the program date that provides a link to join your session on Zoom.

PROCESSING FEES

All program registrations are subject to a 10% processing fee to defray administrative costs. Registrants will see this fee applied during the checkout process. Exclusions are transactions for Discovery Theater, Smithsonian Summer Camp, Studio Arts, and Study Tours.

CREDIT TO YOUR SM ITHSON IAN ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT

Credit for cancellations or exchanges are only available for orders that cost more than $40. If in compliance with the specific guidelines below, credit is issued to your Smithsonian Associates account, not your credit card. Credits are non-transferable.

Important note: Cancelling your program in the Zoom personal link that you received does not initiate the Smithsonian Associates credit or refund process. Please contact Customer Service via email at least two weeks in advance to request a change to your registration

For all Smithsonian Associates online programs, study tours, and Studio Arts classes: If you wish to cancel or exchange an order costing more than $40, please contact Customer Service via email at least two weeks before the program date to request a credit. Please note that there is a $10 cancellation fee, as well as a cost adjustment when there is a price difference if you are applying your credit to another program.

Courses: To receive credit to your Smithsonian Associates account for a course, (excluding Studio Arts classes), please contact Customer Service via email at least two weeks before the first session. Credit will also be issued within two weekdays after the first session, provided that Customer Service is contacted within that period. Credit will be prorated to reflect the cost of the first session. No credit will be given after the second session.

REFUNDS are only issued when a program is cancelled or if it sells out before we receive your order.

CHANGES I N PUBLISHE D SCHE DU LES Smithsonian Associates reserves the right to cancel, substitute speakers and session topics within a course, and reschedule any program, if needed. Occasionally, a time or date of a program must change after it has been announced or registrations have been reserved. Participants are notified by email. Check SmithsonianAssociates.org for latest updates.

MOVING? If you are receiving our print publications, please email or write us with your new information and allow 6 weeks for the change of address to take effect.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO Smithsonian Associates reserves the right to take photographs or videos (or audio) during programs for the educational and promotional purposes of the Smithsonian Institution or authorized third parties. By attending a program, the participant agrees to allow their likeness to be used by Smithsonian Associates or Smithsonian-authorized third parties without compensation to the participant. Participants who prefer that their voice and/or image not be used must notify us in writing prior to the beginning of the program.