Smithsonian Associates February 2026 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.

Smithson saw the new institution as a place uniquely dedicated to learning. And from its founding 60 years ago, Smithsonian Associates has been committed to the same goal: creating opportunities for learning for people of all ages.

Your own legacy gift—of any size—will ensure that we are able to continue that vital work for current and future generations. And at the same time, you’ll be able to take advantage of income and tax benefits for yourself and your heirs.

The Benefits of Planned Giving

By joining the Associates Legacy Society you can:

• Specifically designate your gift to support Smithsonian Associates.

• Retain control of your assets during your lifetime.

• Change your beneficiaries at any time.

• Provide for the people in your life.

• Make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one.

Members also receive invitations to special programs and Smithsonian Associates learning experiences.

Begin the Conversation

We invite you to connect with us and learn more about how planned giving through the Associates Legacy Society can play a significant role in your future—and ours.

Please contact Elizabeth Moloney, Director of Advancement, at (202) 633-8697 or DonorServices@si.edu.

Dear Friends and Members,

In one of his most famous poems, Robert Burns proclaims, “O my Luve is like a red, red rose.” The floral duet on the cover captures the timeless spirit of love that fills February— whether it’s expressed in a lilting Scots accent or sent as a bright little emoji blooming across a phone screen.

This month’s guide includes programs with a romantic theme: a look at how our ancient ancestors navigated the worlds of love and sex (p. 3) and a history that traces how Valentine’s Day evolved from pagan origins into the contemporary celebration filled with flowers, heart-shaped chocolate boxes, and cards both elaborate and homemade (p. 4).

At Smithsonian Associates, our Valentine’s wish is that you always find something that speaks to what you love in our monthly offerings. Whether you’re a fan of Revolutionary-era American history (p. 11), fine wines (pp. 17, 23), orchestral concerts (p. 18), or orchids (p. 27), you’ll find programs that deepen your passions and make a chilly winter day feel a little warmer.

In turn, I’d like to tell you some of the things we love at Associates: the sound of applause from an audience of second graders experiencing their first live performance at Discovery Theater. And the excitement of our young summer campers as they sprint across the National Mall to get an insider’s look at one of the Smithsonian museums that they’ll never forget.

Sparking curiosity and learning at every stage of life inspires us to keep creating moments that invite every learner to fall in love with the joy of discovery again and again. Your enthusiastic support continues to make that possible—and we genuinely love that.

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

February 2026

On the cover: Two Roses 1997 color etching by Art Hansen

This work and other small color etchings, linocuts, and engravings are part of the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors program. ArtCollectorsProgram.org

Programs with this icon showcase the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250 initiative that celebrates 250 years of American independence in 2026

Programs with this icon showcase the Smithsonian’s world of knowledge and long-term initiatives

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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.

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

Mount Fuji

The picture-perfect snowcapped cone of Mount Fuji has attracted Japanese artists and pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Jacobs examines the history of human influences on this dormant volcano and its dynamic—and symbolic—role in Japanese history, including the elaborate network of Shinto and Buddhist shrines that that have drawn countless pilgrims from far away.

Wed., April 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-539; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Great Barrier Reef

Stretching for more than 1,400 miles across the northeastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is home to the world’s largest coral reef system as well as an extraordinary range of marine life. Jacobs highlights the geological and biological evolution of the reef, its evolving cultural importance, and the manmade and environmental forces that now threaten its existence.

Tues., May 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-546; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Potala Palace, Tibet

Roman and other ruins at Palmyra, Syria

Mount Fuji, Japan

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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

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. This lecture discusses mature themes. Registrant discretion is advised.

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

Liberty in the Cane Fields

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.

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.

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

Your programs...your time

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

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 country’s first emperor, Jean-Jacques Dessalines, on Haitian currency

Prince Edward by Hans Holbein, 1539

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

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

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.

Illustration from The Underground Railroad, 1872

Carthage

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.

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

Valentine’s Day

A Very Short History

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

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other holiday. Andrew Roth, scholar-inresidence 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America

Alexis de Tocqueville (detail) by Théodore Chassériau, 1850

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

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

Truman and the Atomic Bombing of Japan

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

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 longstanding 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

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

Classical China 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, 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

Portrait of Catherine de' Medici, ca. 1560

Jackie Robinson in 1949

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.

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

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

Presidential Places Road Trips Into History

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 unexpected locations along with mansions, museums, and memorials too numerous to mention.

Tues., Feb. 24, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-173; 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

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

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

King George III by Allan Ramsay, 1765

The Impact of World War I on America

Sinking of the Lusitania, 1915

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

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 & 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.

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.

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 1H0-893; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Ephrata: A Town Like No Other

A Radical Utopian Experiment in Early America

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

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 1NV-170; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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 Anglo-Saxons, 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

Saving Yellowstone

The Complexities of Creating a National Icon

In 1871, Smithsonian-backed geologist Ferdinand Hayden led scientists into Yellowstone Basin, one of the last unmapped places on the continent, seeking proof of majestic landscapes and natural wonders. Hayden urged Congress to claim the land and place it under the Department of the Interior, an unprecedented extension of federal authority. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone Act into law with little fanfare.

Megan Kate Nelson, author of Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America, traces its transformation from wilderness to national icon. She highlights conflicts, from Sitting Bull defending Hunkpapa Lakota rights to railroad magnate Jay Cooke seeking expansion. Nelson critically examines the Yellowstone Act, showing that while national parks are hailed as “America’s best idea,” support has never been unanimous.

Wed., March 11, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-179; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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 five people. It’s short and punchy—just 1,310 words long—but still somehow daunting and difficult to fully understand.

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 score-settling, 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 Lady Bird Special

In October 1964, a 19-car campaign train dubbed the Lady Bird Special left Washington, D.C., bound for New Orleans. Lady Bird Johnson made history as the first presidential spouse to take a leading role on the campaign trail. Her mission was to aid her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, in territory roiling with animosity after his signing of the Civil Rights Act three months earlier. Her whirlwind tour, making 47 stops through eight states in four days, aimed not just to garner votes for Lyndon in the November election but to help bridge the divide.

Historian Shannon McKenna Schmidt follows the Lady Bird Special’s journey into the Southern politics of the day. Schmidt’s new book, You Can’t Catch Us: Lady Bird Johnson’s Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her (Sourcebooks), is available for purchase.

Tues., March 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-080; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

The Plunder of Rome by Joseph-Noel Silvestre, 1890

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

Lady Bird Johnson at work in her office

WILLIAM HENRY

JACKSON

Yellowstone Basin, 1871

Oaxaca: Crossroads of a Continent

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 was one of the most famous woman sea captains of all time, 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.

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

The Camino de Santiago A Road of Faith

Spain’s Camino de Santiago is a 1,200year journey through history, faith, and geopolitics centered on the tomb of St. James the Apostle. Alongside Jerusalem and Rome, it ranked among medieval Christendom’s three great pilgrim destinations. Legends of miracles helped northern Spain assert a sacred legacy during wars and invasions, while pilgrim traffic fostered monastic growth and energized city life as believers trekked to the western edge of the known world.

After centuries of decline, the pilgrimage revived in the late 20th century, becoming both spiritual quest and cultural phenomenon. George Greenia, professor emeritus of medieval studies at William & Mary, highlights the history of this pilgrimage route and its continued popularity as a religious and secular destination for seekers of spiritual clarity.

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

Thurs., March 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-900; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Captain Cook and the Pacific Chronicles of Legendary Expeditions

The three voyages of maritime exploration undertaken by Captain James Cook from 1768 to 1779 were filled with high drama, tragedy, intrigue, and humor, and their stories have been retold for centuries. Justin M. Jacobs, professor of history at American University, places Cook and his world in historical context, highlights his substantive connections with the Polynesian world, examines his search for the “Great Southern Continent” and Northwest Passage, and analyzes social and political relationships both on board the ships and with the people of the many shores that were visited.

5-session series: Wed., March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-530; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Individual sessions: Wed., March 18 (CODE 1J0-530A); Wed., March 25 (CODE 1J0-530B); Wed., April 1 (CODE 1J0-530C); Wed., April 8 (CODE 1J0-530D); Wed., April 15 (CODE 1J0-530E); 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Santo Domingo convent, Oaxaca

Captain James Cook by Nathaniel Dance-Holland, 1776

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Soldier, Engineer, Architect, Scientist, Patriot

The Unsung Career of Quartermaster

Montgomery Meigs

Montgomery C. Meigs was one of the most influential yet underrated figures of 19th-century America, observes Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours. Renowned for energy, precision, and prickly determination, his legacy is stamped across the nation’s capital.

The American Revolution, Part 1

As quartermaster general of the Union Army, Meigs was indispensable to Abraham Lincoln—supplying and equipping more than 2 million troops. He also proposed transforming the Lee family estate at Arlington into a burial ground for Union soldiers.

Before the Civil War, Meigs served in the Army Corps of Engineers, working with Robert E. Lee on river surveys, fort construction, and Washington’s infrastructure. He masterminded the aqueduct system and oversaw the U.S. Capitol expansion and the Pension Office (now the National Building Museum). His final design was his own monumental tomb at Arlington, marked with the epitaph he chose: “Soldier, Engineer, Architect, Scientist, Patriot.”

Wed., March 18, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-180; Members $25; Nonmembers $35; Related tour: Montgomery Meigs in Washington, p. 55

Front Lines and Headlines

Three Women Reporters who Broke New Ground

In the mid-20th century, three trailblazing women journalists bore witness to the great changes happening and transformed readers’ understanding of the world. Martha Gellhorn stowed away in the bathroom of a Red Cross hospital ship to report from Omaha Beach on D-Day. Emily “Mickey” Hahn filed stories from Japanese-occupied Shanghai that transported American readers into the wartime life of a Chinese family. Rebecca West interviewed the sister of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s would-be assassin in 1930s Yugoslavia and then covered the Nuremberg trials. Journalist Julia Cooke shows how they not only found stories that others overlooked but also pioneered new ways of telling them.

Cooke's new book, Starry and Restless: Three Women Who Changed Work, Writing, and the World (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), is available for purchase.

Thurs., March 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1W0-001; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The American War of Independence freed the 13 British colonies in North America from British rule and set the stage for the United States’ bold experiment in self-government. Drawing on primary sources, historian Christopher Hamner traces the war from its roots in the crises of the 1770s through the opening campaigns of the war, culminating in the American victories at Trenton and Princeton and an examination of British strategy.

MAR 19 Opening Shots: The Boston Massacre, Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill

APR 23 Dunmore’s Proclamation: The Paradox of Freedom in the War of Independence

MAY 21 Christmas 1776: Trenton and Princeton

JUNE 25 British Strategy in the American War of Independence

In the fall, a second 4-part series carries the revolution from Valley Forge through Saratoga, Yorktown, and the challenges of civil–military relations in the early American Republic.

4-session series: Thurs., March 19, April 23, May 21, and June 25, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0142; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

Individual sessions: Thurs., March 19 (CODE 1D0-142A); Thurs., April 23 (CODE 1D0-142B); Thurs., May 21 (CODE 1D0-142C); Thurs., June 25 (CODE 1D0-142D); 6:45 p.m.; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Vikings and Their Legacy in America

Around the year 1000, explorer Leif Erikson crossed west from Greenland and made his way down the coast to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Viking activity in the Americas has been more precisely dated to 1021 by scientists examining a Norse settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. But there is more to the story of Norse exploration of North America. Historian Eleanor Barraclough digs into other evidence, such as an annal entry from the 14th century describing a ship that got blown by a storm from Labrador to Iceland. Barraclough also delves into the 19th-century afterlife of Viking adventures, when forgeries and fake Viking runestones, weapons, and armor turned up in areas where many people had Scandinavian roots.

Fri., March 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-057; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Montgomery C. Meigs

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull

Kensington Runestone

The Innocents of Florence

Florence’s Hospital of the Innocents, founded in 1445, was Europe’s first orphanage for abandoned children. In an era when children were often trafficked or left to roam the streets, an orphanage devoted to their care was a striking innovation. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the institution known as the Innocenti became a haven for more than 400,000 children across five centuries.

Joseph Luzzi, author of The Innocents of Florence: The Renaissance Discovery of Childhood and a professor of literature at Bard College, explores how the Innocenti revolutionized our understanding of childhood through its breakthroughs in childcare and childhood education. Luzzi covers the good and the bad of this groundbreaking humanitarian institution that helped shape education and childcare for generations to come.

Thurs., April 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-537; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Inside Story of a TopSecret American MiG Squadron

In the years following its disappointing air combat performance over Vietnam, the U.S. set out to improve its training of fighter pilots. Among the initiatives was a top-secret project launched in the late 1970s known as Constant Peg. The program pitted clandestinely obtained Soviet MiG-21s and MiG-23s flown by a cadre of highly experienced pilots—known as Red Eagles— against fighter pilots of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. Constant Peg helped set an unprecedented air-to-air kill ratio during Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rob Zettel, a Red Eagles veteran, shares an insider’s view of the project.

George Washington: Commander in Chief

On June 15, 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army. He held the post throughout the Revolutionary War, resigning on December 23, 1783. While the title is common in U.S. history,

Washington’s role was unique: Few leaders commanded both the nation’s principal field army and the military overall. Only Ulysses S. Grant briefly held a similar dual role during the Civil War.

Washington’s tenure lasted eight and a half years, marked by unprecedented challenges. The year 1777 proved pivotal, framed by victories at Trenton and Princeton and ending with his leadership after Saratoga and the march to Valley Forge. These events tested and strengthened him as commander in chief. Historian Kevin Weddle highlights how Washington’s experiences in 1777 prepared him for ultimate success and ensured American independence.

Tues., April 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-681; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Thomas Aquinas: Philosophy and Theology

Thomas Aquinas transformed the Western intellectual tradition through his vast philosophical and theological work, especially the Summa theologiae. His vision has shaped thinkers and religious believers from his own era to today. Grounded in Christian scripture, established doctrine, and the theological traditions of his time, Aquinas combined these sources with insights drawn from ancient philosophy and the emerging university methods of the medieval world.

Zettel’s new book, American MiG Pilot: Inside the Top Secret USAF Red Eagles MiG Squadron (Osprey Publishing), is available for purchase.

Thurs., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-059; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

His synthesis produced a strikingly original and sophisticated account of reality—one that explains the nature of God, the created world, and, crucially, the relationship between the divine and the human person. For Aquinas, human fulfillment lies in understanding and loving a God who ultimately surpasses comprehension. Aquinas scholar Scott MacDonald of Cornell University explores some of the bold and perennially relevant ideas fundamental to Aquinas’ distinctively philosophical theology.

Thurs., April 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-449; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Washington, Appointed Commander in Chief, Currier & Ives lithograph, 1876

The Hospital of the Innocents

St. Thomas Aquinas

The Collapse of Roman Britain

The cities, towns, and countryside of Britannia in 350 C.E. were part of a functioning, vibrant Roman province sustained by a robust economy, an expanding urban infrastructure, and all the cultural markers and creature comforts characteristic of the later Empire.

Those same cities and towns and country estates would be barely recognizable a hundred years later. Britain’s urban fabric lay in ruins, its Romanized economy disappeared, and its political culture was atomized, chaotic, and coming to be dominated by speakers of English.

How this once-prosperous province came to tumble out of the Roman Empire has long resisted easy answers. Historian Samuel Collins surveys what is known now and looks at the innovative ways in which new light is being shed on old problems in the fall of Roman Britain.

The Fall of the House of Romanov

Nicholas and Alexandra

In 1917, revolution shattered Russia, ending the 300-year Romanov dynasty and overthrowing Tsar Nicholas II. The monarchy’s collapse, accelerated by World War I and Nicholas’ weak leadership, culminated in the brutal murder of the imperial family at Ekaterinburg in 1918—a tragedy that continues to haunt history.

Thurs., April 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-903; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Walking the Underground Railroad

A Journey of Remembrance

In 1996, historian Anthony Cohen set out on an 8-week journey to explore the Underground Railroad, the secret network to freedom of enslaved self-liberators. Cohen traced the steps of freedom-seekers along wilderness trails and waterways, traveling by foot, boat, and rail across 5 states and 1,200 miles from Maryland to Canada. He stopped at towns along the way, visiting historic safehouses, African American communities, and Quaker sanctuaries, to chronicle stories of freedom through artifacts, documents, and oral accounts.

In 2026, on the 30th anniversary of his walk—and to mark the 250th celebration of the nation’s founding—Cohen retraces his historic trek to Canada, by foot, once again. He shares stories and images from his 1996 expedition and discusses his plans and aspirations for 2026’s journey of remembrance.

Mon., April 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1W0-003; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Historian Siobhan Clark explores the causes of the revolution, the Tsar’s failings, and the devastating impact on the Russian people. She examines the deep love between Nicholas and Alexandra, a bond that blinded them to reality and sealed their fate. She reflects on the four Romanov sisters, remembered as martyrs of a revolution, who were also innocent victims of a mother and father so divorced from reality that they unwittingly condemned their beloved family to a terrible fate.

Tues., April 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-450; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

How Maps Reveal (and Conceal) History

For over 500 years, America has been defined through maps. Whether handmaidens of diplomacy, tools of statecraft, instruments of social reform, or advertisements, these sources record efforts to make sense of the world. They invest information with meaning by translating it into visual form and in the process reflect decisions about how the world ought to be seen.

Above all, maps provide reminders that the past is not just a chronological story but also a spatial one. For these reasons, maps offer unique windows onto the past. Author and historian Susan Schulten explores some of the maps and stories that tell the story of American history.

Wed., April 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-901; 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.

Anthony Cohen

Map of New England, ca. 1624

Roman baths in Bath, England

Emperor Nicholas II of Russia and Empress Alexandra Fyodorovna, 1894

Designing for the First Ladies

Located in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, “The First Ladies” exhibition explores the unofficial but important position of first lady. Objects including gowns, tableware, and invitations from first ladies such as Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Barbara Bush, and Hillary Clinton tell the story of the first ladies as public and private figures. Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of the exhibition, brings this historic collection to life.

One designer holds the distinction of having two gowns in the collection. Hervé Pierre, a French-American fashion and costume designer, has designed for four United States first ladies since the 1990s: Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. Pierre shares his experiences.

Let Them Eat Myth

The Life and Legend of Marie Antoinette

Marie Antoinette’s life unfolds like a tragic opera. Born an Austrian archduchess, she married into Versailles at 14 and was executed before 40. Arriving as a symbol of Franco-Austrian alliance, her foreign origins haunted her reputation. Versailles was both theater and trap, where she navigated rigid etiquette, intrigue, and the impossible role of queen. She became France’s most visible—and vilified—figure, embodying grace, excess, fascination, and resentment.

Historian Alexander Mikaberidze re-examines her beyond caricature, revealing a complex political actor negotiating power, motherhood, and identity in revolutionary times. Through art, correspondence, and accounts, he shows how her image was constructed, weaponized, and transformed from scapegoat to enduring icon.

Thurs., April 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-455; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Mon., April 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-060; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Making Saints

The recent canonization of “millennial saint” Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 at age 15, demonstrates that the desire to venerate holy people is undimmed in the contemporary Catholic Church, says Kate E. Bush, a visiting assistant professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross. Bush explores how saints have been made through the centuries, detailing how Catholicism moved from accepting saints by popular acclamation to papal canonization. Even today, though, the devotion of everyday people is the main ingredient needed to make a saint, she argues.

And just as the youthful, internet-savvy Acutis reflects Catholic preoccupations today, Bush says, the saints of each era are a window through which the Catholic Church’s power and concerns are visible.

Wed., April 22, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-074; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

A Road Trip through U.S. History

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a document that proclaimed the liberty and equality of all human beings but produced a country that often failed to agree upon—or live up to—those ideals.

Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Beverly Gage made 13 trips throughout the country to visit museums, historic sites, roadside attractions, reenactments, and souvenir shops where Americans learn and argue about our history. Gage shares her experiences at locations such as Mound Bayou, Mississippi; Medora, North Dakota; and Dearborn, Michigan. She also examines key moments that define America’s greatest successes and challenges.

Gage’s new book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History (Simon & Schuster), is available for purchase.

Tues., April 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-541; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Melania Trump's 2017 inaugural ball gown designed by Hervé Pierre

Portrait of Marie Antoinette

Blessed Carlo Acutis shrine, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, London

Twirling Through Time: The Smithsonian Carousel, Restored

This spring, 55 colorful carved horses—plus one dragon—will again canter in circles on the National Mall when the Smithsonian Institution’s historic carousel returns after two years of restoration work. Built in 1947, the carousel was originally installed in Gwynn Oak Amusement Park outside of Baltimore. After years of protests by civil rights activists, the amusement park was desegregated on Aug. 28, 1963, the day of the March on Washington.

Cappadocia

In 1981, the carousel was moved to the National Mall. After the Smithsonian purchased it in December 2022, Carousels and Carvings, Ohio-based experts in carousel restoration and fabrication, disassembled the carousel to begin restoration work. The carousel’s return to the Mall is part of the Institution’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Carousels and Carvings owner and president Todd Goings illuminates the intricate process of refurbishing the carousel, including steps taken to preserve its visual integrity and history.

Thurs., April 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1W0005; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Civil War’s William T. and John Sherman Brothers at War

Most Americans are familiar with William T. Sherman, one of the most famous generals of the Civil War. Fewer are aware of his younger brother, John Sherman, who entered the U.S. Senate in 1861 and went on to become one of the longest-tenured officials in its history. For the Shermans, the Civil War was the central event of their lives—a conflict that became a true “brothers’ war” as each relied on the other during some of its darkest moments.

Historian Bennett Parten discusses how the Shermans navigated the Civil War, with both rising to personal and professional heights during the conflict. He also examines how they approached the war in its earliest days and how they revolutionized it, albeit in their own unique ways

Thurs., April 30, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-692; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Nature, History, and the Rise of Early Christianity Cappadocia in central Turkiye is best known for its surreal landscapes of sculpted tuff, fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities. Shaped over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion, these otherworldly formations have become both a geological wonder and a canvas for human creativity. But Cappadocia is more than just a natural marvel. Its valleys and rock-cut dwellings reveal a rich tapestry of history, from Hittite strongholds and Persian satrapies to Roman and Byzantine settlements. The region also played a vital role in the story of Christianity: The three theologians known as the Cappadocian Fathers helped shape Christian theology, while monastic communities carved entire sanctuaries into the rock.

Turkish tour guide Serif Yenen brings Cappadocia to life by weaving together its natural beauty, historical depth, and religious significance.

Thurs., April 30, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-543; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Sir Thomas More A Martyr for All Seasons?

In 1535, Sir Thomas More defied King Henry VIII of England and died on the scaffold for refusing to accept the king’s break with the Catholic Church. He was canonized in 1935, but recent scholarship has uncovered a darker side to More’s career as a persecutor of early Protestants in England. Modern views of More are far more nuanced than those in the famous portrayal of the saint in the 1966 film A Man for All Seasons, as seen in the negative picture of More in Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall

Sir Thomas More by Hans Holbein the Younger, 1527

Historian Jennifer Paxton explores More’s life and legacy, examining the ways in which he offers both a window onto the complexities of life in Tudor England and an example of political courage that still inspires today.

Thurs., April 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-456; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

John Sherman

William T. Sherman

The Western Theater of the American Civil War

Historically, most attention has been given to the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War—largely due to the presence of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee in the east and the fact that some of the costliest battles of the war were fought in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The Eastern Theater was also the location of the capitals of the United States and the Confederacy, and the war there was fought in the glare of politics and the press.

However, asserts military historian Kevin Weddle, the area west of the Appalachians and east of the Mississippi was at least as strategically important. He explains the significance of the Western Theater in the conflict, its primary campaigns and personalities, and the aspects that made it crucial to the war’s outcome.

Tues., May 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-693; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Ancient Maya: A New History

Maya history, once thought lost when Europeans first encountered ancient ruins, has been revived through the decipherment of hieroglyphics. Historian and archaeologist David Stuart, a leading figure in this achievement, offers a vivid account of Maya civilization from their own perspective. Drawing on indigenous texts and recent archaeological discoveries, he shows the Maya experienced cycles of growth and collapse spanning three millennia.

Stuart traces the emergence of rainforest settlements that blossomed into monumental architecture and thriving urban centers during the Classic period. He highlights the grandeur of royal courts, bound by alliances, marriages, and wars, particularly between the Kaanul and Mutul dynasties. Their rivalry shaped kingdoms and contributed to the “Great Rupture” of the 9th century.

Stuart is professor of Mesoamerican art and writing and director of the Mesoamerica Center at the University of Texas at Austin. His book The Four Heavens: A New History of the Ancient Maya (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Wed., May 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-694; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Alcatraz: 250 Years on the Rock

Alcatraz is America’s most notorious island, and its most misunderstood, says historian John Martini. From its sighting by Europeans in 1769 through its present standing as the top ticketed attraction in San Francisco, its history is multi-layered.

Martini uncovers the island’s infamous past as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and its lesser-known roles as a Civil War fortress, political prison for Confederate sympathizers, and military prison for defiant U.S. Army soldiers and Native American warriors.

Martini also covers the Native American occupation of 1969–1971; Alcatraz in American popular culture; the seldom-seen tunnels; its evolution as a National Park site; the island’s resurgent natural life; and the challenges of preserving its aging infrastructure. Martini worked as a National Park Service ranger for more than 25 years at sites including Alcatraz.

Wed., May 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-186; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Richard III

The Search for the “Real” King

Richard III has remained one of England’s most divisive monarchs for over five centuries. Was he a loyal protector or the ruthless usurper immortalized by Shakespeare? Newly surfaced letters hint that his nephews may have survived the Tower of London, while fresh reassessments renew suspicions of his guilt. The last English king to die in battle, Richard’s legacy is steeped in controversy.

Tudor and Shakespeare historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger explores his life as a medieval warrior, his role in averting civil war, and his conflicting portrayals on stage and screen. She examines the dramatic 2012 discovery of his remains beneath a parking lot in the English city of Leicester, the disputes over his royal reburial, and the ongoing debates—including a 2025 court case—about how Richard is remembered and why his story still matters.

Thurs., May 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-458; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Siege of Vicksburg-Assault on Fort Hill by Thure de Thulstrup

King Richard III, 16th-century portrait

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

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

Winter Wine Adventures A

FEB 20 Outstanding Oregon

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

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

Spend two 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.

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.

Individual sessions: 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.

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

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.

For a full season overview visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

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, Shostakovich, and Beethoven, Sat., Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m.; Music of Haydn, Bartók, and Beethoven, Sat., April 11, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., April 12, 6:30 p.m.

Masterworks of Three Centuries

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 mid-April. 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: Music of Haydn and Brahms, Sat., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., the Smithsonian Academy Orchestra, Kenneth Slowik, conductor (Location: St. Mark's Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.); Music of John Ward and Henry Purcell, Sun., March 15, 6:30 p.m., the Smithsonian Consort of Viols, Kenneth Slowik, Arnie Tanimoto, Ryan Cheng, Catherine Slowik, and Chelsea Bernstein; Sonatas of Johann Sebastian Bach, Sun., April 19, 6:30 p.m., Catherine Manson, violin; Kenneth Slowik, harpsichord

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: Kenneth Slowik, Marc Destrubé, Mark Fewer, and Joan DerHovsepian

Smithsonian Consort of Viols

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

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 its lasting influence.

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

Hamlet

“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

Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet is considered one of the greatest works in English literature. With such famous quotes as “To be, or not to be, that is the question,” “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” and “Brevity is the soul of wit,” this play about murder, revenge, and madness resonates with generations of readers (and viewers). Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, leads participants through a detailed exploration of this extraordinary work, focusing on Shakespeare’s philosophical brilliance, linguistic inventiveness, and ability to capture the most complex—and often unsettling—human emotions. Luzzi highlights how and why Hamlet remains one of the most beloved and frequently performed of Shakespeare’s plays.

Thurs., March 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-528; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Snow White from the 1937 Disney film

Saul Lilienstein

Frontispiece for Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

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 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

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

Stoic Philosophy

Lessons on Seeing, Thinking, and Living Wisely

Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that teaches that virtue, reason, and living in agreement with nature are the keys to a happy and flourishing life. A foundational idea of Stoicism is that people appear to go through life reacting directly to events.

That appearance is an illusion. Individuals react to their judgments and opinions—to thoughts about things—not to things themselves. Stoics seek to become conscious of those judgments, to find the irrationality in them, and to choose them more carefully.

Drawing from his book The Practicing Stoic: A Philosophical User’s Manual, Ward Farnsworth, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law, presents the heart of Stoic philosophy, offering practical insights about seeing more clearly, living more wisely, and bearing the burdens of life with greater ease.

Tues., March 31, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-684; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Beyond the Pint

A History of the Guinness Brand

The Guinness company was founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, marked by the signing of a 9,000-year lease on a rundown brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin. From these humble beginnings, the Guinness Brewery grew rapidly, becoming the largest brewery in the world by the 1880s.

Eibhlin Colgan, Guinness archive and heritage manager, traces the history of the company from the bold business decisions of its founder to the adoption of the Brian Boru harp as the official brand logo in 1862 to the pioneering social initiatives championed by later generations of management.

company van

Thurs., March 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-082; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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.

of Igor Stravinsky, Time magazine cover, 1948

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

Bust of Marcus Aurelius

Illustration

Guinness

Zeno of Citium, founder of Stoicism

Science, Death, and Tech in the World of James

Bond

For more than 70 years, the adventures of secret agent James Bond have thrilled readers and left them wondering if any of his escapades are actually possible. Author Kathryn Harkup, a former chemist, investigates 007’s exploits and the weapons, technologies, tactics, and downfalls of his various foes. She assesses the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair; whether being covered in gold paint really would kill you; and if your plan is to take over the world, whether it is better to use bacteria, bombs, or poison. One thing is certain: When you are masterfully combining science and a larger-than-life charismatic hero who fights villains, nobody does it better than Bond—James Bond.

Thurs., March 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-058; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

How the Internet Changed the Media

Media historian Brian Rose examines the many ways the internet has radically transformed the old media of newspapers, magazines, the recording industry, film, radio, and television. Rose traces how this digital revolution took place in such a short time and what lies ahead in the continually changing era of new media.

He explores questions such as whether printed newspapers will exist 10 years from now; if newsstands and bookstores will disappear as fast as record stores did; if movie theaters will continue to exist in their present form; and whether broadcast and cable TV will vanish, replaced entirely by streaming.

Mon., March 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-531; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Agatha Christie: A Century of Mystery

This year marks three major milestones for the Queen of Crime: the centenary of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, the 50th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s death, and 100 years since her mysterious disappearance. Christie remains the best-selling novelist of modern times, with over 2 billion books sold. Renowned for her ingenious plots and unforgettable detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, she authored 66 novels, 14 short story collections, and enduring plays like Christie’s 1926 disappearance captivated the world, ending in a puzzling reappearance at a Yorkshire spa. Intensely private, she once observed, “People should be interested in books, not their authors.” Author Daniel Stashower explores her legacy, while actors Scott Sedar and Bari Biern bring Christie’s beloved characters to life. It would be a crime to miss them.

Thurs., March 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-143; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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Model of Sean Connery with an Aston Martin DB5 at the London Film Museum

Agatha Christie, 1958

Elvis in Hollywood

From 1956 to 1969, Elvis Presley made 31 films, starring in all but one. That’s an extraordinary achievement, and it helped make him one of the wealthiest performers in Hollywood. But Elvis’ dream of being taken seriously as an actor was never fulfilled, thanks to the crass commercial instincts of his manager, Col. Tom Parker.

Media historian Brian Rose examines Presley’s Hollywood career, which started off with such promise in films such as King Creole and Jailhouse Rock but concluded with dozens of cheap, mediocre movies like Harum Scarum and Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Rose also looks at the musical highlights of Presley’s movies, including “Love Me Tender,” “Return to Sender,” and “Viva Las Vegas.”

Thurs., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-533; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Spring Wine Adventures

A New Season of Wines

APRIL 17 A South American Spring

The wine regions of South America all create world-class wines. Their uniting element is the influence of the Andes, stretching over 5,500 miles along the western coast of South America. This immense geological feature shapes the land and the flavors in the wines of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Peru. In this delicious seminar, you taste remarkable wines from both sides of the range.

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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.

MAY 22 The Coolest Wines from the Hottest Regions

Many of the world’s best winemakers are applying new techniques and technologies and thus changing the rules of winemaking. This seminar explores wines that are both literally and figuratively cool (from a cool climate and/or an exciting region) and hot (from a warm climate and/or popular wines) from some of the most influential producers around the globe.

JUNE 26 In a Burgundian State of Mind

Burgundy is considered one of the apex wine regions of the world. Outside of Burgundy, many producers use the Burgundian viticultural model as the benchmark for their wines. This deep dive examines the styles of Burgundian wines and the viticultural and winemaking techniques that producers are adopting to push their wines to greater heights.

3-session series: Fri., April 17, May 22, and June 26, 6 p.m.; CODE 3WINE2026; Members $180; Nonmembers $225

Individual sessions: Fri., April 17 (CODE 1T0-062); Fri., May 22 (CODE 1T0-063); Fri., June 26 (CODE 1T0-064); 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.

Lobby card promoting the film Jailhouse Rock, 1957

Music Inspired by the Natural World

A painter can create entire worlds on a flat piece of paper. But where is a composer to start when seeking to represent the natural universe through sound? Centuries of exquisite nature-inspired concert works show just how well it can be done through direct imitation, allegory, and symbolism. Over time, composers have fashioned powerful musical vocabularies that guide listeners to see harmony as visual image.

In a 4-session course, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin uses her unique live piano demonstrations and fascinating film clips to explore how numerous composers from Vivaldi to Vaughan Williams found inspiration to create beloved works that conjure the natural world.

4-session series: Mon., April 6–27, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-680; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Willa Cather and Her Archbishop

The Making of a Masterpiece

Hollywood and the White House

Hollywood has long imagined the presidency, casting stars like Michael Douglas and Harrison Ford as fictional leaders. Film historian Max Alvarez guides audience members through nine decades of cinematic Oval Office portrayals.

Early Hollywood largely avoided presidents, with rare exceptions that struggled at the box office. By the 1960s, the JFK era briefly revived interest, though depictions soon faded until the 1990s, when presidential dramas and thrillers returned in force.

Television offered its own interpretations, from network mini-series in the 1970s to Aaron Sorkin’s “West Wing” and later darker portrayals in “House of Cards” and “Veep.” Alvarez also spotlights the variety of performers who enacted Nixon and LBJ, blending history with Hollywood spectacle.

Thurs., April 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-691; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction

Willa Cather called her 1927 novel Death Comes for the Archbishop her best book. The Atlantic magazine concurred, including Archbishop on its Great American Novels list in 2024. Cather visited the Southwest six times between 1912 and 1926, and from those journeys came three novels, the last of which was Death Comes for the Archbishop Beautifully written in Cather’s sparse but descriptive language, the novel’s chapters are based on Cather’s own research and travels, and the many places she described are real. Author Garrett Peck explores Cather and her partner Edith Lewis’s travels through the Southwest to write one of the 20th century’s greatest novels and Cather’s favorite. Peck is the author of the newly released book The Bright Edges of the World: Willa Cather and Her Archbishop Tues., April 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-182; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Step behind the silver screen with design historian Cathy Whitlock as she explores the artistry that brings movies to life. Based on her book Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction, Whitlock leads a journey through the sets, locations, and design stories behind films such as Gone with the Wind, The Great Gatsby, and La La Land. She reveals how production designers and set decorators translate a director’s vision into the world we see on screen, shaping not only the look of movies but also our collective imagination of style, architecture, and design.

Mon., April 27, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-540; 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.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus of “Veep,” 2013

Gone with the Wind, 1939

Willa Cather, 1921

Beyond Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The Life and Imagination of Roald Dahl

Few storytellers have captured the imaginations of readers like Roald Dahl. Best known for his children’s books—including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda—Dahl created worlds of dark humor, mischievous heroes, and villainous grown-ups that continue to delight audiences of all ages.

Adventurer, fighter pilot, inventor, and eccentric, Dahl served in World War II, married actress Patricia Neal, and, prompted by their son’s brain injury, helped develop a life-saving medical device. His adult fiction reveals the darker, sharper side of his wit. Unconventional to the end, he requested to be buried with his snooker cues and a good bottle of wine.

Historian and author Daniel Stashower explores Dahl’s remarkable life and work while actor Scott Sedar brings to life some of the writer’s most memorable stories.

Tues., April 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-149; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Japanese Culture Through the Eyes of Studio Ghibli

Miyazaki, Takahata, and

The anime creations of Studio Ghibli in Japan have traversed the globe since it was founded in 1985.

Beyond

Linda Ehrlich, who has taught Asian studies and Japanese film for several universities, focuses on the artistic and cultural influences of two of the studio’s key films: Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi, 2001), directed by Miyazaki Hayao, and The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Kaguya-hime, 2013), directed by Takahata Isao.

Ehrlich also analyzes other Studio Ghibli films, including Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke (1997) and Takahata’s Only Yesterday (Omoide poro poro, 1991). In addition, she considers what might happen to the Ghibli brand after the death of Takahata and the (frequently) announced retirement of Miyazaki.

Wed., April 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-542; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Elizabethan Table

Dining in the Time of Shakespeare

In Elizabethan England, feasts were grand, daylong spectacles overflowing with a sumptuous array of fanciful foods (but without knives or forks). The table manners and dining customs that seem unusual today were once the height of fashion for the well-behaved, well-fed courtier. Guests might encounter fire-breathing roast peacock, deer-shaped dinner rolls filled with spiced-wine “blood,” or savory pies with peacock claws poking through the crust.

Food historian Francine Segan, author of Shakespeare’s Kitchen, serves up rich tidbits of culinary history, introducing Elizabethan cooks, their recipes, and the extravagant dining customs of 16th- and 17th-century Europe. Along the way, she shares a sampling of the bawdy jokes, puns, and riddles traded between courses and offers registrants a handful of recipes adapted for today’s kitchens so they can explore the tastes and traditions of the Elizabethan table at home.

Wed., April 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-150; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

“It’s a Wonderful Town”: New York City in the Movies

For more than 125 years, filmmakers have been drawn to the vitality of New York City. Its dramatic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, universally recognized landmarks, and 8 million stories have helped make the city a featured player in more than 17,000 movies. The city has starred in a wide variety of films, including King Kong, On the Town, West Side Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Do the Right Thing. With more than 50 clips, media historian Brian Rose demonstrates the changing ways New York has been captured on film and why it remains a star attraction today.

Thurs., May 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-544; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Spirited Away, 2001

Roald Dahl, 1988

Master of the Amsterdam Bodegón, ca. 1610–1625

King Kong 1933 promotional image, RKO Pictures

CULTURE HI STORY SCIENCE

ART SCI ENCE

STUDIO ARTS

TOURS

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

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

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

Wonders of Florida Birding

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.

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

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

Naturalist and wildlife photographer Matt Felperin leads a visual journey across both coasts of Florida, among North America’s premier birding destinations. Explore the state’s range of habitats—from Gulf Coast estuaries and mangrove swamps to Atlantic beaches, wetlands, and inland prairies—and discover why more than 500 bird species have been recorded there.

Felperin showcases some of Florida’s top birding hotspots and parks that travelers can visit on their own, highlighting breeding species, wintering birds, and migrants that use the state as a critical stopover along the Atlantic Flyway. He also touches on memorable vagrants—unexpected visitors often pushed off course by storms or other weather events.

Florida’s distinctive specialties and endemics, including the Florida Scrub-Jay, Snail Kite, Limpkin, and Roseate Spoonbill, take center stage through Felperin’s photography and insights.

Wed., Feb. 25, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-177; Members $25; Nonmembers $35 Roseate Spoonbill by Matt Felperin

These programs are part of Smithsonian

Ottoman Garden at Missouri Botanical Garden

What’s Up in the Night Sky for 2026?

American Eclipse

A Gilded Age Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon

This year promises to be a fantastic one for astronomers and stargazers alike. J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor at Sky & Telescope magazine, highlights exciting “what’s up?” celestial events in 2026. Beatty starts with the March 3 total lunar eclipse, the last one until 2028, which will be visible across the U.S. He also lets you know where and when to look for the five brightest planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. And he gets you ready to see the Perseid meteor shower in August and the Geminids in December. Along the way he helps you track down the brightest stars of spring, summer, and fall.

Wed., Feb. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-536; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

On a July afternoon in 1878, the moon’s shadow descended on the American West, darkening skies from the Montana Territory to Texas. This rare total solar eclipse prompted a clutch of enterprising scientists to brave the frontier in a grueling race to the Rocky Mountains.

Drawing from his 2017 book American Eclipse, science journalist David Baron describes the jockeying that came to dominate late 19th-century American astronomy and the challenges faced by three of the most determined eclipse chasers: James Craig Watson, an asteroid hunter who fantasized about becoming a Gilded Age Galileo; Vassar astronomer Maria Mitchell, who fought to demonstrate that science and higher learning were not anathema to femininity; and young Thomas Edison, an irrepressible showman who braved the wilderness to prove himself to the scientific community.

Thurs., April 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-683; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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.

Orchids for Beginners

Learn about one of America’s favorite houseplants from orchid care expert Barbara Schmidt. She delves into the origins of our love for orchids, explains how they grow in their native environments, and provides beginner care instructions to keep your orchids blooming in your home. In a hands-on activity, repot a Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the easiest orchids to raise indoors.

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

programs are part of

The Lure of Orchids

Orchids have been a focus of human attention since 500 B.C.E. Learn about their evolution plus trivia, fun facts, and famous orchids. Orchid expert Barbara Schmidt explains how 120 million years of evolution have created the family of flowering plants known as Orchidaceae

Wed., May 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGU; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Perseid meteor shower at Mojave National Preserve, August 2021

Solar eclipse of July 29, 1878

Phalaenopsis, commonly known as the moth orchid

Illustration of Orchis provincialis Balb., 1912

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 (and self-proclaimed 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

Very Hungry Caterpillars

Insects began no more successful than spiders, millipedes, or centipedes. Their evolutionary breakthrough came with larvae—grubs, maggots, caterpillars—occupying niches distinct from adults. This innovation allowed more species to thrive in shared environments. Larvae specialized in rapid growth, efficiently converting food into biomass. Yet vulnerability demanded inventive survival strategies. Evolution produced remarkable defenses: mimicry of snakes or alligators, complex social behaviors, and other adaptations. Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Steve Nicholls explores these extraordinary lives, their origins, and survival tactics. Some caterpillars are even deadly to humans, underscoring their evolutionary power.

Fri., March 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-677; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Washington Through the Seasons

A Naturalist’s Journey

The splendor of springtime in Washington is world-renowned, owing largely to the Japanese flowering cherry trees that have encircled the Tidal Basin for over a century. Yet the cherry blossoms are a single aspect of the city’s spectacular flowering spring—only one of the city’s vibrant seasons.

Tour guide, naturalist, and nature-book author Melanie Choukas-Bradley leads a virtual journey of seasonal transformation. Through beautiful photos captured across four seasons and her sensitive observations, she highlights beloved D.C.-area landmarks from downtown to suburban oases. She also shares thoughts of nature lovers who sojourned in the city, from presidents and politicians to naturalists.

Tues., March 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-178; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Cabinets of Curiosities

Victorian Science, Empire, and Entertainment

The Victorians prided themselves on their interest in technology and closely followed innovations in medicine and science. There was sometimes a fine line, however, between pseudo-science and academic knowledge and practices in the 19th century.

Historian Julie Taddeo examines such popular fads as mesmerism, phrenology, and spiritualism to show how broadly Victorians interpreted science and consumed it as entertainment. Their homes exhibited “trophies of empire”—exotic objects, artifacts, and specimens brought back from Britain’s colonies—in their cabinets of curiosities. Public shows featuring ethnographic exhibits and individuals with physical differences misused Darwin’s theories to justify imperial expansion and Britain’s “civilizing mission.” Even Queen Victoria followed the latest scientific sensations, while ordinary Britons used them to make sense of their uncertain world. From mummy unveilings to traveling “Zulu exhibitions,” science, empire, and entertainment were inextricably connected in the Victorian world.

Thurs., March 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-678; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Trompe-l'oeil painting of a cabinet of curiosities

Larva of the Chinese oak silk moth

Tidal Basin in spring

The Legacy of the HMS Challenger

In December 1872, the HMS Challenger embarked on the first round-the-world oceanographic expedition. During the next 42 months, the naturalists on board identified major ocean currents and defining features of the seafloor; measured worldwide sea temperatures and chemistry, creating baseline data for ocean research; and collected nearly 5,000 sea creatures and plants new to science.

More than 150 years later, the expedition’s findings are also shining a light on the effects of climate change. Off Portugal, the scientists encountered a brilliant starfish now threatened with extinction by microplastics; in St. Thomas, they saw teeming coral habitats that today have been severely damaged by ocean warming. Author Gillen D’Arcy Wood considers this scientific odyssey and its legacy.

Wood’s new book, The Wake of HMS Challenger: How a Legendary Victorian Voyage Tells the Story of Our Oceans’ Decline (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Thurs., March 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV081; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Lions and Cameras and Citizen Science, Oh My!

Dragonflies and Damselflies: First in Flight

The earliest flight evolved in insects, long before birds, pterosaurs, or bats took to the skies. In fact, dragonflies and damselflies and their ancient relatives were the first to fly. Since then, over 400 million years of evolution have shaped the adaptations that support these insects’ aerial feats. While some use the power of flight to traverse the globe as long-distance migrants, others stay local, maneuvering around ponds, lakes, and rivers. Entomologist Jessica Ware explores the evolution of flight in dragonflies and damselflies, discussing the basis for their acrobatic and aerodynamic skills.

Thurs., March 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-532; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Earth and Life

A 4-Billion-Year Conversation

In 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark began their journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase, mapping vast western lands and cataloguing America’s natural heritage. Now, in honor of America’s 250th, William McShea of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and SnapshotUSA are launching an effort to resurvey mammals along the Lewis and Clark Expedition Trail—and they could use your help.

McShea, a conservation biologist and leading expert in the use of camera traps for wildlife surveillance, explains the development of wildlife observation and tracking protocols and how ordinary people can help advance scientific knowledge of mammals and the ecosystems they inhabit with this project and beyond.

Mon., April 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1W0-002; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

How did the world as we know it—from the soil beneath our feet to the air we breathe and the life that surrounds us— come to be? Geologists have proposed one set of answers while biologists have proposed another. Paleontologist and geobiologist Andrew Knoll reveals why we should listen to both voices—the physical and the biological—to understand how we and our planet became possible.

Surveying 4 billion years of history, he shows how Earth and life interact to cycle the elements of life from rocks, water, and air and how these and related processes control climate, regulate the atmosphere, and support the diversification of life-forms great and small.

Knoll’s book Earth and Life: A Four Billion Year Conversation (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Tues., April 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-695; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Common bluetail, a widespread damselfly in Africa, the Middle East, and South and East Asia

Is God a Mathematician?

How Mathematics Explains the Universe

Astrophysicist Mario Livio explores why mathematics is as powerful as it is in terms of explaining the cosmos—a phenomenon Eugene Wigner, a Nobel laureate in physics, dubbed “the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics.”

From ancient times to the present, scientists and philosophers have marveled at how a seemingly abstract discipline, which appears to have been a product of human thought, could so perfectly explain the natural world. Livio examines the ways in which mathematics has often made predictions, for example, about the existence of then-unknown subatomic particles, which were later proven to exist.

He also discusses an intriguing question with which mathematicians, physicists, psychologists, and philosophers have struggled for decades: Is mathematics ultimately a discovery or merely an invention of the human mind?

Thurs., April 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-454; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Mr. Jefferson and the Giant Moose

When Natural History and History Collide

A quirky 18th-century international dispute over natural history quickly took on political overtones. Thomas Jefferson wanted to refute the theory of French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc, the comte de Buffon, that all life in America was degenerate and weak, so he asked that a large dead moose be shipped to France. Jefferson believed that the giant moose would help demonstrate that a young America was every bit the equal of a well-established Europe.

The theory, however, continued to have scientific, economic, and political implications for 100 years. Evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin highlights this tale of both natural history and American history.

Thurs., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-534; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Don’t Be a Sucker

Sorting Fact

from Fiction in Pop Culture Cephalopod Portrayals

Who’s your favorite fictional cephalopod or cephalopod-inspired character? Pop culture offers plenty of choices, from Squidward of “SpongeBob SquarePants” to the heptapod aliens of Arrival. Whether these portrayals accurately represent the biology, anatomy, and behavior of the animals that inspired them is another question.

Find out how quickly Finding Dory’s Hank could regenerate his eighth arm, whether a kraken could really sink a ship, and why realistic octopus mermaids wouldn’t look like Ursula the sea witch. As for science fiction, assess the likelihood that other planets might host cephalopod-like aliens or that Marvel’s Doc Ock could become a reality as engineers learn to mimic octopus arms.

Cephalopod expert Danna Staaf debunks myths and proves that truth can be stranger than fiction.

Mon., April 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-538; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Story of a Pebble: Geologic Time Writ Small

Through the story of a pebble, paleobiologist Jan Zalasiewicz illuminates a complex history that begins in the farthest reaches of space and continues on Earth with volcanic eruptions, extinct animals and plants, long-vanished oceans, and underground transformations. Imagine pools of magma gathering deep in the Earth and rising to erupt a billion years ago on a continent that later disappeared. Worn down across geological ages, sediment particles wash across the bottom of an ancient sea filled with creatures whose remains imprint into the sediment layers that will create the pebble. Within the Earth’s crust, the pebble is restructured before it slowly ascends to the surface, where it is eroded by waves. The pebble's story shows how geologists reveal the Earth's past by forensic analysis of its mineral matter—geologic time in a tiny package.

Thurs., April 23, 12 p.m.; CODE 1W0-004; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Illustration by William Blake, 1794

Welsh slate pebble with a white quartz vein

Lake Baikal

Deep in the heart of Siberia lies Lake Baikal, a lake of superlatives and stories. At more than a mile in depth, it is the deepest lake on Earth and the most voluminous as well. And with over 2,000 species of plants and animals identified in the lake so far, nearly two-thirds are found nowhere else.

The story of Lake Baikal is also deeply human. In 1643, Cossacks arrived there and brought the surrounding land of Buryatia into the Muscovite empire. Centuries later, the Trans-Siberian Railroad reached its shores. For the indigenous Buryat Mongols, however, Lake Baikal’s waters hold profound spiritual meaning, woven into centuries of Shamanist and Buddhist belief.

Historian Daniel Schlafly and limnologist Michael Meyer explore the intertwined natural and human histories of Lake Baikal, from its geological origins at least 25 million years ago to the present.

Wed., April 29; 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-084; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

When the Forest Breathes

Renewal and Resilience in the Natural World

Forests around the world face growing threats from human activity and a changing climate. Forest ecologist Suzanne Simard—whose groundbreaking research revealed the intricate communication networks connecting trees—explores how nature’s own regenerative systems can guide more sustainable approaches to forest stewardship.

Simard approaches the forest as a symphony of carefully tuned processes such as aging “mother trees” passing resources and genetic knowledge to younger ones.

Simard uncovers how nature’s deeply-rooted cycles of renewal can sustain ecosystems and demonstrates how recognizing these interdependent relationships offers a path forward for the future of forests.

Her book When the Forest Breathes: Renewal and Resilience in the Natural World (Knopf) is available for purchase.

Tues., May 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-151; 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

Belvidere: The Evolution of a Plantsman’s Garden

Follow the 25-year journey of noted plantsman and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s vice president of horticulture, Andrew Bunting, as he transforms his suburban Philadelphia property into Belvidere, a private garden featuring a series of distinctive small spaces, including his newly established gravel garden featured in The New York Times.

Learn how a professional designs containers for the summer, herbaceous borders, and woodland gardens with a pond. He shares the story of how a joint project with a neighbor helped to create a 4,000-square-foot fruit and vegetable garden, providing the best of each season’s bounty. Bunting describes his approach to garden design, plant choice, seasonal displays, and his maintenance regime and covers the challenges of creating a personal landscape that provides practical lessons and creative ideas for home gardeners.

Wed., May 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-185; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Baikal seal is endemic to Lake Baikal

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.

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

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

Young Michelangelo: From Apprentice to Master

Celebrate Michelangelo’s 551st birthday by exploring the making of one of history’s most brilliant and complex artistic minds. Born on March 6, 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti lived nearly 89 years, during which he transformed Western art through sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry.

Many believed Michelangelo’s talent to be a miraculous product of divine genius—a myth the artist himself encouraged. Like all Renaissance apprentices, the young Michelangelo studied his craft by learning from masters, copying the ancients, and experimenting with materials and styles.

Ruffolo traces his journey from student to master, spanning his adolescence in the household of Lorenzo il Magnifico to the execution of his masterpiece, the “David,” completed when he was not yet 30 years old. Fri., March 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-146; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Raphael: The Prince of Painters

Raphael, celebrated as one of the three great masters of the Italian High Renaissance alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, left an enduring legacy of beauty, grace, and harmony despite his life ending at 37. In just over two decades, he rose from a promising painter in Urbino to the favored artist of popes and princes, his name becoming synony mous with ideal beauty and artistic perfection. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition “Raphael: Sublime Poetry” brings his genius back into focus.

Ruffolo traces his extraordinary ascent—from apprenticeships under Perugino to encounters with Michelangelo and Leonardo in Florence, culminating in his crowning achievements in Rome. Through serene figures and masterful compositions, Raphael came to embody the very spirit of the Renaissance, securing his place in history.

Fri., April 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-147; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Palermo Cathedral

Michelangelo by Daniele da Volterra, ca. 1545

The Alba Madonna by Raphael, ca. 1510

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 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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Secrets and Symbols in Art

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. Art historian Noah 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

Allegory

1545

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

You love art. No w g o 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.

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.

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

with Venus and Cupid (detail) by Angelo Bronzino,

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

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

MAR 3 First Person: Monologues and More

MAR 10 Collage and Poetry

MAR 17 Place and 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

3-session series: Tues., March 3, 10, and 17, 10 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-685; Members $105; Nonmembers $125

Individual sessions: Tues., March 3 (CODE 1K0-686); Tues., March 10 (CODE 1K0-687); Tues., March 17 (CODE 1K0-688); 10 a.m.; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Reflective Writing Workshops

Colors of Love

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.

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

Mirrors and Metamorphosis

In this workshop, participants explore the innovative compositions of the 20th-century Dutch printmaker M.C. Escher to discover how his interlocking forms and shifting patterns inspire creative reflection about the connections and transformations in our lives.

Wed., April 1, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-689; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

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

Mary Hall Surface

The Birthday by Marc Chagall, 1915

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.

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

Vitruvian Man (detail) by Leonardo da Vinci, 1492

The Palatine Gallery

Originally part of the residence of the Medici dynasty, the Palatine Gallery encompasses the entire second floor of the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy. Its collection includes the largest concentration of paintings by Raphael in the world, as well as works by Titian, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, and Rubens. The paintings in their lavish frames entirely cover the walls. Ruggiero discusses the importance of this gallery and some of its most impressive works.

Mon., March 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-529; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Gallerie dell’Accademia di Venezia

The Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice contains a wealth of masterpieces of Venetian painting. The most notable piece in the collection, which is only rarely on display due to its fragile nature, is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. The collection also includes works by Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Tintoretto, Titian, and Veronese. Ruggiero showcases gems from this treasure trove.

Mon., April 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-535; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

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.

FEB 6 Renoir

FEB 13 Modigliani and Soutine

FEB 20 Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Seurat

Individual sessions: 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

Salus Populi Romani

La Bella by Titian, ca. 1536

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 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 1/2 credit

Art Deco Miami

Glamour, Tropical Modernism, and Preservation

Miami Beach boasts the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture— pastel-hued buildings with curves, glass block, and nautical motifs. Rooted in Streamline Moderne, this style embraced modernity and optimism. In the late 1920s, architects like Henry Hohauser and L. Murray Dixon tailored European Modernism to Florida’s climate, creating “Tropical Deco,” with Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue becoming showcases of American modern design.

Urban historian Bill Keene traces the global rise of Art Deco and Miami’s unique evolution, spotlighting landmarks like the Colony Hotel, Carlyle Hotel, and Bass Museum. Postwar development and changing tastes led to decades of neglect, with many buildings threatened by demolition. But through preservation efforts, the Miami Art Deco District was officially designated a U.S. historic district in 1979, securing its legacy as a vibrant architectural treasure.

Tues., March 24, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-181; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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

Study For Portrait V by Francis Bacon, 1953

Night Portrait by Lucian Freud, 1985-1986

René Lalique Victoire hood ornament, 1928

Italian Regions to Discover

Five Treasures of History, Art, and Culture

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 five distinctive regions of Italy, revealing their histories, mysteries, and pleasures. Each session requires individual registration and carries ½ credit as a World Art History Certificate elective.

Lombardy

Milan, Lombardy’s cosmopolitan capital, anchors Italy’s wealthiest region, thriving in business, fashion, design, media, and agriculture. Renaissance culture flourished here with Leonardo da Vinci. Lombardy also boasts art-filled cities like Bergamo, Cremona, and Mantua and picturesque towns along Lake Como and Lake Garda’s western shore.

Tues., Feb. 10, 6:30–8:15 p.m.; CODE 1M2-439; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Liguria

Liguria, famed for idyllic Riviera towns like Portofino, Rapallo, and Camogli, has Genoa as its capital. Once a major maritime power during medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque eras, Genoa boasts grand monuments and is celebrated for pesto, crafted from locally grown basil, a cherished culinary delicacy.

Tues., March 10, 6:30–8:15 p.m.; CODE 1M2-440; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Tuscany

Tuscany, cradle of the Renaissance, boasts Florence’s unparalleled artistic wealth alongside Siena, Pisa, and Lucca’s cultural treasures. Renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine and its prized wines, the region blends medieval charm, coastal beauty, and enduring culinary and viticultural traditions into Italy’s cultural heart.

Tues., April 14, 6:30–8:15 p.m.; CODE 1M2-451; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Umbria

The Green Heart of Italy, Umbria is known for hill towns, majestic landscapes, and the legacy of Saint Francis. Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, and Orvieto hold medieval and Renaissance treasures. Umbria’s culinary specialties focus on prized local ingredients such as black truffles, wild boar, lentils, and olive oil.

Tues., May 12, 6:30–8:15 p.m.; CODE 1M2-452; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Le Marche

Le Marche, along the Adriatic east of Umbria, features beaches, Apennine peaks, and rolling hills with towns. Urbino, Raphael’s hometown, shines as an artistic hub, while Loreto has drawn pilgrims since the 14th century. Beyond these marvels, D’Addio highlights more off-thebeaten-path destinations.

Tues., June 9, 6:30–8:15 p.m.; CODE 1M2-453; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit each Art + History

Popular Smithsonian Associates speaker Paul Glenshaw returns to the Art + History series to look at great works of art in their historical context. He delves into the time of the artist and explores the present they inhabited and what shaped their vision and creations.

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? 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

Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial

The African American soldiers of the Massachusetts 54th in Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Shaw Memorial stride confidently toward battle for a cause they are willing to die for—freedom. Almost half the members of the regiment, including their white commanding officer, Col. Robert Gould Shaw, would be killed in the July 1863 attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina. The original memorial stands in Boston Common, with a plaster version on display at the National Gallery. Saint-Gaudens took great pains to make sure each solider was a portrait. Who were the Massachusetts 54th and Shaw? What brought them together? How was the Civil War—and these soldiers in particular—being remembered in 1897 when the memorial was unveiled?

Tues., March 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-679; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Albert Bierstadt’s American West: Among the Sierra Nevada, California

This majestic landscape, painted in 1868, is many things all at once. It is Bierstadt’s personal expression of his joyful first sight of the Sierra Nevada and a scene he thoroughly invented. It’s a depiction of the natural beauty of the American West and part of a brazen marketing scheme.

The painting, along with Bierstadt’s many similar works, was a powerful lure for immigrants and settlers drawn by the promise of the American West, yet it also reveals the complicated legacy of Manifest Destiny. Glenshaw traces Bierstadt’s path from his immigrant childhood in Massachusetts through training in Düsseldorf and painting in Rome, culminating in extravagant exhibitions—before his rapidly declining popularity.

Tues., April 21, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-690; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, 1851

The Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial

Among the Sierra Nevada, California by Albert Bierstadt, 1868

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

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

Portrait of Caravaggio by Ottavio Leoni

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

The ruins of a Seljuk inn in Pamphylia

The Gleaners by Jean-François Millet, 1857

World

Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

American Impressionism

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

A World History of Embroidery

Found in every region of the globe, embroidery is one of the most widely shared forms of creative expression—and one of the most varied. Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood, director of the Textile Research Centre in Leiden, the Netherlands, guides audiences through this rich tapestry, from the quillwork and birch boxes of Indigenous North America to the matyó embroidery of Hungary, the intricate zardozi of India, and the elegant satin stitches of Han Dynasty China. She explores the materials, tools, designs, and symbolic meanings of embroidery, as well as the communities and individual makers who sustain these traditions.

Her book The Atlas of World Embroidery: A Global Exploration of Heritage and Styles (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Tues., March 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-144; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Claude Monet and His Water

Seeking Solace in Art

Lilies

Toward the end of his long and prolific career, Claude Monet, one of France’s masters of Impressionism, created his enchanting Water Lilies series inspired by the ponds at his home in Giverny.

Monet’s intention for painting the luminous large-scale works was to provide an “asylum of peaceful meditation.” However, the calm and beauty of the paintings belie the personal turmoil, frustration, and anguish Monet endured in the last 15 years of his life: the deaths of his wife and eldest son, increasingly cloudy vision, and the horrors of the First World War. Despite these travails, he turned to his art once again—and continued until his death in 1926.

Author Ross King explores these celebrated paintings as he brings to life the extraordinary accomplishment of Monet’s later years.

Tues., March 17, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-899; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Water Lilies (detail) by Claude Monet, 1914-1915

The Ten in 1908

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Did St. Francis Kick-Start the Renaissance?

A Fresh Look at Giotto, Dante, and Humanism in Art

Historically the beginning of the Renaissance has been tied to the rediscovery of antiquity as the primary driver of the era’s artistic revolution. However, art historian Liz Lev proposes that it was the result of the new mendicant orders, which emphasized the human elements of the Gospel narrative and whose members committed to a vow of poverty.

St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscans, demonstrated profound holiness, and when his “story went viral,” it inspired others including Giotto, Italy’s foremost painter, and Dante, its greatest poet. They reformed art to celebrate the human condition with its quirks, foibles, and heroic journeys.

Interweaving The Divine Comedy with frescoes from the Upper Basilica of Assisi and the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Lev argues Renaissance art was propelled more by spirituality than pagan ideals.

Fri., March 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-898; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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 oftenoverlooked mountainous region.

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

St. Francis of Assisi by Philip Fruytiers

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Where Art Meets Earth

Three Contemporary Sculpture Gardens

From the classical villas of ancient Rome to the landscaped estates of the Renaissance, artists and patrons have long sought to bring sculpture into dialogue with nature. The modern sculpture garden emerged in the mid-20th century, when museums and collectors began creating outdoor settings designed for large-scale contemporary works—inviting visitors to experience art as part of the living landscape.

Art historian Jennie Hirsh traces the history and vision behind three of the world’s most inspiring contemporary sculpture gardens: Storm King Art Center in upstate New York, Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland, and Château La Coste near Aix-en-Provence. These sites reveal how artists and architects continue to redefine the possibilities of sculpture, scale, and place—and the interplay between art and landscape.

Fri., March 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-141; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

The Bauhaus

Creating Designs for Living

The Bauhaus, founded in 1919 in Weimar, Germany, by the young architect Walter Gropius, was part Modernist school of art and design and part dream factory. Its approach was a blend of practical work and theoretical teaching. Students were taught in workshops led by both craftsmen and artists and the curriculum included everything from fine art, typography, and graphic design to interior design and architecture.

Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar explores the importance and enduring influence of the Bauhaus, covering its origin and aims, unity of art and technology, teachers, and legacy.

4-session series: Wed., April 8–29, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-682; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Alexander Calder

Master of Mobiles and More

Alexander “Sandy” Calder, son and grandson of Philadelphia sculptors, transformed modern sculpture with color, movement, and playfulness. Rejecting traditional monochrome stone or wood, he used steel to create mobiles—kinetic works shifting endlessly in space. Calder’s mobiles ranged from earrings for Peggy Guggenheim to an 85-foot-wide installation at the National Gallery of Art. He also made “stabiles,” stationary sculptures, and hybrids combining bases with mini-mobiles.

Calder’s art embodied whimsy, from his miniature “Calder’s Circus” to monumental public works like “Stegosaurus,” a 50-foot-tall red-orange abstraction evoking prehistoric forms. His creations made sculpture fun, accessible, and dynamic, reshaping how people experienced three-dimensional art. Art historian Nancy G. Heller presents an overview of Calder’s life and work, including pieces in Calder Gardens, Philadelphia’s new indoor-outdoor space.

Wed., April 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-448; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Drop by Tom Shannon, 2009, at Château La Coste

Poster for the 1923 Bauhaus exhibition by Joost Schmidt

Untitled by Alexander Calder, 1976, National Gallery, Washington, D.C.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Contemporary Art, Classical Myth

How Classical Stories Shape Modern Creativity

From ancient gods and goddesses to timeless heroic narratives, classical myths have long shaped artistic expression—but how do these age-old stories resonate in modern and postmodern art? Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the surprisingly vital and often overlooked role of classical mythology in contemporary art, showing how artists use these stories both to illustrate and engage with questions of identity, power, gender, and society.

Hirsh highlights work by artists including Cy Twombly, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yayoi Kusama to examine how classical narratives are reimagined from a contemporary perspective and how these enduring stories continue to illuminate both artistic expression and critical interpretation today.

Thurs., April 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-148; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

The History of Asian Architecture

Many of the most beautiful buildings of the last 600 years have been erected in Asia, which is also known for its boldly modern cities. Kathleen James-Chakraborty, a professor of art history and architectural historian at University College Dublin, looks across the continent from Iran to Japan at both historic and contemporary buildings from different architectural traditions. She also highlights the important contributions that women have made as patrons and designers of innovative architecture.

4-session series: Fri., April 10–May 1, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1T0-061; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Masterpieces of the Middle Ages

Gothic Grandeur

Soaring spires, glittering stained-glass windows, and sculpted figures that seem to breathe with life are the hallmarks of Gothic art, which transformed cathedrals, churches, and civic spaces across medieval Europe.

Beginning in the mid-12th century, the thick stone walls and small windows of Romanesque buildings gave way to soaring walls of unprecedented height, supported by innovations such as pointed arches and flying buttresses. Enormous stained-glass windows filled interiors with luminous scenes that instructed, adorned, and transformed sacred spaces. Gothic style extended its expressive reach from architecture to sculpture and painting, where figures conveyed human emotion with remarkable naturalism.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton, author of Art of the Middle Ages, explores this extraordinary period.

2-session series: Sat., April 11 and 18, 1 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-145; Members $90; Nonmembers $110 Notre Dame de Paris

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.

Red Fort (Lal Qila), New Delhi, India

The Statue of Venus Obliterated by Infinity Nets by Yayoi Kusama, 1998

Sacred Spaces

The Spiritual Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright

Contrary to his public persona as a purported scoundrel, Frank Lloyd Wright was entrusted with commissions of more than a dozen churches and spiritual spaces. From the soaring Beth Sholom Synagogue outside of Philadelphia to the intimate William L. Danforth Chapel at Florida Southern College, Wright was responsible for sanctuaries for a wide range of religious groups, including Jewish, Christian, Greek Orthodox, and Unitarian.

Using more than 100 photos and a dozen historical accounts, master storyteller and Wright expert Timothy Totten illustrates the architect’s beliefs about the way worshippers should interact with each other and their faith, as well as the ways he differentiated each space for its specific congregation.

Tues., April 14, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-183; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

René Lalique and the Birth of Modern Jewelry

In the opulent Paris of the Belle Époque, René Lalique emerged as the most daring and imaginative jeweler of his age. He revolutionized jewelry by blending precious metals with enamel, horn, glass, and semi-precious stones. His creations shimmered with vitality: dragonflies, orchids, nymphs, and mythological figures transformed into poetic, wearable works of art.

Lalique’s vision elevated adornment to fine art. Collaborations with Sarah Bernhardt and commissions for the fashionable elite introduced a new kind of luxury—defined by creativity, naturalism, and craftsmanship rather than ostentation. His work embodied the spirit of Art Nouveau, uniting art and life, dissolving boundaries between decorative and divine.

Art historian Tosca Ruggieri traces Lalique’s evolution, his patrons, avant-garde techniques, and extraordinary masterpieces, including rarely seen private works.

Tues., April 21, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-184; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Art in a Time of Crisis

The Federal Art Project and the Great Depression

Among President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal recovery programs was the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Within the WPA, the Federal Art Project offered a crucial source of income and creative purpose for thousands of artists at a time when galleries were shuttered and patrons scarce. At its peak, the program employed over 5,300 artists, who produced everything from prints and paintings to large-scale public murals—many of which still adorn civic buildings today.

Art historian Nancy Elizabeth Green explores the enduring legacy of the Federal Art Project, illuminating how art and government together helped to lift the spirits of a nation during one of its darkest times.

Thurs., April 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV083; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Frank Lloyd Wright's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Comb by René Lalique, 1900

Nebraska Sandhills by Kady B. Faulkner, 1940

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Amber Room

A Lost Masterpiece of Imperial Splendor

For decades the Amber Room has been the subject of fantasy and speculation—dazzling, invaluable, and considered the “eighth wonder of the world.” Originally constructed for the Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin and gifted to Peter the Great by the king of Prussia, the decorative ensemble of amber, semi-precious stones, and gold embellishment came to represent the wealth and prestige of the Russian imperial family.

Witness to Russia’s great age of empire, looted by the Nazis, destroyed or perhaps still hidden somewhere underground, and reconstructed by the contemporary Russian state, the Amber Room has transformed from an emblem of global power to a phantasm of renewed imperial ambitions. Molly Brunson, associate professor of art history at Yale University, delves into the history of this unique, lavish—and missing—room.

Tues., April 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-902; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

A Day with the Pre-Raphaelites

The English painters, poets, and critics who gave birth to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848 wanted to reform art by rejecting what they called the melodramatic style of High Renaissance artists like Raphael. The founding Pre-Raphaelites, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt, were determined to return their art to the clear storytelling and intense colors of early Italian and Flemish Renaissance painting.

In a full-day seminar, art historian Bonita Billman traces this fascinating movement from its origins to flowering conclusion, as well as examines its influence on the Arts and Crafts movement and its legacy of beauty.

Sat., May 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-457; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Islamic Art: A Global Heritage

Islamic art and architecture are both distinctive and varied. Sean Roberts, a teaching associate professor of art history at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, provides an overview of the historical and societal contexts in which this tradition developed. The narrative covers 14 centuries and spans from the central Islamic lands across the globe.

4-session series: Mon., May 4–June 1 (no class on May 25), 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1T0-065; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

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

Hand-colored photograph of the original Amber Room, 1931

Niujie Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing, China

Ophelia by John Everett Millais, 1851–52

Winter Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

ART THEORY & PRACTICE

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 1E0-AFP; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Sat., March 7, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFU; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

DRAWING

NEW | 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

SOLD OUT

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

Digital Drawing Advanced Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 25, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFK; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

NEW

By Jean Pederson

NEW | Beginning Mixed-Media Techniques

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 1E0AEB; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Poetry and Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

| 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

MIXED MEDIA

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

NEW | 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 1E0AFC; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

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

NEW | 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

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

By Sharon Robinson

Winter Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

NEW

|

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 1E0AEW; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

FIBER ARTS

NEW | 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.

SOLD OUT

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

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

Mind-Body Centering Through Art and Handwork

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sun., Feb. 8–22, 3 p.m.; CODE 1E0AER; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

Slow Stitch Fabric

Journal

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

OUT

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

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

By Lori VanKirk Schue

OTHER MEDIA

NEW | 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

NEW | 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 1E0-AEP; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

By Kathy Beachler

Geometric Bead Weaving Circles, Triangles, and Squares

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 21–March 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFF; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

White-Line Woodblock Printing

Advancing Your Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 28, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AGK; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW | Understanding Your New Mirrorless Camera

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 1E0-AEH; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

NEW | 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

JOE

SPRING

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

The Art of Journaling in Pen and Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., March 31–May 19, 5 p.m., no class May 12; CODE 1E0-AHW; Members $245; Nonmembers $270

Color Theory and Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Mon., April 13–May 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKF; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJH; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Visual Journaling: Creativity

Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Sat., May 16, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJN; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

NEW CLASSES

Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind

Artists throughout the world have developed practices that allow them to center themselves and prepare for making art. Students explore some of these techniques: mark making with lines, swirls, and puddles and using paper to experiment with folding and tearing.

INSTRUCTOR: Sushmita Mazumdar

ONLINE: Mon., April 13–May 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKD; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Masters and Mediums Illustrators

Study master illustrators including N.C. Wyeth, Arthur Rackham, Alphonse Mucha, Norman Rockwell, and Beatrix Potter. The aims of this class are to explore the history of these artists and to apply their approaches in a variety of mediums.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., April 16, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHU; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Masters and Mediums Wildlife Artists

Learn about the history of master wildlife artists such as John Audubon, Albrecht Dürer, Carel Fabritius, Maria Sibylla Merian, Károly Lotz, and Diego Velazquez. Work in a variety of mediums to capture the wildlife of your choice.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., May 21, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHT; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Figure Drawing

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., April 4–May 16, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJS; Members $255; Nonmembers $290

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHC; Members $255; Nonmembers $290

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHD; Members $265; Nonmembers $300

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJQ; Members $255; Nonmembers $290

Exploring Alcohol Inks

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson IN PERSON: Tues., April 18–May 2, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJY; Members $130; Nonmembers $155

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

ONLINE: Thurs., April 2, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJE; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Sketchbook Habit: The Art of Everyday Life

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., April 4, 25, and May 16, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AKB; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Sun., April 12–May 17, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AHR; Members $220; Nonmembers $255

By Sharon Robinson

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Sushmita Mazumdar

By Lori VanKirk Schue

Sketching the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series

INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Kuster

ONLINE: Thurs., April 16–May 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKJ; Members $95; Nonmembers $130; individual sessions also available

Introduction to Biological Illustration

INSTRUCTOR: Scott Rawlins

ONLINE: Thurs., April 16–May 21, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJP; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Complete Colored Pencils

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., April 23 and 30, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHS; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Digital Drawing: Remixing the Collection

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

ONLINE: Wed., May 6, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJD; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

PAINTING

IN PERSON

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., April 4–May 16, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJU; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

Beginning Acrylic Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Marshall Wright

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., April 7–May 12, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGX); Tues., April 7–May 12, 6 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGY); Ripley Center; Members $240; Nonmembers $275

Springtime Sketching in the Smithsonian Gardens

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

IN PERSON: Sun., April 19 and May 3, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AKA; Members $130; Nonmembers $155

Studio Arts classes are taught by

NEW CLASS

Introduction to Silverpoint

SPRING

Discover the timeless elegance of silverpoint, a drawing technique dating back to the Middle Ages. Learn the history, materials, and methods of silverpoint drawing, including how to prepare a gessoed ground, handle a silver stylus, and develop refined, detailed artwork.

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson ONLINE: Sat., April 25, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AKH; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Breaking the Line

Contours Inspired by Delacroix and Rembrandt

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Sun., May 10, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AJK; Members $65; Nonmembers $80

NEW CLASS

Introduction to Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

By Theresa Otteson

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Van Gogh’s Toolbox Expressive Techniques in Drawing for Self-Taught Artists

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Sun., May 17, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AJL; Members $65; Nonmembers $80

Figure Painting

This intermediate-level oil painting class for students who are new to drawing the human figure, as well as those with previous experience, provides the opportunity to explore figure painting from a live model.

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJR; Members $285; Nonmembers $320

ONLINE: Mon., March 30–May 18, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHP; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Still Life in Oil

Exploring Color Through Observation

INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Cobb

ONLINE: Tues., March 31–April 28, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHH; Members $200; Nonmembers $235

Painting Flowers in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., March 31–May 19, 10 a.m., no class May 12; CODE 1E0-AHV; Members $245; Nonmembers $270

Continued Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Wed., April 1–May 20, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AHQ; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

By Shahin Talishkhan

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Techniques in Modernist Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE: Tues., April 7–May 19, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJT; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Thurs., April 14–May 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AKG; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Drawing Light

How the Masters Did It in Color

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 2:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

NEW CLASS

Landscape Painting from Photos

SPRING

Learn the fundamentals of landscape painting using photos or masterworks as a reference. The focus is on composition, color, atmosphere, and contrast in a painting.

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHB; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Essence Over Detail

Expression and Sketching in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Tues., May 5–19, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AJF; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

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

By Eric Westbrook

Sketching Turner

Expressing Atmosphere and Skies in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Wed., May 6–20, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AJG; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Watercolor Journeys

Quick-Sketch Your Travels

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Wed., May 20 and Thurs., May 21, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Image Transfers and Altered Photos

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Tues., March 31–April 21, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gel Print Journal and More

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Sat., April 4–May 2, 2:15 p.m., no class April 11; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AJZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Altered Books

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., April 8–May 13, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHY; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Collage and Mixed Media

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHZ; Members $165; Nonmembers $200

NEW CLASS

Heart to Heart

Pop-up

Cards for Mother’s Day

Exploring Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Delna Dastur

ONLINE: Thurs., April 16–May 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHA; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

Mixed Media Art Warmups

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Mon., May 4 and 11, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHX; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

For the heartwarming occasion of Mother’s Day, create an elegant handmade pop-up card for your mom or other beloved women in your life. Learn how to craft and construct different types of 3D pop-up cards.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sun., April 26 and May 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0AJW; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

By Sharmila Karamchandani

By Sharon Robinson

Beginning Tapestry Weaving

INSTRUCTOR: Tea Okropiridze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AKE; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Exploring Traditions and Techniques of Embroidery

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Tues., March 31–April 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHF; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Embroidery on Paper and Photographs

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., May 2 and 9, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0AJM; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Advanced Embroidery Stitches

SPRING

Expand your knowledge of embroidery into more challenging stitches and learn how to best use them in designs. Study the “families” of stitches and explore their many variations.

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley ONLINE: Wed., April 29–May 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHG; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

By Heather Kerley

How Knitting Changed the World

Explore the key role of knitting in American women’s battle to gain the right to vote, the survival of the musk ox, and anthropological understanding of past cultures and the rise and fall of civilizations. Learn just how powerful a beloved handicraft can be.

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

ONLINE: Wed., May 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHJ; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

Tempered Glass Mosaic Workshop

Discover the luminous beauty of tempered, or “crash,” glass in this hands-on workshop. Layer personal imagery, papers, and delicate embellishments to form a collage, then seal it beneath a glimmering glass overlay.

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

IN PERSON: Sat., April 18, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AGV; Members $95; Nonmembers $110

Introduction to Blackletter

Calligraphy: Textura

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sat., April 4–25, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0AJV; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Contemporary Mosaics: Ancient Motifs, Modern Materials

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

ONLINE: Tues., April 14–May 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGW; Members $165; Nonmembers $200

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

ONLINE: Wed., April 15–May 20, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AGT; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Gyotaku Hawaiian Style

The Japanese Art of Color Printing with Fish

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., April 18, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AKC; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Design Principles for Jewelry Makers

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Thurs., April 23 and 30, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJA; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

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.

SPRING

NEW CLASSES

Beadweaving Workshop: Phenomenal Fish Pendant

Weave a whimsical fish-shaped pendant in this workshop. Pick up the techniques and learn what materials are needed to add your fish to a necklace or, if you make two fish, create a delightful pair of earrings.

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., April 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJB; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Wirework Intensive: Netting and Knitting

Using only wire, create a stunning necklace featuring a Viking knit chain. Dating back to the 8th century, Viking knit is traditionally used to create a strong, flexible chain to wear as jewelry or trim for clothing.

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., May 2–16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AJC; Members $165; Nonmembers $200

PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., March 31–May 19, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGR); Tues., March 31–May 19, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-AGS); Ripley Center; Members $255; Nonmembers $290

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Sun., April 12–May 17, 1:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHK; Members $205; Nonmembers $240

The Exposure Triangle

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., April 2–23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHM; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

NEW CLASSES

Don’t Forget to Remember

Monuments and memorials range from monumental and famous to obscure and in danger of being forgotten. Discuss tips, tricks, and strategies to take great photos of such structures, plus everything from statues and fountains to battlefields and murals.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Wed., April 15–29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AHL; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Travel Photography

Develop the skills to capture the essence and sense of place of your next travel destination. Step into documenting your travels from the angle of a photojournalist.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., April 30–May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0AHN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

SCULPTURE

Figure Sculpture

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 7–May 19, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AHE; Members $310; Nonmembers $345

By Joe Yablonsky

By Joe Yablonsky

By Joe Yablonsky

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Mïa Vollkommer

Overnight Tours 2026

A New Year of Delightful Destinations from Smithsonian Associates

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.

NYC Design and Architecture

Sun., May 31–Tues., June 2 (on sale March 1)

Explore the intersection of architecture and design on a three-day journey through New York and Connecticut, featuring the High Line, Hudson Yards, an AIA-led harbor tour, Yale’s celebrated campus, and an in-depth visit to Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House, a modernist masterpiece that anchors his visionary architectural compound.

Leader: Bill Keene

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Wed., Aug. 19–Sun., Aug. 23

(on sale March 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

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.

Revolutionary Boston

Sept. 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

St. Louis Up Close

Sept. 2026 (on sale May 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–Thurs., Oct. 15 (on sale March 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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Montgomery Meigs in Washington: Beyond the Civil War

Montgomery Meigs is best known as the quartermaster general of the Union Army who played a key role during the Civil War. Less known, however, is that he also was an engineer, architect, inventor, patron of the arts, and regent of the Smithsonian. Delve into his life and legacy as you enjoy a full day of history and architecture with the Washington, D.C., area as your backdrop.

As an engineer, Meigs was responsible for the construction of the dome of the U.S. Capitol and the design and construction of the aqueduct bringing water to Washington. As an architect, he developed the original concept for the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building and oversaw the design and construction of what is now the National Building Museum as well as numerous military buildings, including one that remains at Fort Myer. Meigs held 13 patents for his inventions. In addition, he was a patron of the arts and a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

The tour visits the Arts and Industries Building, the National Building Museum, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Stevens, and the Commissary Sergeant’s Quarters at Fort Myer in Virginia. You also view other buildings and works by Meigs. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Bill Keene, a lecturer in history, urban studies, and architecture, leads the tour.

Fri., March 27, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-005; Members $184; Nonmembers $245; Photo ID is required for this program. Related program: Soldier, Engineer, Architect, Scientist, Patriot, p. 11

Bus Tour

Bus Tour

Interior of the National Building Museum

The Arts and Industries Building, Smithsonian

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

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. 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 and drawings, the 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. A private lunch at the museum is included.

Sun., Feb. 8, 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-003; Members $226; Nonmembers $286

2-Day Tour

Philadelphia: A Revolutionary City

Founded in 1682, Philadelphia has long stood at the heart of American history and culture. As the meeting place of the First and Second Continental Congresses and the nation’s temporary capital, the city played a defining role in the fight for independence and the founding of the United States. Not far from the city lies Valley Forge, where 12,000 Continental soldiers under George Washington’s command endured the brutal winter of 1777–1778, a turning point in America’s struggle for freedom. Join historian Denver Brunsman for a two-day exploration of Philadelphia and its Revolutionary legacy.

Begin in Old City at the Museum of the American Revolution. A guided tour brings to life the experiences of soldiers, women, African Americans, Native Americans, children, and others whose lives were transformed by the war for independence. Enjoy a lunch-and-learn session with museum educators discussing Philadelphia during the revolution.

Inside Independence Hall, a National Park Service ranger leads you through the Assembly Room, where the Continental Congress declared independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution was debated and signed in 1787. Look for the Rising Sun Chair, which George Washington sat in as he presided over the Constitutional Convention.

Just blocks away, tour the Powel House, home of Samuel and Elizabeth Powel. Their soirées drew many of the era’s leading figures, including Washington. Elizabeth Powel—educated, insightful, and politically astute—became one of Washington’s closest confidants before, during, and after his presidency.

Continue to Christ Church, attended by many of the revolution’s most notable participants, including Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Betsy Ross. Then visit Christ Church Burial Ground, where Franklin and the Powels rest among other prominent Philadelphians. Dinner is at Moshulu, a four-masted tall ship docked at Penn’s Landing, which formerly spent decades transporting cargo across the globe.

A morning walking tour through Old City immerses you in colonial history, winding along cobblestone streets such as Elfreth’s Alley, one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States. Conclude at Valley Forge National Historical Park, where the Continental Army transformed from a struggling militia into a disciplined fighting force. On a guided driving tour, trace the hardships and triumphs of the 6-month encampment that proved pivotal to America’s independence. Visit Muhlenberg’s Brigade, where regiments led by Brig. Gen. Peter Muhlenberg built their huts during the encampment, and Washington’s Headquarters, the stone house where George and Martha Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and other members of Washington’s “military family” lived.

Sat., April 18, 7:15 a.m.–Sun., April 19, 9 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-PHL; Members $716; Nonmembers $960

Christ Church

Independence Hall

Bus Tour

The Sleeping Gypsy (detail) by Henri Rousseau, 1897

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

An Art + History Mystery Tour

Are you a mystery fan? Experience a unique immersive adventure with study leader and storyteller Paul Glenshaw inspired by his Smithsonian Associates’ Art + History series. Here’s the twist: Participants register for a full-day tour without knowing where the journey will lead.

Travel with Glenshaw to three to five distinctive sites around the Washington, D.C., area as he reveals hidden stories, lesser-known facts, and fascinating connections among art, architecture, and the historical moments they represent. The day includes a 3-course meal at a leading D.C. restaurant. The tour’s itinerary is provided to registrants as they gather at the departure point (which won’t be a mystery). Are you game for this artfully secretive—but rewarding—excursion?

Sat., March 14, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1ND-001; Members $215; Nonmembers $275

The B&O Railroad

A Locomotive Legacy

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, America’s first common carrier, was a pioneer in many components of railroading. None was more important than its innovations in propulsion. Rail historian James Reeves leads an exploration of more than a century of locomotive history at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum houses an outstanding collection of 19th-century locomotives—including an array on loan from the Smithsonian Institution.

Tour these machines and go behind the scenes at the world’s oldest continually operating railroad restoration shop, where skilled craftsmen bring historic locomotives back to life. Established in 1829, the facility still maintains and restores more than 200 examples of 19th- and 20th-century locomotives and rolling stock.

Trace the evolution of rail power as you encounter original, replica, rebuilt, and modified artifacts in the museum’s roundhouse. And no day devoted to railroad history would be complete without a train ride: Weather permitting, travel along the first 1½ miles of the original B&O main line to the site where the railroad’s first stone was laid in 1828.

A catered box lunch is included.

Sat., April 18, 8:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-012; Members $181; Nonmembers $245

Dupont Circle and Embassy Row

During the late 1800s, Washington’s movers and shakers strolled the streets of Dupont Circle, where Massachusetts Avenue was the city’s premier residential address. Heiresses, industrial magnates, newspaper tycoons, and political elites built opulent mansions along the avenue, in architectural styles including Neoclassical, Beaux Arts, and Queen Anne. Designed to entertain and impress, these homes were filled with the finest artwork and furnishings money could buy.

However, this lavish lifestyle collapsed during the Great Depression, after which many of these magnificent mansions were sold and converted into embassies, social clubs, and offices. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, leads a walk through the neighborhood as she provides views of grand homes such as the Walsh-McLean House (now the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia), Townsend House (now the Cosmos Club), Woodrow Wilson House (now a museum), and Franklin Delano Roosevelt House (now the residence of the ambassador of Mali).

THREE OPTIONS: Thurs., April 23 (CODE 1CW-A06); Fri., April 24 (CODE 1CWB06); Sat., April 25 (CODE 1CW-C06); 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $70

Bus Tour

Walking Tour

1884 Baldwin Roundhouse

Two of Virginia’s Historic Gardens

Oak Spring and Blandy Experimental Farm

Historic Garden Week in Virginia offers the opportunity to visit beautiful homes and gardens in the state, ranging from classic to modern. This year, Oak Spring, the former home of philanthropists Paul Mellon and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon—usually closed to the public—opens its doors for this special event.

Although she had no formal training, Bunny Mellon designed landscapes for many of the Mellons’ properties and is known for her 1961 redesign of the White House Rose Garden and East Garden. Spend the morning discovering the nearly 700-acre Oak Spring estate. The visit includes the main Mellon residence and its extensive gardens, the formal greenhouse, Oak Spring Gallery, and the Broodmare Barn, where Paul Mellon raised his most successful thoroughbreds. Distinctive features of the walled garden, which Bunny Mellon created, include fruit trees trained to grow flat against walls, reflecting pools, and a bridge to a garden pavilion.

The afternoon takes you to the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm, which includes the State Arboretum of Virginia. Learn about Blandy’s history and visit the arboretum, native plant garden, and historic Quarters building. Since 1924, the University of Virginia has owned the 712 acres of former estate land, using it to train college students in farming methods and to perform scientific experiments. In the 1980s, it was opened to the public.

Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads this tour and lectures en route. Members of the Middleburg Garden Club welcome you at Oak Spring and offer interpretation throughout the estate. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and tastings are available during the visit. A boxed lunch is included. Fri., April 24, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-007; Members $233; Nonmembers $295

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 harbor-front 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 18thcentury 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.

And during an evening at Newport Vineyards 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

Views of Oak Spring, the former estate of Paul and Rachel “Bunny” Mellon

The Breakers

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: Welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2: Begin 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

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. Transfer to the airport is provided the evening of April 30.

Horseshoe Bend

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim

Antelope Canyon X

2-Day Tour

Public and Private Gardens of the Philadelphia Region

A Springtime Extravaganza

Celebrate spring blooms with two days devoted to garden artistry. At Chanticleer—often called the most beautiful garden in America—discover a living masterpiece of horticultural imagination, where inventive plant combinations, bold color, and joy abound. Continue to Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, a former Gilded Age estate reimagined as a sanctuary of native plants, historic trees, and graceful stonework honoring the past while embracing an ecological future.

Visit Jenkins Arboretum, a serene 48-acre oasis where native plants, woodland trails, and seasonal blooms create a vibrant sanctuary for nature lovers.

Led by horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey, the tour also includes three private gardens opened exclusively for Smithsonian Associates. Each reflects the creativity and vision of its owner, offering meticulously curated collections, artful outdoor living spaces, and rare opportunities to engage directly with the gardeners.

Wed., May 20, 7:15 a.m.–Thurs., May 21, 7 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-PAG; detailed tour information on website; Members $748; Nonmembers $990

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.

2-Day Tour

Discover Staten Island

The borough of Staten Island is a place that’s often overlooked by visitors—and fellow New Yorkers. On a two-day excursion led by arts journalist Richard Selden, discover an array of cultural and historic treasures that prove this island deserves to shed its underdog reputation.

Begin at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, the borough’s 19thcentury architectural crown jewel turned vibrant cultural center and botanical garden. Amid its stately Greek Revival buildings and landscaped grounds lies one of New York’s hidden gems: the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, a tranquil haven of pavilions, waterfalls, and winding paths inspired by Ming Dynasty design.

A visit to the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, a hilltop retreat modeled after a Himalayan monastery, includes a private reception. At Clear Comfort, the waterfront home of pioneering photographer Alice Austen, step inside a National Historic Landmark that captures both the artist’s spirit and sweeping views of New York Bay.

Tour the lively St. George Historic District, stroll along the South Beach boardwalk with its panoramic vista of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and take in classic harbor views aboard the Staten Island Ferry. As with any New York borough, no visit is complete without sampling beloved local fare, from neighborhood favorites to seaside snacks.

Sun., June 7, 7:30 a.m.–Mon., June 8, 9 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-STN; Members $693; Nonmembers $925

Vibrant scenes and woodland trails at Jenkins Arboretum

The Staten Island Ferry passes the Statue of Liberty

Inside the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art at Snug Harbor

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

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Tues., Feb. 3–March 3

Masterpieces of the Symphony

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 33 Fri., Feb. 6-20

Masterworks at the Barnes Foundation 35

Sat., Feb. 7, Sun., Feb. 8, Sat., April 11, and Sun., April 12

The Axelrod String Quartet • 18 Sun., Feb. 8, 15, and 22

Botanical Gardens of the World 26

Wed., Feb. 18–March 11

Caravaggio: The Rebel Who Changed Baroque Art

Sat., Feb. 21, Sun., March 15, and Sun., April 19

Masterworks of Three Centuries • ............................................................18

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

The Age of World’s Fairs ..................................................................................7

Feb. 28; Fri., April 17; Fri., June 5

March 2–23

Tues., March 3, 10, and 17

Write

March 4–25

Goths, Huns, Franks, and Anglo-Saxons

Mon., March 9–30

Coming to America: European Musical Artists ......................................21

Wed., March 18, 25, April 1, 8, and 15

Captain Cook and the Pacific .......................................................................10

Thurs., March 19, April 23, May 21, and June 25

The American Revolution, Part 1 11 Mon., April 6–27

Music Inspired by the Natural World

Wed., April 8–29

The Bauhaus

Fri., April 10–May 1

The History of Asian Architecture

Sat., April 11 and 18

Masterpieces of the Middle Ages: Gothic Grandeur

Mon., May 4–June 1

Islamic Art: A Global Heritage

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.