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,
The cover photo, highlighting the striking contrast between two sections of the Louvre, captures one of the most compelling facets of French culture: the seamless interplay between past and present. This month’s guide offers programs that explore how the country’s rich heritage lives on today. Join us to indulge in some Francophile delights.
Travel back to the Belle Époque, when the 1900 Paris Exposition
Universelle dazzled visitors as it reflected the past and embraced the promise of modern technologies (p. 3). Raise a glass as Smithsonian Associates’ resident sommelier toasts the native grapes of the Rhône Valley, prized by vintners across the world (p. 18).
France has given the world a legacy of timeless music. Celebrate Maurice Ravel’s 150th birthday by exploring masterpieces marked by his distinctive beauty and technical brilliance (p. 21). Georges Bizet died believing his opera Carmen was a failure. It was reborn as one of the most influential works in musical history (p. 23). Jazz Paris-style came into its own after the 1917 visit of an American infantry unit band that came to be known as the “Harlem Hellfighters” and the city continues to be a place where African American musicians work, create, and live (p. 25).
Painters have long fallen in love with the luminous beauty of the Mediterranean coast, and the museums dedicated to their works in the South of France belong on any art-lover’s itinerary (p. 31). Discover how American women artists in Paris in the late-19th and early-20th centuries found a creative haven in a residence nicknamed “The Club” (p. 34). In the 1870s, another American artist, Mary Cassatt, took on a significant role in the circle of the Impressionists. Examine the themes in her body of work (p. 37). If you’re a self-taught artist, find inspiration in a Studio Arts class that focuses on the distinctive drawing techniques of Vincent van Gogh (p. 41).
Here’s a head start on the Parisian séjour you’re now dreaming about: an illustrated walk through the city’s arrondissements that highlights the bold contemporary architecture making its mark on the skyline (p. 36).
Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu
facebook.com/smithsonianassociates instagram.com/smithsonianassociates issuu.com/smithsonianassociatesprograms Smithsonian Associates (USPS 043-210) Vol. 53, No. 10, June 2025. Published monthly by Smithsonian Associates, Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and at additional mailing offices. Robert A. Sacheli, Editor; Ric Garcia, Visual Specialist. Copyright 2025 by the Smithsonian Associates. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293. Printed in the U.S.A. on recyclable paper.
LIFELONG LEARNING
60 SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES LIFELONG LEARNING
Celebrating 60 Years of Learning at the Smithsonian
Sparking Curiosity, Conversations, and Connections
As summer officially approaches, we’re spotlighting programs with a seasonal connection. Learn why nature’s delicately winged and multi-legged insects were among the favorite subjects of 16th- and 17th-century Dutch artists. What’s a summer night without music? Join one of the original members of the Sixties group Jay and the Americans as he looks back at the birth of doo-wop. Does gazing at a
starry sky make you wonder if we Earthlings aren’t the only life in the vastness of space? A specialist in planetary science and space exploration examines the possibilities.
Capture your summer memories in a reflective writing workshop inspired by art and poetry or pick up your watercolor brush in a Studio Arts class focused on techniques for painting beautiful cloud-filled skies. And if fair-going is a favorite pastime, explore some of the most influential world’s fairs in modern history, held in London, Chicago, and Paris.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Little Beasts
Art, Wonder, and the Natural World
During the 16th and 17th centuries, advancements in scientific technology plus trade and colonial expansion allowed naturalists to study previously unknown insects, animals, and other beestjes (“little beasts” in Dutch). Artists helped deepen knowledge of these creatures with detailed works.
“Little Beasts: Art, Wonder, and the Natural World,” now at the National Gallery of Art, features artworks alongside specimens and taxidermy. Three curators and a contributing filmmaker offer an exhibition overview and insights into the artists and the ideas it covers.
Thurs., June 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-642; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Heart & Soul: The Story of Doo-Wop with Kenny Vance
As a co-founder of the Sixties pop group Jay and the Americans, singer-songwriter Kenny Vance shares stories with journalist Budd Mishkin about the impact of doo-wop and early rock & roll artists such as Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Chantels, and Little Anthony & the Imperials. Through clips from his documentary, Heart & Soul: A Love Story, witness how these young street artists broke new ground, created harmony by singing as one, and ultimately formed a bridge to the popular music and youth culture of today.
Sun., June 22, 6 p.m.; CODE 1T0-023; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Insects and a Sprig of Rosemary by Jan van Kessel the Elder, 1653
Summer’s Discoveries
A Reflective Writing Workshop
Inspired by works of art by Georgia O’Keeffe and poetry by Mary Oliver, explore the lessons that the summer season offers us when we slow down, look closely, and reflect. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop led by Mary Hall Surface invites you to look at the world through the lens of painting and poetry and to respond through reflective writing.
Tues., July 15, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-592; Members $40; Nonmembers $45
Are We Alone?
The Search for Life Beyond Earth
section of the Allen Telescope Array
California’s Hat Creek Observatory
What are the odds of finding distant worlds that support life? Are other planets trying to contact us—and would we be able to recognize extraterrestrial life if it exists? To find the answers, Kelly Beatty, senior editor of Sky & Telescope magazine, follows the efforts of astronomers to find Earth-like worlds that have the essential elements to sustain life. He also recaps the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, which seeks to intercept transmissions from distant technologically advanced civilizations.
Tues., July 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-645; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Spacious Skies in Watercolor
Perfect for artists of all levels, this Studio Arts workshop focuses on techniques to create expansive skies with a minimal landscape. Artist Cindy Briggs teaches a variety of approaches to depicting stunning skies, including everything from large cumulus clouds to wispy cirrus clouds.
Tues., July 22 and 29, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XK; Members $140; Nonmembers $165 By Cindy Briggs
The Age of World’s Fairs
Spectacles of Innovation
World’s fairs have long served as global showcases for innovation, culture, and progress. These international expositions brought together nations to display advancements in technology, industry, art, architecture, and science, often reflecting the aspirations and challenges of their times. Art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into pivotal exhibitions held in London (1851), Chicago (1893), and Paris (1900), examining how these landmark events showcased each era’s groundbreaking achievements.
3-session series: Mon., July 28, Aug. 18, and Sept. 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-104; Members $60; Nonmembers $70
Individual sessions: Mon., July 28 (CODE 1D0-104A); Mon., Aug. 18 (CODE 1D0-104B); Mon., Sept. 29 (CODE 1D0-104C); 6:45 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
60
LIFELONG LEARNING
Look for this icon to find more programs that are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings
Opening ceremony of the 1900 Paris World’s Fair
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Lake George (formerly Reflection Seascape) by Georgia O'Keeffe, 1922
Smithsonian Associates In Person
We invite you to join us for selected in-person programs, concert series, and studio arts classes and workshops in our nation’s capital, as well as walking tours, full-day study tours, and overnight tours.
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Wines of Catalonia
Thurs., June 26
Explore a culture where wine is not just a drink but a story of place, tradition, and innovation. Lucas Payà, a global wine educator and authority on Spanish wine, hosts a master class and tasting experience that includes a lecture, curated wine tasting, and light snacks. (see p. 20)
Dinner at Casa Teresa
Wed., July 9
Inspired by the life and cooking of his abuela Teresa, chef Rubén García founded Casa Teresa in downtown Washington as an homage to the home cooks who created the tradition of Catalan cuisine. Enjoy a three-course menu designed for Smithsonian Associates that reflects García’s roots in simple, wood-fired dishes that offer diners a taste of the big family feasts from his childhood in Catalonia. (see p. 20)
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
Sat., Aug. 23, 7 p.m.
Jazz Rides the Rails
To celebrate the centennial of the railroad labor union Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters—the first of its kind—SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. (see p. 19)
Studio Arts
Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 40–45)
Sacred Spaces: Baltimore’s Religious Architecture
Bus Tour | Fri., June 20
Home to practitioners of over 20 religions, Baltimore’s spiritual landscape is marked by hundreds of places of worship, each with its own story. Embark on an architectural journey with historian and deacon James Reaves, who showcases the beauty and history of these sacred structures. (see p. 47)
Beyond the Myth: Frida Kahlo at the VMFA
Bus Tour | Thurs., July 17
Despite being one of the most documented artists of the 20th century, Frida Kahlo remains an elusive figure. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) exhibition
“Frida: Behind the Myth” explores the defining moments of Kahlo’s life as depicted through self-portraits plus prints and photographs of her. Arts journalist Richard Selden leads the tour. (see p. 48)
Experience
Lancaster: Amish
Traditions, Farms, and Food
2-Day Tour | Fri., Sept. 19–Sat., Sept. 20
Nestled in the countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is home to one of the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. This region offers a rare glimpse into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. A 2-day journey explores its traditions, hospitality, and craftsmanship. (see p. 49)
Tours
Discover expert-led tours that offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences. And get a preview of overnight tours that will go on sale in coming months. (see pp. 46–52)
Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
Portugal: The Nation on the Edge
Far from being just “Spain’s little brother,” Portugal has its own fascinating history and culture. Medievalist Paul B. Sturtevant explores the background of the country that has alternated between peripheral frontier and seat of imperial power, international pariah and tourism darling. Topics covered include the founding of Lisbon, the second-oldest capital city in Europe; the forging of the kingdom; Portugal’s explorations; and the long-lived 20th-century dictatorship.
Detail of a caravel ship on a mosaic fountain in the Fidalga Palace and Gardens, Seixal, Portugal
4-session series: Mon., June 2–23, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-470; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
Defending San Francisco Bay
A World Heritage of Tattoo Traditions
For millennia, astonishingly diverse forms of body art have been produced by cultures throughout the world. Some employed tattoos for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes, to mark special life achievements, or to assert social identity. Others marked the body with symbols intended to promote fertility, protect themselves from malevolent spirits, or carry them safely into the afterlife. Lars Krutak, an anthropologist and host of the Discovery Channel’s “Tattoo Hunter,” shares his life’s journey to understand how tattoos “make” the people who wear them. Krutak’s book Indigenous Tattoo Traditions: Humanity through Skin and Ink (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.
Wed., June 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-020; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area contains an outdoor museum of fortifications that waited for wars that never happened and enemies that never came. Historian John A. Martini, a retired National Park Service ranger, covers the Presidio’s colonial-era fortifications built by the Spanish and Mexican governments; the towering Civil War fortress of Fort Point; the dozens of concrete coast artillery bunkers built from the 1890s to the 1940s; and the Bay Area’s final defensive system: a chain of Nike missile sites armed with nuclear weapons during the Cold War. All obsolete, the fortifications’ legacy is the stunning parklands of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Mon., June 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-133; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Your programs...your time
Registered for a Smithsonian Associates online program but missed it because of a schedule conflict? Wish you could take a second look at a presentation you loved? Associates Encores offers the answer to these questions—and more.
Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org for more information
Fort Barry Nike site
Spitfires
American Women Pilots in World War II
They were crop dusters and debutantes, college girls and performers in flying circuses—all trained as pilots. As women, they were denied the chance to fly when the United States entered the Second World War. But Great Britain, fighting for survival, welcomed 25 young aviators in 1942, the first American women to command military aircraft. Risking their lives in one of the deadliest jobs of the war, they ferried barely tested new fighters and bombers to air bases and returned shot-up wrecks for repair, never knowing what might go wrong until they were high in the sky.
Author Becky Aikman highlights the stories of nine of the women who served. Her book Spitfires: The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During World War II (Bloomsbury Publishing) is available for purchase.
Tues., June 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-588; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife
Death is the one thing all humans throughout history have in common, and yet it is still a mystery. Robert Garland, a professor emeritus of classics, explores the death-related beliefs and practices of a range of ancient cultures and traditions, including Egyptian, Jewish, Zoroastrian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, early Christian, and Islamic. Garland puts himself in the sandals of ancient peoples and imagines how they sought—in ways that turn out to be remarkably similar to ours— to assist the dead on their journey to the next world. Garland is the author of What to Expect When You’re Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife (Princeton University Press), which is available for purchase.
Fri., June 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-468; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Harvey Girls and the Ladies of the Canyons
Uncovering Women’s History in the Southwest
Author Lesley Poling-Kempes brings to life two adventurous and very different groups of lesser-known women whose legacies shaped the American Southwest in significant ways. She weaves together their unique experiences in a presentation that draws on oral histories, period photographs, journal excerpts, and her research for two books on Southwestern history, The Harvey Girls and Ladies of the Canyons
Poling-Kempes tells the story of the 100,000 young women who left their homes from across the country to work as waitresses in the chain of Harvey House restaurants along the Santa Fe Railway from the 1880s to the 1950s, changing history in a region where at one time there were “no ladies west of Dodge City and no women west of Albuquerque.”
She also examines the lives of Natalie Curtis, Carol Stanley, Alice Klauber, and Mary Cabot Wheelwright—educated and inquisitive women who each in the early decades of the 20th century journeyed to the Southwest. They imagined and created a new home territory, a new society, and a new identity for themselves and for the women who would follow them. Poling-Kempes reveals how their lives were transformed by the people, landscapes, and cultures they found—particularly Native American art and music.
Wed., June 11, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-134; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
Harvey Girls and a Fred Harvey general manager at the El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon National Park, ca. 1926
Contemporary Egyptian 50-piastre coin with an image of Cleopatra
Cleopatra Unveiled
Cleopatra would have been a social-media star if she lived today. Known for charisma and her grand entrances, she was more renowned for her intellect and ruthless determination to rule. Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator was queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 B.C.E—and politics was her game. Her role as an absolute monarch was complex. She embraced both Caesar and Mark Antony as protectors and lovers when the need arose and murdered siblings to gain power. A famine marred her early years on the throne; restive soldiers and general lawlessness were constant; and finances were strained. Historian Barry Strauss examines Cleopatra as a ruler at a crucial moment when Romans and Egyptians fought for domination.
Thurs., June 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-863; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Inside Air Force One
The Flying White House
More than a plane, Air Force One is a global symbol of American power. The blue-and-white 747 reflects the policies and ideas of presidents and offers them a space where America’s leaders can let their guard down with trusted advisers and friends. Ken Walsh, who traveled more than 200 times aboard Air Force One as a White House correspondent for U.S. News & World Report over 30 years, reveals what happens on the presidential aircraft. He draws on his book Air Force One: A History of the Presidents and Their Planes as he explores how each president creates a distinct mood on board and shares behind-the-scenes stories and insights into Air Force One’s vital role in developing U.S. leadership.
Wed., June 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-099; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Harriet Tubman and the Quest for Freedom
Born enslaved on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Harriet Tubman seized her freedom in her mid20s and selflessly returned to rescue family members and others trapped in slavery. Her faith sustained her in times of need and empowered her to live for others, but it did not lessen her fighting spirit: Using violence to combat the most violent of institutions was not a contradiction to her. Kelly Hancock of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond explores Tubman’s early life, work as an abolitionist, and exploits during the Civil War. She also looks at Tubman’s postwar humanitarian efforts and her private life, providing an intimate look at a remarkable woman.
Wed., June 18, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-135; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Operation Market Garden
After the retreat of German forces following the D-Day invasion, a strategy was hatched to speed up the end of World War II with an offensive code-named Market Garden. Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery’s plan called for three Allied airborne divisions to drop by parachute and glider into the Netherlands and seize key territory and bridges so that ground forces could cross the Rhine. Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower reluctantly agreed to greenlight the operation, and Market Garden launched on September 17, 1944.
descend during the operations of the 1st Allied Airborne Army in the Netherlands, Sept. 17, 1944
However, because of poor planning and factors including bad weather, the combined force of mostly American and British troops tried, but ultimately failed, to achieve their objectives—and sustained devastating losses in the process. Military historian Mitch Yockelson highlights the plan and the results of this operation to end the war.
Wed., June 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-868; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Paratroopers
Portrait of Harriet Tubman by Benjamin F. Powelson, 1868
Birth of a City
From New Amsterdam to New York
In 1664, England decided to invade the Dutch-controlled city of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island in New Netherland. Charles II and his brother, the Duke of York, had dreams of empire, and the Dutch were in the way. But Richard Nicolls, the military officer who led the English flotilla, changed his strategy once he encountered Peter Stuyvesant, New Netherland’s canny director general.
Author Russell Shorto reveals the founding of New York to be the result of creative negotiations that blended the multiethnic, capitalistic society of New Amsterdam with the power of the rising English empire. Shorto’s book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America (W. W. Norton) is available for purchase.
Mon., July 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-479; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
60 LIFELONG LEARNING
Arms and Armor: Bringing the Past into the Future
In our modern world, arms and armor reign supreme in the fantasy realms of pop culture. One of the world’s largest private collections of arms and armor holds more than 6,000 objects, spanning 6,000 years. It includes preMiddle Age Viking swords, a rare ancient Greek iron breastplate, and one of the best examples in the world of a Chalcidian bronze helmet (ca. 450 B.C.E.). Nick Richey, “keeper of the arms,” introduces the collection and discusses avenues of preservation that range from traditional restoration to cutting-edge digitization for a burgeoning metaverse.
Thurs., July 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-025; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings
Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship
Between May 21 and June 6, 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison journeyed together through Upstate New York and parts of New England. The trip came at a moment of tension for the new nation, and some observers at the time wondered whether this excursion into Federalist New England by the two most prominent Southern members of the DemocraticRepublican Party had an ulterior motive.
Historian Louis Masur reveals that their journey, described as one for “health, recreation, and curiosity,” was also about friendship. Madison recalled that it made Jefferson and him “immediate companions,” solidifying a bond that thrived for decades.
Masur’s book A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship (Oxford University Press) is available for purchase.
Wed., July 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-587; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
When Washington Burned
The British Invasion of the Capital and a Nation’s Rise from the Ashes
Perhaps no other single day in U.S. history was as threatening to the survival of the nation as Aug. 24, 1814, when British forces captured Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812.
Historian Robert P. Watson of Lynn University examines the British campaign and American missteps that led to the fall of Washington. He analyzes the actions of key leaders on both sides and pinpoints the reasons the campaign was such a disaster for the United States. He also covers the stories of the courageous young clerks and bold first lady Dolley Madison, who risked their lives to save priceless artifacts and documents, including the Constitution, from the flames. The British invasion was repulsed over the following weeks and months, and the United States ultimately emerged stronger.
Tues., July 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-590; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Corinthian helmet, early 6th century
William F. Buckley Jr.
Architect of Modern Conservatism
In 1951, William F. Buckley Jr.’s book God and Man at Yale, a scathing critique of his alma mater, launched the 25-year-old onto the national stage. He became a towering figure in American politics and media, founding National Review magazine, shaping political debate on television, and mentoring a new generation of conservative leaders including Ronald Reagan. His designated biographer, Sam Tanenhaus, explores Buckley’s life as an intellectual and political force as well as lesser-known aspects of his history—including secret CIA missions in Latin America. Tanenhaus unpacks Buckley’s multifaceted legacy, exploring his influence on modern conservatism, his ideological battles, and the complex, often-surprising life of a man who left an enduring mark on American public life. His book Buckley: The Life and Revolution that Changed America (Random House) is available for purchase.
Mon., July 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0105; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Hidden Histories of the Viking Age
It’s time to meet the real Vikings—not the storied kings, raiders, and saga heroes but the ordinary people: the merchants, children, artisans, slaves, and storytellers who shaped the medieval Nordic world. Historian Eleanor Barraclough digs into their day-to-day lives through artifacts such as a comb engraved with the earliest traces of a new writing system, a pagan shrine found deep beneath a lava field, and a note from an angry wife to a husband too long at the tavern. Barraclough brings to life this culture that spread from the Scandinavian heartlands to Greenland, the Arctic, Eurasia, all the way to the Byzantine empire and Islamic caliphate.
Her latest book, Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age (W.W. Norton), is available for purchase.
Fri., July 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-024; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
From Millionaires’ Row to Embassy Row
Massachusetts Avenue in the Gilded Age
Washington’s movers and shakers once strolled the streets of Dupont Circle, where Massachusetts Avenue was the city’s most fashionable residential address. Heiresses, industrial magnates, newspaper tycoons, and members of the political elite built opulent mansions along the avenue to impress the capital city’s society. After the Great Depression, many of these magnificent residences were converted into embassies, social clubs, and offices. Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, offers stories of the capital’s ruling class and their links to the history of Washington’s premier promenade.
Mon., July 14, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-136; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
German-Jewish Responses
to the Rise of Hitler
In a 1933 letter, German painter Max Liebermann wrote, “Like a horrible nightmare the abrogation of equal rights weighs upon us all, but especially upon those Jews who, like me, had surrendered themselves to the dream of assimilation. ... As difficult as it has been for me, I have awakened from the dream that I dreamed my whole life long.” Historian Michael Brenner, author of In Hitler’s Munich, explores the ways in which German Jews awoke from their dream of being German citizens of the Jewish faith, examining their reactions to the rapid changes during the first weeks after Hitler became chancellor of Germany in January 1933, ranging from attempts of accommodation with the new regime to religious responses to calls for emigration.
Wed., July 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-872; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Embassy Row, Massachusetts Avenue
Jews being deported from Würzburg, April 1942
The Indispensables
How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington’s Army
A group of white, Black, Hispanic, and Native American soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts, played a significant role during the American Revolution. Nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the United States through governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, forging critical supply lines, and establishing the origins of the U.S. Navy.
The Marblehead Regiment became truly indispensable: They battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing today’s Secret Service. The special operations–like regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history. Military historian and author Patrick K. O’Donnell discusses the exploits and heroism of this unique group of soldiers.
Thurs., July 17, 6:30 p.m; CODE 1H0-871; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Saffron gatherer in fresco, Akrotiri, Santorini
Santorini: Pompeii of the Aegean
The island of Santorini boasts one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites of the Greek Bronze Age. It is often described as the “Pompeii of the Aegean” because around 1600 B.C.E., a cataclysmic volcanic eruption engulfed the island in layers of pumice and ash up to 60 yards deep. While knowledge of the ancient community was brought to light in the second half of the 19th century, it was not until 1967 that systematic excavations were begun in earnest. Art historian Renee Gondek delves into the site and discusses the colorful frescoes found in many of the preserved structures.
Thurs., July 17, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-026; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Thomas Cromwell: Villain or Victim?
Was Thomas Cromwell, chief courtier of Henry VIII and architect of the English Protestant Reformation, a villain or a victim? Is he more the pragmatic striver depicted in Hilary Mantel’s trilogy of Wolf Hall novels or the sinister nemesis of the martyr Sir Thomas More in Robert Bolt’s play and film A Man for All Seasons?
Consolidating royal power in both England and Ireland by establishing the new Church of England, dissolving the monasteries, and suppressing Irish rebels, Cromwell succeeded until he incurred the enmity of the most dangerous resident of the court: the king himself. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores the true story behind the intrigues of Henry VIII’s court, where religion, politics, bureaucracy, and sex were entangled in a dangerous mix that led Cromwell to follow his enemy More to the scaffold.
Wed., July 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-395; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
The Birth of the Mafia
Crime, Power, and the Making of Modern Sicily
The Mafia conjures images of violence, secrecy, and strict codes of honor—but how did it all begin? Ross King, author of The Shortest History of Italy, sheds light on a dark but fascinating chapter in Sicilian history that still shapes the island’s identity today. In 19th-century Palermo and Western Sicily, the rise of the Mafia was closely tied to the upheavals of Italian Unification, exploiting political instability, corrupt officials, and lucrative industries such as lemon and sulfur exports. King explores how organized crime thrived by infiltrating the very institutions meant to uphold justice. Along the way, he separates legend from reality, revealing a world of ruthless ambition, hidden networks, and the uneasy relationship between crime and the state.
Thurs., July 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-867; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Portrait of Thomas Cromwell by Hans Holbein, ca. 1532–1533
The Great Museum of the Sea
Why Shipwrecks Capture the Imagination
The sea is the largest museum on earth, with more than a million lost ships resting in its depths. These shipwrecks date back thousands of years, some from civilizations long vanished, others from more recent history. Some are famous, others obscure and unremembered, but each has a story to tell.
Maritime archaeologist James P. Delgado discusses the world’s wrecks, including many of the more than 100 he has personally discovered or investigated, including the RMS Titanic, USS Arizona, and the slave ship Clotilda. He explains how and why ships experience catastrophes at sea and why their remains have captured our imagination for millennia.
His book The Great Museum of the Sea: A Human History of Shipwrecks (Oxford University Press) is available for purchase.
Tues., July 29, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-596; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
“Fire!”
The Real History of the Boston Massacre
By March 1770, the people of Boston had lived almost a year and a half under British military occupation. Tensions, resentments, and open threats of violence issued by both civilians and soldiers had long become a fact of life. The town was a powder keg—and on the evening of Monday, March 5, it exploded.
The Boston Massacre, March 5, 1770, lithograph, ca. 1850s
An argument between a wigmaker’s apprentice and a sentry posted outside the town hall on King Street drew a crowd of townspeople who pelted the sentry with stones and snowballs. A squad of Redcoat guardsmen arrived, and in the chaos, someone yelled “Fire!” Shots rang out, and when the smoke from the soldiers’ muskets cleared, five local men lay dead and dying on the street. The official British report called it a “unhappy disturbance,” but Boston leaders took to calling it a “horrid massacre.” Historian Richard Bell draws on the latest scholarship as he argues that the real history of the “affray on King Street” is far more intriguing than even Paul Revere’s famous engraving of it has led us to believe.
Wed., July 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-397; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Evolution of the Euro
Used by over 340 million people daily, the euro is the second–most-used currency worldwide. But the official adoption of this currency by 20 of the 27 European Union countries had a storied start as a currency without a state. Historian Christopher Brooks offers a deep dive into the euro’s origins, tracing its evolution from the formation of the European Economic Community in 1957 to the creation of the eurozone in 1999. Drawing on his experiences while working in Germany during the currency transition, Brooks discusses the implementation of the euro, the advantages it brings to member states, its role in global finance, and its competition with the U.S. dollar.
Wed., July 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-066; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Rome’s Gladiator Emperor
The Mystifying Madness of Commodus
Commodus as Hercules, the Capitoline Museums
Lucius Aurelius Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius, ruled Rome from the year 180. Reared in the house of one of the most philosophical, moderate, and admired Roman emperors, Commodus inexplicably and suddenly descended into bizarre megalomania around 190. As one of his many antics, the emperor traded philosopher’s curls for a gladiator’s crop, staging gruesome spectacles— slaying bears, exotic animals, and even Rome’s disabled citizens. Even stranger, Commodus proclaimed himself a reincarnated Hercules, a demi-god with the right to reshape Roman traditions and institutions that had endured for centuries. Historian Colin Elliott investigates why Commodus abandoned the moderate and judicious style of rule of his predecessors and embraced brutality in the arena, exploring how trauma, crisis, sycophancy, and absolute power forged—and felled—Rome’s gladiator emperor.
Mon., Aug. 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-602; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
The Twilight of the British Empire
In 1875, when Britain acquired a majority share of the Suez Canal, it already possessed a worldwide empire. Conquests between then and World War I made the empire even bigger, backed by a strong industrial economy and a faith that imperialism was good and right. For many Britons, such as Winston Churchill, possession of the empire was a source of national pride, though there were already a few, especially in the labor movement, who rejected the idea of dominating other peoples.
Historian Patrick Allitt traces how the British Empire reached its zenith during and just after World War I and subsequently entered its decline. He considers influences including critics such as Gandhi; the beginning of the empire’s breakup after World War II under the Labour government of Clement Attlee; and the humiliation of British forces during the Suez Crisis of 1956.
Wed., Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-874; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Maginot Line
From Guernica to Hiroshima
The Rise of Strategic Bombing in WWII
World War II stands as the most destructive event in human history. Among its devastating innovations was the widespread use of strategic bombing—the deployment of aircraft to strike civilian targets. At the war’s beginning, all sides rejected using air power to target civilians directly. By its conclusion, however, every belligerent had incorporated some form of strategic bombing as a key element of their military strategy.
Historian Christopher Hamner examines the technology, strategy, philosophy, and moral implications of strategic air power. Drawing on primary sources and firsthand observations from the war years, he covers pivotal events, including the German bombing of Guernica; the London Blitz; the Allies’ Combined Bomber Offensive in Europe; the Allied raid on Dresden; the firebombing of Japan; and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Thurs., Aug. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-106; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Maginot Line—an array of defenses that France built along its border with Germany in the 1930s to prevent an invasion—was a marvel of engineering. Eight decades on, it is remembered as an expensively misguided response to obvious danger. Historian Kevin Passmore of Cardiff University reevaluates the massive undertaking by tracing the controversies surrounding its construction, the lives of the soldiers who manned the forts, the impact on German-speaking inhabitants of the frontier, and the fight against espionage from within.
Far from a backward step, Passmore argues, the Maginot Line was an ambitious project of modernization—one that was let down by strategic error and growing dissatisfaction with fortification. His new book, The Maginot Line: A New History (Yale University Press), is available for purchase.
Tues., Sept. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-604; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Angelica Schuyler Church
A Revolutionary Woman
Angelica Schuyler Church was Alexander Hamilton’s sister-in-law and the heart of Thomas Jefferson’s “charming coterie” of artists and salonnières in Paris. A woman of great influence in a time of influential women (Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette were contemporaries), her transatlantic network of important friends spanned the political spectrum of her era. Her astute eye and brilliant letters kept them well informed as she witnessed American history at its birth.
Writer Molly Beer explores Church’s life and legacy, revealing how American women wielded their influence to shape history and shedding new light on the early political and social fabric of the United States. Beer’s book, Angelica: For Love and Country in a Time of Revolution (W. W. Norton & Company), is available for purchase.
Wed., Aug. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-108; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
East London building in 1940 after one of many German bombing raids during the London Blitz
Churchill the Artist
Winston Churchill, renowned for his leadership during World War II, harbored a deep and enduring passion for painting, which provided him with a vital escape from stresses and frustrations for almost half a century. He began painting in 1915, at the age of 40, and over the course of his life painted more than 500 canvases, comprising landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, and portraits. The largest collection of his works is displayed at his former home at Chartwell in Kent.
Katherine Carter, curator of Chartwell’s collections for more than a decade, argues that in the absence of having kept a written diary, Churchill’s artworks are a visual one. He acknowledged the vital role painting played for him, and Carter’s illustrated presentation spotlights this important yet often-overlooked aspect of the statesman’s life and legacy.
Wed., Aug. 13, 2 p.m.; CODE 1K0-599; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Experimental Archaeology
Recreating the Experiences of Lost Civilizations
Whether it’s the mighty pyramids of Egypt, the majestic temples of Mexico, or the magnificent Colosseum of Rome, we have an idea of what the past looked like. But how can we understand the past with our other senses? From the tang of Roman fish sauce and the springy crust of Egyptian sourdough to the boom of medieval cannons and the clash of Viking swords, history often neglects vivid elements like these that were an intimate part of our ancestors’ lives.
Author Sam Kean reveals how a new generation of researchers is resurrecting these hidden details and pioneering a new discipline called experimental archaeology. His book Dinner with King Tut: How Rogue Archaeologists Are Recreating the Sights, Sounds, Smells, and Tastes of Lost Civilizations (Little, Brown) is available for purchase.
Thurs., Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-400; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
One Border, Two Nations
U.S.–Canadian Relations, 1774–1816
Even before the United States gained independence, colonial leaders hoped Canadians would join in resisting what they considered British abuses. In 1774, the First Continental Congress sent “A Letter to the Inhabitants of the Province of Quebec,” urging unity with the colonies. Invitations to send delegates to the Continental Congress followed in 1775 and 1776. At the same time, American forces launched three invasions into Canada, attempting to draw it into the conflict.
These repeated diplomatic and military efforts aimed at winning over the French-speaking population to the American revolutionary cause ultimately failed.
Historian Ralph Nurnberger explores the reasons why Canadians in the late 18th and early-19th centuries remained fervently nationalistic and how their connection to Britain helped define the country’s distinctive path in North American history.
Thurs., Aug. 21, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-109; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Keep Connected—Your Way
Smithsonian Associates members now can select how you hear from us. Want everything by email? Prefer to keep your program guide in print? You decide. Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org, log into “My Account,“ select “Go Green & Contact Preferences,” and you’re ready to fly.
Choose email-only, email with a printed Smithsonian Associates program guide, or stick with a mix of both email and print. Our communications will be winging their way to you—just the way you like.
View of Chartwell by Sir Winston Churchill
The Civilizations of the Andes
A Cultural Exploration
During an extraordinary 4,000-year history, the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Andean world created the earliest cities of the Western hemisphere, stupendous monumental architecture, magnificently crafted artifacts—and, on the eve of the arrival of Europeans, one of the most extensive empires the world has ever known, the Inca.
In a full-day seminar, George L. Scheper, a senior lecturer in advanced academic programs at Johns Hopkins University, provides a cultural overview of these achievements.
Sat., Aug. 23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2402; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Nazi Art Plunder in Postwar Western Europe
Art looting was a central feature of Nazi expropriation throughout Europe during World War II. After the war, hundreds of thousands of artworks were recovered. Well-publicized restitution cases, such as that of Gustav Klimt’s luminous golden Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, illustrate the legacy of Nazi looting.
But not all looted art was returned to its rightful owners. Following cultural property norms of the time, several European governments created custodianships over unclaimed pieces, without using their archives to help determine ownership. This policy has extended the dispossession of Jewish owners well into the 21st century.
Historian Elizabeth Campbell provides an overview of Nazi art looting in Europe and the continuing recovery and restitution process. Her latest book, Museum Worthy: Nazi Art Plunder in Postwar Western Europe, is available for sale.
Tues., Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-027; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Istanbul Unveiled
Building the Home Front
The U.S. Housing Crisis of World War II
Following the fall of France in 1940 during World War II, the United States rapidly ramped up production for the war effort, prompting massive conversions of existing factories and the construction of enormous new plants. With 20% of the U.S. population moving due to job demands and private home construction stifled by the war, a housing crisis of unprecedented scale emerged.
In response, the government launched programs to build housing swiftly, creating approximately 2 million housing units by the end of the war in 1945. Bill Keene, lecturer in urban studies and architecture, explores the development of the crisis, examining the wide range of housing solutions and assessing both the challenges these initiatives faced and their successes.
Thurs., Sept. 4, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-067; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Istanbul is a city of wonders whose architectural treasures are enduring legacies of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule. Once a major stop along the Silk Road, Istanbul’s historic center is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are reminders around every corner of the city’s place in world history, from Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace to the Chora Church to the underground ruins of the Byzantine Great Palace.
Tour guide Serif Yenen delves into storied sites to visit, along with ones still waiting to be discovered by visitors.
Fri., Sept. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-484; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Machu Picchu
GEORGE SCHEPER
LIFELONG LEARNING
Exploring Ancient Egypt
Culture, Commerce, and Daily Life
Discover the fascinating world of ancient Egypt in programs that explore the daily life, culture, and innovations of one of the world’s most influential civilizations. Scholar Shelby Justl of the Penn Museum in Philadelphia draws on the discoveries of ongoing archaeological explorations and experimental archaeology to bring to life the rich history of Egypt and its expanding role on the global stage.
SEPT 4 Eating and Drinking Like an Egyptian SEPT 11 Ancient Egyptian Adornments
SEPT 18 The Fairer Sex: Women in Ancient Egypt
SEPT 25 Ships, Travel, and Trade on the “Great Green” Mediterranean 4-session series: Thurs., Sept. 4–25, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1NV-EGY; Members $80; Nonmembers $100
Individual sessions: Thurs., Sept. 4 (CODE 1NV-141); Thurs., Sept. 11 (CODE 1NV-142); Thurs., Sept. 18 (CODE 1NV-143); Thurs., Sept. 25 (CODE 1NV-144); 12 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Celebrating
years of learning at Smithsonian Associates
Youth and Family Programs
Inspired by the Smithsonian’s World
Smithsonian Associates offers an array of youth and family programs designed to ignite curiosity and foster learning through memorable immersive experiences. These programs cater to children, teens, and families, providing opportunities to connect with the rich collections and expertise of the Smithsonian.
This summer, more than 1,000 campers will participate in Smithsonian Summer Camp where they engage in museum visits, hands-on projects, and interactions with Smithsonian experts. Held at the Ripley Center on the National Mall, camps cover a range of topics including art, science, and history, all tailored to the campers’ age ranges.
Families can also participate in Smithsonian Sleepovers, a unique overnight experience at the National Museum of Natural History on select summer weekends. These events invite children ages 8–14 and their adult chaperones to explore the museum after hours, taking part in games, crafts, and guided tours.
Additionally, Discovery Theater presents year-round live performances for children ages 2–11, blending education with entertainment to introduce young audiences to stories of adventure, history, and science.
Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/youth-family or scan the QR code to learn about our currently scheduled programs—and make memories to last a lifetime.
Gold necklace with pendant of the goddess Sekhmet, 570–526 B.C.E.
Statuette of woman preparing beer, Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty
Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
An Introduction to Dr. Johnson
Samuel Johnson was a literary giant of 18th-century England. Born in Lichfield, Johnson came south to London as a young man and by the sheer force of his genius became the “literary dictator” of his era. He singlehandedly wrote the first modern dictionary of the English language; the period’s equivalent of a blog, The Rambler; the magnificent Preface to Shakespeare (whose works he edited); and brief biographies of most of the notable English poets in The Lives of the Poets. He was also a brilliant conversationalist, whose witty, insightful, and often snarky pronouncements were recorded by James Boswell in one of the greatest biographies in English. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson discusses Johnson’s life and achievements, looks at the London of his era, and offers a sampling of his writings and passages from Boswell’s biography.
Tues., June 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-577; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
A History of the Movie Musical
From The Jazz Singer to A Star Is
Born
Jack: Tales of the Ultimate Underdog
You already know Jack, the boy who grew a beanstalk to the clouds and stole a giant’s riches, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Jack Tales are a massive category of stories about a poor boy who triumphs repeatedly despite overwhelming odds. The particular popularity of Jack Tales in Appalachia emphasizes the fact that—although often stereotypically perceived as poor, isolated, and uneducated—the people of Appalachia are typically clever, resourceful underdogs themselves. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman examine key differences between these stories as they’re told in the U.S. and the U.K. and explain why Jack resonates as a hero.
Wed., June 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-464; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
As soon as movies could talk, they began to sing and dance. Over the next nine decades, the movie musical evolved to embrace every type of performance, from operetta to rock to tap to ballet. Musicals drew on Broadway hits and original creations from composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin. Media historian Brian Rose traces the history of musicals and shows more than 30 excerpts spotlighting artists including Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, the Nicholas Brothers, and the Beatles.
Thurs., June 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-465; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Sherlock Holmes A Sleuth’s Legacy in a Modern World
Why does Sherlock Holmes remain such an intriguing figure generations after his debut? English professor Kristopher Mecholsky highlights his origins and worldwide popularity. In the past, Holmes was revered for his technical expertise, with his followers intent on uncovering the detective powers of this fictional character as if he were a real sleuth. Some contemporary fans, however, are fascinated by searching for clues to whether Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s timeless detective would be classified as neurodivergent today and if adaptations inspired by his literary adventures depict that trait in Holmes with accuracy.
Tues., June 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-864; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Samuel Johnson by Joshua Reynolds, 1775
Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman
Lobby card for the 1943 musical film Stormy Weather with Lena Horne and Bill Robinson
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are 1,223 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.
Programs on this page are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings
Mogao Grottos
The Mogao Grottos of China are often referred to as an “art gallery in the desert.” For more than a thousand years, untold numbers of kings, merchants, monks, and nuns called the nearby desert oasis of Dunhuang home. Not far from town they sponsored the excavation and decoration of nearly 500 caves, each of which was bedecked in paintings that depicted Buddhist iconography, local folktales, and life along the Silk Road. Jacobs traces the history of the grottos, analyzes the wall paintings, and discusses the controversial fate of a secret “cave library” that was discovered in the early 20th century.
Wed., June 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-467; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Bamiyan Buddhas
The stone statues in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, were the largest representations of standing Buddhas in the world until their destruction by the Taliban in 2001. Jacobs delves into the history of the Bamiyan Buddhas, their construction and original purpose and function, and how they exemplified Buddhist civilization in Central Asia. He also examines their complex and surprising relationship with successive Muslim rulers of Afghanistan.
Wed., July 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-473; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Angkor Wat
The magnificent temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia marks the rise of the Khmer Empire in Southeast Asia and its incorporation of Indic cultural influences into the architecture of one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Jacobs explores how Angkor Wat later became a center of Buddhist worship, a symbol of French imperial pretensions, and finally an icon of the modern Cambodian nation.
Wed., Aug. 27, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-477; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Acropolis
Few ruins of the ancient world are more instantly recognizable than the majestic white columns of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens. Jacobs provides a comprehensive historical overview of the many incarnations of the monuments on the Acropolis, including some that no longer exist. After revisiting the original function and appearance of the classical Acropolis, he explores how its monuments were altered over time to serve new rulers and new cultural contexts until reaching their current whitewashed form in the 20th century.
Wed., Sept. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-483; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Buddha statue at Mogao Grottos
Bamiyan, Afghanistan
Angkor Wat temple and lotus pond
The Parthenon on the Acropolis
Shakespeare’s Reinvention of Poetry
The Story of His Sonnets
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, first published in 1609, offer a remarkable example of his poetic genius and the revolutionary use of language that also marks his legendary work as the author of such plays as Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi takes a close look at the sonnets’ poetic elements, themes, and techniques. Luzzi pays special attention to how Shakespeare’s use of the sonnet form also appeared in several of his plays; he compares Shakespeare the “sonneteer” to other illustrious practitioners of the form, including John Milton and Francis Petrarch. In addition, he discusses how and why the Sonnets have become one of the most consequential works in Western literature.
Sat., June 14, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-469; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
Spring Wine Adventures
Rhône Rangers: Rhône Varieties from Around the
World
The native grapes of the Rhône Valley produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines. These hardy warmclimate grapes are becoming even more important as climate change causes winemakers to rethink the wines they produce. Sample some of the most prolific Rhône varieties from countries near and far.
Fri., June 13, 6 p.m.; CODE 1L0-633; Members $70; Nonmembers $80
The Sound of Music
Spend a fascinating evening expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. This immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
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. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line).
NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program.
Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information
The Last Golden Sounds of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Why do we always succumb to this bountiful, joyous, teary-eyed musical that melts even the cynical and leaves everyone singing? What makes The Sound of Music last over time and generations? The story and glorious melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s final musical continue to touch us with themes of music-making, resistance to tyranny, pursuit of dreams, love, fear, hard choices, and courage.
Documentary filmmaker and instructor at New York University Sara Lukinson reveals how the story went, somewhat fictionalized, from a German documentary and memoir to a Broadway hit, movie fame, and immortality and why the actors who gave it life are forever famous for it. An abundant sampling of clips makes this a moving and heartwarming evening to spend with Rodgers and Hammerstein and the artists who keep the sound of their music alive.
Mon., June 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-585; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE
Mary Martin, Broadway’s original Maria in The Sound of Music, in a photo taken during the run of the show
LIFELONG LEARNING In Person
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
2024–2025 Concert Series
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as one of the crown jewels of the National Museum of American History.
Jazz Rides the Rails
Led by A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized in 1925 to fight the substandard treatment and working conditions of African Americans in Pullman car service. To celebrate the centennial of this historic railroad labor union—the first of its kind—SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. Concert selections include “Last Train from Overbrook” by James Moody; “Blues in the Night” by Harold Arlen; and “9:20 Special” by Earle Warren, Bill Engvick and Jack Palmer.
NEW DATE & LOCATION: Sat., Aug. 23, 7 p.m.; Warner Bros. Theater in the National Museum of American History; CODE 1P0-872; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France
When Elisabeth of Austria married Emperor Franz Joseph and Eugénie of France married Napoleon III, they became two of the most famous women of the 19th century. Young and beautiful, each represented, in her own way, a new kind of empress—one who rebelled against traditional expectations and restrictions. Historian Nancy Goldstone discusses the lives of these two glamorous women and how they played a pivotal role in ruling their realms.
Goldstone’s latest book, The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe (Little Brown), is available for purchase.
Tues., June 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-022; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Finding Philosophy in Literature
From Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Notes from a Dead House to Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, literature offers a powerful medium for delving into profound questions about existence, free will, and the essence of reality. With compelling characters, intricate narratives, and thought-provoking themes, authors invite readers to confront timeless concepts ranging from the battle between good and evil to the search for self-identity. Philosophical counselor Samir Chopra examines philosophical themes found in literary genres such as the legal novel, postapocalyptic fiction, and religious literature as he explores how literature can serve as a tool for moral education and instruction.
Tues., June 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-065; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Read more about programs in this guide on the website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings
Exploring the Cuisine and Culture of Catalonia
Wines of Catalonia
With tasting
As a leader in food and gastronomic excellence and a pioneer in wine tourism, Catalonia on Spain’s Iberian Peninsula boasts a cuisine that reflects its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant people, and enduring customs. It has been designated as the 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, marking the first time a European region has received this distinction. A series of special programs and events welcomes you to uncover the distinctive features of Catalan food and wine.
From coastal vineyards to mountainous terrains, Catalonia’s wines boast an extraordinary range of personalities and styles, driven by unique terroirs, indigenous varieties, and time-honored techniques. Celebrate this rich heritage as Barcelonian sommelier Lucas Payà, a global wine educator and authority on Spanish wine, hosts a master class and tasting experience that explores a culture where wine is not just a drink but a story of place, tradition, and innovation. Registration includes a lecture, curated wine tasting, and light snacks.
Thurs., June 26, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-638; Members $50; Nonmembers $65
Dinner at Casa Teresa
Inspired by the life and cooking of his abuela Teresa, chef Rubén García founded Casa Teresa in downtown Washington as an homage to the home cooks who created the tradition of Catalan cuisine. Enjoy a menu designed for Smithsonian Associates that reflects García’s roots in simple, wood-fired dishes that offer diners a taste of the big family feasts from his childhood in Catalonia. Registration includes a three-course dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. Wine, beer, and cocktails are not included but can be ordered separately.
Wed., July 9, 6 p.m.; Casa Teresa, 919 19th St. NW; CODE 1L0639; Members $150; Nonmembers $175
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
A History of the TV Talk Show
From Carson to Oprah to Stephen Colbert
From its start in the early 1950s, the talk show has been one of television’s most durable formats. Pioneering programs like “Today,” “Person-to-Person,” and “Tonight” established the basic features that have guided the format. Whether it was the sophisticated wit of Dick Cavett, the magnetic empathy of Oprah Winfrey, the innovative comedy of David Letterman, or the sharp political satire of Jon Stewart, the talk show has continued to provide viewers with a lively mix of entertainment, information, and compelling conversation. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the history of the television talk show and examines its changing appeal.
Thurs., July 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-474; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Stephen Colbert interviews Michelle Obama on “The Colbert Report,” April 11, 2012
Charlie Chaplin and the Art of Screen Comedy
During the 1920s and 1930s, he was perhaps the most famous man on Earth. His beloved Little Tramp—a scrawny, polite vagabond outfitted in bowler hat, baggy pants, and rattan cane—was instantly recognizable on cinemas across the globe. He was Charles Chaplin, pantomimist, actor, dancer, filmmaking perfectionist, and undisputed king of Hollywood comedy. Chaplin’s remarkable 52-year career, however, was not without its fair share of personal and political traumas, and by the early 1950s, this British-born comic artist found himself banished from his adopted country as the Cold War ignited.
Film historian Max Alvarez examines the legend behind the Tramp character and the influence Chaplin’s 70-plus comic shorts and 11 feature films had on the emerging art form of cinema. Enjoy the laughter and experience the heartbreak as Alvarez demonstrates why Chaplin remains one of the unsurpassed geniuses of 20th-century screen comedy.
Tues., July 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0593; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
The Exquisite Enigma of Maurice Ravel
Polished Perfection, Hidden Genius
The music of Maurice Ravel brings a unique form of magnetism, delicacy, passion, and a frisson of disquiet to our concert experience. Beneath his shimmering sound canvases lie an extraordinary craft and fanatical precision that underpins every silken phrase and melody.
Concert pianist and speaker Rachel Franklin celebrates Ravel’s 150th birthday by exploring a wide range of his works from such masterpieces as Daphnis et Chloé and La Valse to solo display works like Tzigane that dazzle with their beauty and technical brilliance. Examining compositions from before and after World War I, Franklin illustrates that no matter the style he chose to explore, Ravel’s music remained individual, intensely sophisticated, and profoundly moving.
2-session series: Wed., July 16 and 23, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-589; Members $50; Nonmembers $60
Kierkegaard on the Madness of Mass Media
The 19th-century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard was one of the earliest and most insightful critics of the phenomenon of mass communication—in particular, the way it fosters a culture of anonymity and conformity, leading to a kind of madness in society and eroding the foundations of meaning, truth, and moral responsibility. Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, explores the parallels between Kierkegaard’s inquiry and present-day concerns about the effects of algorithm-driven social media and news culture.
He discusses Kierkegaard’s analysis for understanding and responding to the challenges of living in a media-saturated society and notes that while much of the modern conversation focuses on political implications—such as misinformation, polarization, and the erosion of democracy—Kierkegaard calls attention to the moral and spiritual dimensions of the problem, suggesting that the dangers may be even graver than we suspect.
Thurs., July 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-594; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855)
Publicity photo from Charlie Chaplin's 1921 movie The Kid
Maurice Ravel
A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE Summer Wine Adventures: Ancient Roots
JUL 18 Spain on the Brain
Reaching back to the Romans in the 3rd century B.C.E., Spain’s history is inexorably linked to wine. Today, Spain boasts over 70 demarcated wine regions, producing everything from fresh, bright coastal wines to intense wines from inland regions to unique fortified wines—accompaniments for every palate and every plate.
Spend three fascinating evenings expanding your knowledge of wine as you travel the world with sommelier Erik Segelbaum in a series of delectable wine-tasting adventures. Each immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.
SEPT 12 The Ancient World: Israeli Wines Explored Israel has over 11,000 years of viticultural history. It is the only place in the world where wines are still being produced from the same biblical-era grapes used to make those that Moses and Jesus drank. This delicious tasting explores the full range of Israeli wines, including rare indigenous varieties from the biblical era. It’s perfect for any lover of wine and history.
AUG 15 Sensational Sicily
Sicily’s reputation as a food and wine paradise has remained intact for more than 3,000 years. Beginning with the Greeks in the 8th century B.C.E. and continuing with the Phoenicians and Romans, the best vines were propagated, viticulture developed, and Sicilian wines were promoted on and off the island. Today, we see—and taste—the fruits of these labors. Whether robust flavors from the slopes of still-active Mount Etna or the fresh, bright wine from coastal and inland vineyards, Sicily has something for everyone.
3-session series: Fri., July 18, Aug. 15, and Sept. 12, 6 p.m.; CODE 3WINE2025; Members $180; Nonmembers $210
Individual sessions: Fri., July 18 (CODE 1L0-646); Fri., Aug. 15 (CODE 1L0-647); Fri., Sept. 12 (CODE 1L0-648); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80
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. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water St. SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green 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
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.
Deep Listening
Shaping Transformative Conversations
Why do some conversations leave us feeling unheard and disconnected? Former BBC journalist, executive coach, and mediator Emily Kasriel argues that it’s because we’ve forgotten how to truly listen. Distracted by our own agenda, we so often hear without understanding, impatiently waiting for our turn to speak, says Kasriel.
Drawing from her book Deep Listening, she introduces an innovative approach to transformative conversations, illustrating how shifting from surface-level exchanges to more profound encounters can enrich our relationships as friends, parents, and partners, as well as enhance our effectiveness as leaders and strengthen the social fabric. Kasriel offers a reminder that we can listen to and better understand each other, even when we fiercely disagree.
Kasriel’s book, Deep Listening: Transform Your Relationships with Family, Friends, and Foes (William Morrow), is available for sale.
Thurs., July 24, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-148; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Georges Bizet and Carmen
A Life in Music, a Legacy in Opera
When Georges Bizet died suddenly at the age of 36 in 1875, his new opera, Carmen, had just been dubbed a humiliating failure, panned by critics at its Paris premiere barely three months beforehand. Bizet would never know that only a few months later its performances in Vienna, St. Petersburg, London, and New York were triumphant, and this vibrant and revolutionary work has never been absent from the world’s opera stages since then.
In this 150th anniversary year of Bizet’s death and Carmen’s birth, speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin explores how, despite enjoying only modest success during his lifetime, Bizet’s innovative, emotionally compelling style has influenced countless composers and profoundly shaped opera history to this day.
Tues., Aug. 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-601; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Uncovering the Cheapside Hoard
Buried Treasures and Stories of the Past
For nearly 400 years, a treasure lay buried under the streets of London. Unearthed by accident, this dazzling collection of nearly 500 jewels and gemstones, necklaces, pins, rings, and other precious objects was most likely the stock of a goldsmith jeweler in Cheapside. Probably buried in the mid-17th century, the stash—now known as the Cheapside Hoard—is the largest surviving collection from the era.
Tudor scholar and historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger examines the story of these luxury items and what they reveal about life in Renaissance England. She links specific pieces of jewelry to similar items in portraits and considers how the jewels, scent bottles, and salt cellars reveal how royals and nobility of the period used such items to communicate power.
Wed., Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-398; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
Jewelry worn by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in a ca. 1565 portrait matches items found in the Cheapside Hoard
Georges Bizet's Carmen, lithographic detail from the poster for the première, 1875
The Shubert Brothers’ Broadway
In the early 20th century, Manhattan’s Times Square was a gritty neighborhood full of horse stables. Today, it’s the vibrant center of Broadway’s Theater District. The dramatic transformation has its roots in a battle between a group of entertainment moguls and three scrappy Lithuanian-born brothers: Lee, J.J., and Sam Shubert. Their vision revolutionized Broadway as they built a theatrical empire that evolved into today’s Shubert Organization.
Actor Tim Dolan, founder of Broadway Up Close tours, delves into the remarkable ascent of the Shubert brothers—Broadway’s most powerful theatrical dynasty—revealing the obstacles they conquered and the longtime collaboration with the architect who shaped many of their theaters. With a trove of rare photographs and archival videos, Dolan brings to life the heart of the Shubert empire: the Theater District between 44th and 46th Streets. Along the way, he shares captivating behind-the-scenes stories about classic musicals that made Broadway history there.
Mon., Aug. 11, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-137; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
How Netflix Disrupted the Entertainment Industry
From its start as a DVD-by-mail rental service, Netflix has systematically changed the rules of the entertainment media business. Its introduction of streaming in 2007 led to the decline of video rental stores such as Blockbuster and dramatically increased the use of broadband internet.
Starting in 2013, Netflix’s innovation of offering its own programming, from “House of Cards” to “The Crown,” challenged the traditional ways viewers watched TV. Now its original movies, like Emilia Perez and All Quiet on the Western Front, are upending the operations of the Hollywood studios. Media historian Brian Rose explores how Netflix is primed to become the dominant source of online entertainment throughout the world.
Tues., Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-475; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
It Don’t Mean a Thing
Looking at Fashion
Writer Virginia Woolf dismissed clothes as “vain trifles” but acknowledged that “they wear us and not we them.” The way we dress reflects our times, our sense of self, and our aspirations, says author Debra N. Mancoff. Mancoff reveals how clothing tells stories over time and across cultures. Just as vocabulary and syntax give language structure and fluency, the elements of dress, construction, and style make a statement. Items of apparel offer insight into an age, an era, and an individual’s place in society but only within the context of how they are worn. And that context is fashion.
Mancoff’s latest book, Looking at Fashion (Getty Publications), is available for purchase.
Wed., Aug. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1CV-068; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Off-Key History of Jazz Movies
Jazz has consistently defied efforts to capture its essence, milieu, dynamics, and quicksilver magic effectively in the mainstream medium of movies. Although cinema and jazz were born at roughly the same time, they have often appeared to be two art forms at odds with one another.
Tim A. Ryan, a professor of English at Northern Illinois University, surveys the history of jazz on film and assesses the challenges of dramatizing the world of jazz in film, from short “soundies” to feature-length narratives, the classic golden age of the major studios to the fragmented ecology of the 21st century, and from popular American cinema to European art films.
Wed., Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-873; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Lee Schubert Poster for the 1930 film King of Jazz
Sam Shubert J. J. Shubert
“The Little Mermaid”
Today, the popular 1989 Disney film ensures that most people think of “The Little Mermaid” as a tale of triumph. But in Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale, which loosely inspired the movie, the mermaid fails to meet the terms of the sea witch’s bargain and dies. Though this is a far cry from the happy ending most expect, it is in line with traditional tales of mermaids. The heart of the mermaid’s story is always longing to be part of a world that seems forever closed to her.
Disney’s Design DNA
Creating Place
Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman do a deep dive into “The Little Mermaid” fairy tale to discuss folkloric and literary tales that inspired it. They also explore how the story has been retold in contemporary times. The lecture includes prompts for audience interaction.
Wed., Aug. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-481; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Walt Disney is remembered both for creating enduring characters and films and building a cultural empire rooted in imagination, optimism, and storytelling. Guided by this outlook, he and his Imagineers conceived something special: an architecture of reassurance in Disney theme parks. Walt aimed to welcome guests into places that respect the individual, allowing the entertainment entrepreneur to share timeless stories.
Former urban planner Sam Gennawey, author of Walt Disney and the Promise of Progress City, decodes Disney’s design DNA and reveals the techniques his team employed at Disneyland—which are more than just showbiz magic. From the moment you walk through the turnstiles, Walt and company have relied on eight design principles to take you on a journey through spaces that continue to delight.
Wed., Aug. 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-139; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Paris Noir: Black Musicians in the City of Lights
When the 369th infantry regiment eventually known as the “Harlem Hellfighters” arrived in France in December 1917, none of them could have imagined that they would initiate a trend of African Americans moving to Paris, a migration that continues to this day, says Michele L. Simms-Burton, a former professor of African American studies.
The unit’s band helped Parisians chase away their wartime blues by introducing them to jazz. Simms-Burton explores how jazz took Paris by storm, the circumstances that made the city ripe for embracing this new musical form, and why Paris continues to be a place where African American musicians work, create, and live.
Wed., Sept. 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-482; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Disneyland Castle with 50th-anniversary decorations
The “Harlem Hellfighters”
Translator or Traitor?
Reading Dante’s New Life
The Italians have a phrase, “traduttore, traditore,” which means the “translator” of a book can be a “traitor” to it if they fail to capture both its letter and its spirit. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi takes a deep dive into his forthcoming translation of the Vita Nuova, or “New Life,” Dante’s first book. It is a moving account of his youthful love for his muse, Beatrice, and discovery of his passion for poetry. Luzzi shares his experiences of trying to remain faithful to Dante’s original language while bringing his own understanding and interpretation of Dante’s work into this early masterpiece by Italy’s sommo poeta, or “supreme poet.”
Sat., Sept. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-485; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
Reading Dante’s Divine Comedy
Even though it was written seven centuries ago, Dante’s Divine Comedy is essential reading today. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi explains why as he leads three all-day seminars focusing on each of the Divine Comedy’s three canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He highlights the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, explaining how this great poem became one of the most influential works in literary history.
OCT 4 Inferno
NOV 1 Purgatorio
DEC 13 Paradiso
3-session series: Sat., Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-490; Members $200; Nonmembers $240
Individual sessions: Sat., Oct. 4 (CODE 1J0-490A); Sat., Nov. 1 (CODE 1J0-490B); Sat., Dec. 13 (CODE 1J0-490C); 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
The Magic of Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was one of the 20th century’s greatest magicians: His sorcery depended on making some of the most complex dancing ever seen on the screen seem as effortless as breathing. Whether partnering with Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Cyd Charisse, or a hat rack—or dancing on the ceiling or on roller skates—he made it appear easy and elegant. Revered as a genius by everyone from Balanchine to Baryshnikov, Astaire appeared in a total of 133 dance numbers in 31 films, many of which are considered classics of movie choreography. Media historian Brian Rose surveys the sweep of Astaire’s remarkable career in a program illustrated with video clips.
Tues., Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-487; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the film Top Hat
Dante and Beatrice by Henry Holiday, 1882–1884
A 1910 promotional poster for an edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy
Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
Archimedes:
A Truly Modern Scientist
As an engineer, Archimedes of Syracuse almost single-handedly held off the world’s most powerful army. In an era of abacuses and sundials, he designed geared calculating devices that accurately modeled the solar system. As a mathematician, he knew more in 212 B.C.E. than all of Europe would know for the next 17 centuries.
Novelist and science writer Nicholas Nicastro shines a new light on Archimedes’ life and work to reveal an ambitious, combative, and fiercely competitive man who is far from the aloof, physically inept figure of historical myth. He emerges in Nicastro’s portrait as the world’s first fully modern scientist—millennia before his intellectual descendants transformed our world.
Nicastro’s book Archimedes: Fulcrum of Science (Reaktion Books) is available for purchase.
Tues., June 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-586; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What Fossils Reveal About Coral Survival
Today’s coral reefs are threatened by a wide range of human-made problems. As predictions about the future of these ecosystems grow increasingly dire, scientists are looking in an unlikely place for new ways to save corals: the past. The reefs of yesteryear faced challenges too, from changing sea levels to temperature shifts. Geoscientist
Lisa S. Gardiner reveals how studying the fossilized limestone cities left behind by ancient corals can uncover lessons that may help reefs survive the environmental challenges of the present.
Wed., June 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-101; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Backstory of Washington, D.C.’s Bedrock
The capital of the United States is underlain by rocks that have a history as turbulent as that of the nation itself. Geologist Callan Bentley explores the variety of rocks found in the Washington, D.C., area and what they tell us about geologic events stretching back a billion years into Deep Time.
He discusses dirty sediments dumped in an extinct ocean, granites at the foot of Andean-style mountains, and rushing rivers in which dinosaurs swam. Bentley also covers very young faults in the area and explores the implications for earthquake risk.
Tues., July 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-643; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates I N SI DE S C I ENCE
Do You Love Art?
Smithsonian Associates seeks your help.
We are recruiting volunteers who love art and would like to assist instructors and students during online and in-person Studio Arts classes each quarter. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn by observing the classes, and no expertise in art is required.
For more information about opportunities, contact us at volunteer@smithsonianassociates.org
LIFELONG LEARNING
Igneous dikes at the upstream end of Mather Gorge show offset that may indicate a fault beneath the Potomac River
Galileo: Lessons from a Great Scientist
Galileo Galilei is one of the largerthan-life heroes of intellectual history. There aren’t many scientists who have inspired plays, scores of poems, and even an opera by Philip Glass. Astrophysicist Mario Livio traces this fascinating life as he examines Galileo’s monumental achievements in astronomy, mechanics, and the development of the scientific method. He also analyzes Galileo’s complex and tragic interaction with the Catholic Church, which eventually led to the scientist being denounced as a suspected heretic by the Inquisition.
Livio, author of Galileo and the Science Deniers, emphasizes Galileo’s relevance for our world today as a potent reminder of the importance of freedom of thought. Though his intricate personality was grounded in late-Renaissance Italy, the impact of Galileo’s enduring contributions to science and thought spans time and cultures.
Thurs., July 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-394; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
The Stories We Tell
The Role of Storytelling in Human Evolution
Storytelling, whether around a campfire, in a café, or in a sold-out theater, is ubiquitous in human culture. The universality of storytelling suggests that this behavior has deep roots. It also begs the question of why we as humans find stories so compelling. Building on ethnographic data, archaeologist and professor April Nowell explores the evolutionary context, adaptive features, and cognitive underpinnings of storytelling.
Drawing on examples from cave art, including recent research in Australia, she presents archaeological evidence for storytelling and narrative in the Ice Age. She argues that storytelling is a vehicle for sharing knowledge across generations as she considers the role of this form of teaching in human survival over the millennia.
Tues., July 22, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-870; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Taking the Wild Out of the Animal
A Story of Siberian Silver Foxes
Tucked away in Siberia, there are furry, four-legged creatures with wagging tails and floppy ears that are as docile and friendly as any lapdog. But, despite appearances, these are not dogs but foxes. They are the result of one of the most astonishing experiments in breeding ever undertaken, intended to speed up thousands of years of evolution into a few decades. Evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin takes you inside this groundbreaking experiment by Soviet biologists Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut, begun in 1959.
Mon., Aug. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-455; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 Siberian silver fox
Orchids: Sex and Lies
Steve Nicholls, a wildlife filmmaker with a lifelong interest in botany and horticulture, explores the extraordinary beauty of the mysterious and romantic orchid. But in nature, such beauty always serves a purpose. For orchids, it’s a way of ensuring pollination. The flowers need to entice insects to move pollen from plant to plant, often using nectar as a reward.
But there’s a dark side to orchids: a world of trickery and deception. About half of all orchids don’t produce nectar, so why do insects pollinate them? Some lure insects with the promise of sex, and others have equally fiendish ways of convincing insects to visit the blooms. Still others provide the ingredients for male bees to make a perfume that females find irresistible. Nicholls provides insights into the intricate dynamics of this fascinating botanical seduction.
Fri., Aug. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-600; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
Portrait of Galileo Galilei by Justus Sustermans, 1635
Pink lady's slipper
The Geology of the Channel Islands
Geologist Kirt Kempter leads a fascinating tour that explores the tectonic origin and geology of the four main islands of Channel Island National Park. They are part of the western Transverse Ranges, an unusual east–west trending mountain range in Southern California, representing a block of continental crust that has been rotated more than 90 degrees clockwise during the development of the San Andreas fault system.
The region’s oldest mammoth fossils date to just over 80,000 years ago, and Kempter examines how as the sea level rose more than 350 feet in the past 18,000 years, islands formed and the stranded mammoths began to decrease in size due to a shrinking habitat.
Mon., Aug. 18, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-138; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
La Brea Tar Pits: Peril and Promise
In the heart of Los Angeles, geologic processes have conspired to create the richest Ice Age fossil site on Earth. For more than 50,000 years, underground crude oil has seeped to the surface, trapping plants and animals in the La Brea Tar Pits and painting a picture of a lost world. The rich fossil treasure troves preserved in petroleum are being used both to reveal the past and help plan for a climate-resilient future in one of the continent’s most populous and biodiverse regions. Emily Lindsey, associate curator and excavation site director at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum, leads a virtual tour of the site spanning 20 million years, from ancient seabed to LA’s modern car culture.
Mon., Aug. 25, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-140; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
You love art. Now go deeper.
The Story of CO2
Every year, the climate is impacted by gigantic amounts of carbon dioxide that enter the air. But CO2 isn’t merely the dangerous byproduct of burning fossil fuels—it is also fundamental to how the Earth works. It has kept the planet’s climate livable, its air breathable, and its oceans hospitable to complex life for hundreds of millions of years. In short, says science journalist Peter Brannen, it is the most important substance on Earth. But how can something so essential to life be capable of destroying it?
Brannen examines how CO2 has been responsible for the planet’s many deaths and rebirths, for shaping the evolution of life, and for the development of modern human society. His book The Story of CO2 Is the Story of Everything: How Carbon Dioxide Made Our World (HarperCollins) is available for purchase.
Thurs., Sept. 4, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-603; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. To truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was created. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers a World Art History Certificate Program
The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. They are selected from among Smithsonian Associates courses, seminars, study tours, and studio art classes. Look for World Art History Certificate throughout the program guide to see current listings. Get started today and complete the certificate requirements at your own pace. Registration is ongoing; Credits are counted from day of registration and are not given retroactively.
Pit 91 of the La Brea Tar Pits, 1915
Channel Islands looking west
CULTURE
Unless noted, all programs are presented on Zoom; listed times are Eastern Time. Online registration is required.
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.
Capodimonte Museum
Located in Naples, the Capodimonte Museum is one of the largest museums in Italy. Housed in the museum is the Galleria Nazionale, which features one of the best repositories of Neapolitan painting and decorative art as well as works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, El Greco, Artemisia Gentileschi, and many others. Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known art museum’s impressive and expansive collection.
Tues., June 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-466; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Palazzo Vecchio
Constructed in 1299, Palazzo Vecchio was built to be the town hall of Florence. Although it remains a symbol and center for local government, Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum that is home to frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Domenico Ghirlandaio as well as statues by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Giambologna.
It also features frescoes depicting allegories of the four elements of nature and trefoils with allegorical figures of the four cardinal virtues. Ruggiero explores this lesser-known museum that has become a symbol of Florence.
Tues., July 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-472; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Church of the Frari
The Church of Santa Maria Glorioso dei Frari, commonly known as Frari’s Church or the Church of the Frari, is a minor basilica in Venice, Italy. It has an unassuming façade, but don’t let that fool you: The church contains splendors from over 500 years of Venetian history, including the Assumption of the Virgin and Pesaro Madonna by Titian, St. John the Baptist by Donatello, the Virgin Mary Enthroned with Christ Child and Saints triptych by Giovanni Bellini, and an altar piece by Titian. Ruggiero delves into the church and the treasures inside.
Mon., Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-476; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera, or Brera Art Gallery, is the main public gallery for paintings in Milan. It grew out of the Brera Academy, an academy of fine arts in Milan, and in 2024 added a new modern art wing. With masterpieces by Andrea Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Piero della Francesca, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, and Francesco Hayez, the Pinacoteca is a pre-eminent collection of Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Ruggiero analyzes this impressive art gallery.
Mon., Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-486; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
Boy Blowing an Ember by El Greco between 1570 and 1572
High altar showing Assumption of the Virgin by Titian
The Kiss (detail) by Francesco Hayez, 1859
Palazzo Vecchio
Art-full Fridays | Live from Italy, with Elaine Ruffolo
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Elaine Ruffolo, a Florence-based Renaissance art historian, examines the rich heritage of Italian art and architecture
Circa 1492: Invention and Innovation in the Renaissance
The year 1492 stands as a defining moment in history, marked by groundbreaking discoveries and artistic innovation that reshaped the world. From Christopher Columbus’s voyage expanding the horizons of European knowledge to the artistic achievements of Renaissance visionaries like Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer, discovery and innovation intertwined to spark a period of unprecedented creativity.
This era saw revolutionary advancements in art, including the mastery of perspective, anatomy, and realism alongside technological innovations such as the printing press, which facilitated the widespread dissemination of ideas and artistic techniques. Ruffolo examines how the convergence of exploration, scientific progress, and artistic mastery during this transformative era propelled humanity into a new age of cultural and intellectual growth.
Fri., June 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-102; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
From Holbein to Hockney
A
Survey of British Painting
Painters in Britain have delved into all major genres, including historical subjects, landscapes, still life, and portraiture. Art historian Bonita Billman introduces major artists and movements in British painting and the pivotal roles these creators have played from the Tudor period to the present. She examines how British painting has evolved over the last five centuries; the social and cultural context in which paintings that influenced various genres were created; and how the country’s artists have shown a strong predilection for subjects from the real world and a resistance to abstraction and non-representational painting. She also looks at the major role played by foreign-born painters.
5-session series: Mon., June 2–30, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-393; Members $110; Nonmembers $130
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit Museums
of the South of France
Attracted to the light and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast, artists such as Renoir, Chagall, Matisse, Dufy, Bonnard, and Picasso travelled to the South of France and settled on the Riviera. In a series of image-rich presentations, art historian Joseph Cassar examines the importance of the region that served as an inspirational paradise for so many famous creators and surveys some of the major art museums dedicated to their works in Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, and other locations.
4-session series: Mon., June 2–23, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-583; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
Possible portrait of Christopher Columbus by Sebastiano Luciani
Portrait of a Youth with a Medal by Sandro Botticelli
Fernand Léger National Museum, Biot
The Fighting Temeraire by J.M.W. Turner, 1839
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Art of Sri Lanka
Known by many names–Ceylon, Serendip, Sihalam–the island nation of Sri Lanka historically was vital for connecting the eastern and western networks of Indian Ocean trade. As a result, foreign ideas mixed with indigenous cultures to create vibrant traditions of art and architecture.
Art historian Robert DeCaroli explores some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable works of art, placing royal palaces, expansive Buddhist monasteries, and grand temples in their historical context and examining the paintings and sculptures that adorned these spaces. DeCaroli also discusses the colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each of which vied for control of this lucrative nation.
Tues., June 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-471; Members $30; Nonmembers $40
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Enduring Themes in Western Art, Part III
Across the centuries, there are major themes in the history of art that continue to appear and reappear and that artists have interpreted in styles ranging from the naturalistic to surreal. Art historian Joseph Cassar examines important masterworks with a focus on love, still-life, perspective, and light and shade and offers a new way to understand and appreciate the similarities—and the uniqueness—among artists and the cultural norms that influenced their choices.
4-session series: Wed., June 4–25, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-576; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
From Polka Dots to Infinity Rooms
The Art and Life of Yayoi Kusama
For more than six decades, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has captivated audiences with her singular sculptures, enigmatic installations, and vibrant prints. From her early painted works on paper and the celebrated Narcissus Garden at the 1966 Venice Biennale to more recent, largescale installations and wildly popular Infinity Rooms, Kusama’s career has been defined by bold experimentation and artistic vision.
Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the evolution of Kusama’s work, tracing her signature motifs—flowers, polka dots, and mirrors—through the lenses of Pop Art, feminism, conceptualism, and personal introspection.
Thurs., June 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-098; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
What time does the program end? Unless noted, Smithsonian Associates programs run 1 hour 15 min.–2 hours, including Q&A
Still Life with Apples and Peaches by Paul Cezanne, ca. 1905
Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama, 2013
Wall of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Buddhist temple, city of Kandy
LIFELONG LEARNING
Live from Scotland
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Style
Scottish architect, designer, and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a major figure in the Glasgow Style, Scotland’s version of Art Nouveau and Symbolism. Mackintosh believed architects were responsible for every detail of the design of their buildings, and his interiors reflect this approach: Rooms in his projects echo the Art Nouveau style used for the buildings themselves. Cultural historian Robyne Calvert introduces Mackintosh’s work, with a focus on the influential collaborative interiors he created alongside his wife, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.
Fri., June 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-021; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Art Meets Music
A Duet of Visual Artists and Composers
Music and the visual arts have always been interlinked. For millennia, artists have obsessed about how to represent music’s invisible beauty, just as composers have sought to render art’s vibrant colors in pure sound. Speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin delves into the intimate relationship between the visible and invisible arts and how music can literally bind the arts together.
She examines Marc Chagall’s murals, sets, and costume designs for opera houses and theaters; the musical codes hidden in artworks; a joyful 18th-century portrait of a musical family; artists who were also instrumentalists; and notable portraits of composers.
4-session series: Tues., June 10–July 1, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-584; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Thorne Rooms: Magical Miniatures
The Thorne Miniature Rooms are an exhibition of 68 perfectly crafted interiors created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne and her colleagues in the 1930s and ’40s. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, each recreates a remarkably detailed room from the 16th to the 20th century on the 1:12 scale—everything from a Gothic cathedral to a modern California hallway.
After touring the United States, Thorne’s tiny wonders went on permanent display at the museum in the 1950s, influencing everyone from Walt Disney to Orson Welles to Wes Anderson, and they continue to enthrall today’s museum visitors. Author Marianne Malone delves into the history of Thorne’s creations and discusses how her childhood obsession with the exhibition inspired her book series for young readers set in the magical world of the Thorne Rooms. Wed., June 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-641; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Wassail, a gesso wall frieze by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1900
Detail of ceiling painting by Marc Chagall depicting scenes from the operas of 14 composers, the Palais Garnier, 1964
Georgia Double Parlor, ca. 1850, by Narcissa Niblack Thorne and her colleagues, 1940
Art and Fiction
A picture is not only worth a thousand words: It can sometimes inspire a whole invented world. Art historian Heidi Applegate explores the art and artists behind three works of historical fiction: The Painter’s Daughters by Emily Howes; Daniel Mason’s North Woods; and Anita de Monte Laughs by Xochitl Gonzalez. Discover new perspectives on 18th-century portraits and landscapes by British painter Thomas Gainsborough; the imagined inspiration behind one of Asher Brown Durand’s bestknown forest interiors; and the tragically brief life of Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta by delving into the novels, followed by Applegate’s examination of the factual background along with the fiction.
3-session series: Wed., June 18, July 23, and Aug. 20, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1H0-866 Members $75; Nonmembers $95
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Enduring Art of Venetian Glass
In the late medieval period, Venetian authorities mandated that glassmakers relocate to the nearby island of Murano, since the high temperatures required for glass production posed a serious threat of fire to the city’s densely built wooden structures. Today, Murano remains the heart of Venetian glassmaking, blending centuries-old traditions with contemporary experimentation to keep this extraordinary art form alive. Art historian Jennie Hirsh traces the rich history of Murano glassmaking, focusing on influential artisans and workshops of the 20th and 21st centuries and offering insights into the best places in Venice to experience glass artistry today.
Fri., June 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-100; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
The Club
A Haven for American Women Artists in Belle Époque Paris
Belle Époque Paris served as the epicenter of modernity and a haven for artists and intellectuals from around the world. American women artists, unable to thrive or be taken seriously stateside, made the journey to Paris to gather at a residence known as the American Girls’ Club. Opened in 1893, “The Club” became their sanctuary, and over the next two decades it harbored a generation of independent, talented, and driven American women.
Curator and art historian Jennifer Dasal shares the story of the club and the women who lived there, tracing how it evolved into a revolutionary source of creativity, activism, and empowerment. Dasal’s book The Club: Where American Women Artists Found Refuge in Belle Époque Paris (Bloomsbury Publishing) is available for purchase.
Mon., July 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-591; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned
Murano vase, ca. 1600 Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
Venetian Murano glass chandelier, ca. 1880
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Andalusia: An Empire of Three Faiths
From the 8th to the 14th centuries, Andalusia—Spain under Muslim rule— flourished as an artistic, cultural, scientific, and intellectual hub for the Mediterranean world. Jewish, Christian, and Islamic artisans, translators, philosophers, architects, and scientists all contributed to a vibrant cultural exchange, mostly supported by the ruling Muslim caliphs.
Art reached unparalleled heights, blending Islamic design, Christian symbolism, and Jewish expressiveness in its aesthetic. Jewish and Christian artisans often collaborated with Muslim ones, sharing techniques in building, metalwork, textiles, and manuscript illumination, and this synergistic collaboration was also evident in poetry and music. Art historian Louisa Woodville discusses Andalusia’s artistic legacy and this unique convergence of cultures.
NEW DATE: Mon., July 21, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-644; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
Bohemian glassware, ca. 1840–1860
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit
Glass Flowers and Royal Chandeliers
Inside the World of Czech Glass
From dazzling royal chandeliers to intricate glass flowers, Czech glassmaking has captivated the world for centuries. What began in the medieval regions of Bohemia and Silesia has evolved into a renowned tradition celebrated for its artistry and innovation. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the development of Czech glassmaking, the distinctive techniques that define it, and the wide range of goods that that artisans produce—from luxury objects to more accessible works cherished by collectors worldwide. She also offers a virtual tour of the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants at Harvard University. Made between 1876 and 1936 by father-and-son artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, they capture nearly 800 plant species in more than 4,300 stunning glass models.
Fri., July 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-103; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
Understanding Modern Art
The radical innovations made by European and American painters and sculptors between 1900 and 1960 forever altered the way we think about visual art. Before World War I, Fauvist and Expressionist painters challenged the traditional Western concept of beauty, while Pablo Picasso and Kazimir Malevich took on thousands of years of art history by exploring the controversial realm of abstraction.
Between the wars, artists as different as Salvador Dalí and Frida Kahlo made images based on their dreams and hallucinations. Later, American art finally achieved international recognition through the enormous, dramatic canvases of Jackson Pollock, paving the way for several decades of cultural prominence that began in the 1960s. Art historian Nancy G. Heller discusses major works by the period’s seminal painters and sculptors, emphasizing their broader socio-political and aesthetic contexts.
5-session series: Tues., July 29–Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-396; Members $110; Nonmembers $130
The Civilization of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the Time of Abd-al-Rahman III (detail) by Dionisio Baixeras Verdaguer, 1885
Three Musicians by Pablo Picasso, 1921
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Art + History
Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait)
Popular Smithsonian Associates speaker Paul Glenshaw returns to the Art + History series to look at great works of art in their historical context. Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait) from 1796 is one of the most-recognized images in American art and history. How and why did these men —whose outsized personalities could not have been more different—come together, resulting in arguably the bestknown image of the first president?
Beginning with the moment the painting was completed, Glenshaw traces their individual stories—leading to their rare sittings together in 1795 in Philadelphia. Along the way, he uncovers both Stuart’s remarkable ability to capture a subject’s inner life and the often-overlooked complexity of Washington himself.
Wed., July 30, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-597; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Elizabeth Catlett: Art for the People
Throughout her long career as a sculptor, painter, and printmaker, Elizabeth Catlett (1915–2012) celebrated and memorialized Black people—especially Black women. Her philosophy was that “art should come from the people and be for the people.” Catlett helped to shape the aesthetics of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s even though the U.S. government deemed her an “undesirable alien” while she was working in Mexico, making her unable to permanently return to the United States until 2002.
Michele L. Simms-Burton, a former professor of African American studies, examines why Catlett was among the most formidable artists of the 20th century.
Thurs., Aug. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-480; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Contemporary Architecture of Paris
Paris, renowned for its signature landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, blends rich history with modern innovation. While celebrated for its classical beauty, the city has evolved into a dynamic hub for cutting-edge design. Art historian Jennie Hirsh leads an illustrated walk through the city, highlighting some of the most innovative and visually striking buildings of the modern era.
She explores notable sites including the Pyramid extension by I.M. Pei at the Louvre; the remarkable transformation of the former Gare d’Orsay train station into the Musée d’Orsay by Gae Aulenti; the Philharmonie de Paris by Jean Nouvel; the sleek Institut du Monde Arabe by Jean Nouvel; and the monumental Bibliothèque Nationale by Dominique Perrault. The survey concludes with a look at distinctive residential buildings such as Gérard Grandval’s Les Choux de Créteil and OMA’s avant-garde Villa dall’Ava.
Fri., Aug. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-107; Members $20; Nonmembers $25
George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait) by Gilbert Stuart, 1796
Children with Flowers by Elizabeth Catlett, 1995
I.M. Pei’s Pyramid extension at the Louvre
LIFELONG LEARNING
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
Master Painters of the Venetian Renaissance
Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese
The art of painting in 16th-century Venice was largely transformed by four great artists whose innovative approaches would shape the art of both their contemporaries and generations to come. In this lavishly illustrated seminar, art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University explores the works of Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese, highlighting their unique stylistic and compositional approaches, as well as the critical reception of their works.
Sat., Aug. 9, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website, CODE 1M2-399; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Mary Cassatt
An American Among the Impressionists
Mary Cassatt was the most celebrated and innovative female artist of her time and the only American to exhibit with the renowned Impressionist group of French painters. Invited into their circle by Edgar Degas, Cassatt became a supportive participant in organizing the group’s independent exhibitions.
For Degas, Cassatt and her sister Lydia posed for genre scenes of a feminine world—genteel depictions of ladies at tea, at the theater, reading, and sewing. After Lydia’s death, Cassatt’s subject matter turned to domestic scenes of mothers and children as the focus of the latter half of her life. Art historian Bonita Billman examines the range of Cassatt’s oeuvre and the media she used in her work; her role within the Impressionists; and her emphasis on scenes of women and children as her own family dynamics changed.
Thurs., Aug. 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-401; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit
The Art of Gandhara
Where India Met Greece
Situated between India, Persia, and the Greco-Roman world, the region of greater Gandhara produced artwork that blended influences and ideas from many cultures. Treasure hoards including glasswork from Rome, Central Asian jewelry, and South Asian ivory are a testament to the region’s central role in long-distance commerce. Art historian Robert DeCaroli examines the origins of the region’s material culture and the role of trade in the exchange of ideas.
Sat., Aug. 30, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-478; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
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.
Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos by Titian, ca. 1553/1555
Monumental Bodhisattva head, 5th century
Caresse Maternelle by Mary Cassatt, 1902
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit Expressionism:
The Art of Emotions
Expressionism as an artistic movement developed in the early 20th century, a period in which new and influential explorations of psychology and human behavior were taking place. Artists began to look at the world much more subjectively, often distorting its depictions to achieve an emotional effect. For these creators, personal experiences and feelings became more important than physical reality, and the art inspired by Expressionism still holds the power to move and challenge viewers.
Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar traces the movement’s roots, meaning, influences, and most notable practitioners, including artists of the Die Brücke collective and the Der Blaue Reiter group.
4-session series: Wed., Sept. 3–24, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-598; Members $100; Nonmembers $120
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
The Complex Beauty of Japanese Gardens
Japanese gardens are among the calmest and most restorative spaces ever conceived by the human imagination. Their aesthetic seems effortless, but they are the product of great artifice. Often they evoke broad landscapes distilled in a tiny space. Sometimes they refer to famous poems or to ideas. Others are spaces for quiet and profound contemplation. Timeless yet constantly evolving, apparently simple and yet carefully constructed, these gardens express the fruitful contradictions that lie within the Japanese soul.
Art historian Nigel McGilchrist explores centuries of breathtaking Japanese gardens, tracing the historical and cultural influences—both foreign and domestic—that have shaped their distinctive artistry of plants, rocks, and water.
Tues., Sept. 9, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-403; Members $25; Nonmembers $30
An Armchair Tour of Oxford and Cambridge
The histories of the two greatest academic centers of England—Oxford and Cambridge—reach back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Many notable people have studied and taught at both institutions, such as Charles Darwin at Cambridge and J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford—not to mention royals, prime ministers, and Nobel Prize winners.
The college libraries evoke the Middle Ages; the quads, chapels, and gardens remain places of serene beauty; the River Thames and the River Cam enhance the landscape with natural beauty; and the significant amounts of preserved historical and cultural material continue to attract scholars. Historian Gary Rendsburg of Rutgers University, who has resided and conducted academic research at both Oxford and Cambridge, brings the verve and culture of these great university towns to life, sharing history flavored with a pleasant dose of Anglophilia.
Sat., Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-404; Members $40; Nonmembers $50
Promenade by August Macke, 1913
Oxford
Water garden at Tenryu-ji Temple, Kyoto Cambridge
These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings
60 LIFELONG LEARNING
Flowers For a Country by Mindy Weisel (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $1000*
Centerbeam! by Otto Piene (detail)
$300 Members: $200*
Breakfast/Maine by Carolyn Brady (detail)
Blue Moonlight by April Gornik (detail)
Hopi Eagle Dance by Dan Namingha (detail)
$1200 Members: $900* Children with Flowers by Elizabeth Catlett (detail)
ART THEORY AND PRACTICE
IN PERSON
NEW CLASS
Art as Improv
Get back into the flow of your creative practice, combat perfectionism, and learn how to pay attention to the materials in front of you rather than the critic in your head with this one-day workshop. You dig into how to engage in art-making through the principles of improvisation and exploration.
ONLINE
Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout
INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell
ONLINE: Sat., July 26, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E00YR; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Composition Studies
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan
ONLINE: Sat., Aug. 2–16, 2 p.m.; CODE 1E00YU; Members $135; Nonmembers $150
NEW CLASS Feeling Abstract
Learn the difference between Abstract art and Abstract
Expressionism by discovering their basic elements, characteristics, and principles while creating fun, enlightening experiments using an array of media.
SOLD OUT
INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue
INSTRUCTOR: Carter Umhau
IN PERSON: Sat., June 28, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YG; Members $75; Nonmembers $90
DRAWING
NEW CLASS
The Power of Black and White
Working in black and white is an exciting strategy for advancing creative potential. Removing color from the equation pushes the artist to rely on other important elements such as value contrast, mark making, and composition.
INSTRUCTOR: Amy Dapice
IN PERSON: Sat., June 28, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YH; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
Beginning Drawing
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter
TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Sun., June 29–Aug. 10, 10:15 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0WV); Sun., June 29–Aug. 10, 6 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0WY); Members $220; Nonmembers $255
NEW CLASSES
ONLINE: Thurs., July 17, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E00YB; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
Introduction to Water-Soluble Colored Pencils
INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue
ONLINE: Thurs., July 3 and 10, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0YA; Members $110; Nonmembers $135
These classes are part of Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary offerings
Sketching
the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series
By Morgan Kuster
Digital Drawing Fundamentals
INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien
ONLINE: Wed., Aug. 6, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XY; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
Pull out your sketchbook and pencil to take an artful break as you explore the Smithsonian while drawing objects from vast, fascinating collections.
INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Kuster
ONLINE: Thurs., June 26–July 31, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0YV; Members $95; Nonmembers $125; individual sessions also available
Drawing and Abstracting Inspired by the National Zoo
Get inspired by the beloved animals at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Explore the line, shape, color, and texture of depicting animals in drawing and painting.
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., July 9–30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XT; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
LIFELONG LEARNING
By Carter Umhau
By Lori VanKirk Schue
By Amy Dapice
By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
SUMMER
NEW CLASSES
The Simplified Figure
It can take years to learn to draw the figure, but this inventive course speeds up the process by getting to the heart of what you really need to know to feel confident sketching people whether working from life, a photograph, or your imagination.
INSTRUCTOR: Amy Dapice
NEW ONLINE DATE: Mon., June 23–Aug. 4, 10 a.m., no class July 14; CODE 1E0-0YM; Members $195; Nonmembers $220
Introduction to Portrait Drawing
Capturing the likeness of an individual is a time-honored, essential tradition in art. In this class, students are introduced to the basic steps of how to create a convincing portrait using charcoal or graphite.
INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook
ONLINE: Wed., Aug. 6 and 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XW; Members $95; Nonmembers $110
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Breaking the Line Contours Inspired by Delacroix and Rembrandt
Contour lines are often where beginners start with drawing, but how can you bring greater depth, volume, and light to your work by varying them? Move beyond rigid, wire-like outlines to discover how broken and varied lines can let the paper participate and add dimension.
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman
ONLINE: Sun., Aug. 10, 10:15 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0WW; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
Van Gogh’s Toolbox Expressive Techniques in Drawing for Self-Taught Artists
Although Vincent van Gogh was self-taught, his instantly recognizable touch reveals a deep understanding of principles like line weight, spacing, and value. Analyze van Gogh’s mark-making and explore how paying attention to these subtle elements can bring greater depth, volume, and light to your drawings.
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Mon., Aug. 11, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0WZ; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
n n n n IN PERSON
PAINTING
Intermediate Oil Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan
IN PERSON: Sun., June 29–Aug. 10, 2:15 p.m., no class July 6; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WQ; Members $250; Nonmembers $285
Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio
NEW CLASSES
These classes are part of Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary offerings
INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar
Frida Kahlo
Artist, Feminist, Gardener
Immerse yourself in the world of Frida Kahlo and channel her artful spirit by creating your own masterpiece using water-based oils. Learn techniques that reflect Kahlo’s unique style, allowing you to express your creativity while paying homage to her as an artist, feminist, and gardener.
IN PERSON: Sun., June 29–July 20, 11 a.m., no class July 6; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WU; Members $155; Nonmembers $180
Related program: Behind the Myth, p. 48
Studying Edward Hopper
Study the nuances of Hopper's figures and compositions, focusing on his mastery of light, shadow, and atmosphere. Throughout the workshop, you have the opportunity to channel Hopper's distinctive style using water-based oils.
INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar
IN PERSON: Sun., Aug. 3 and 10, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WS; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
By Amy Dapice
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Eric Westbrook
By Sandra Gobar
Cape Cod Morning by Edward Hopper, 1950
By Shahin Talishkhan
Introduction to Watercolor
INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit
SUMMER
SOLD OUT
ONLINE: Mon., June 23–July 28, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XA; Members $195; Nonmembers $230
Techniques in Modernist Painting
INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan
ONLINE: Sat., July 12–Aug. 16, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0YL; Members $240; Nonmembers $275
Abstract Watercolor
The Next Level
INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley
ONLINE: Thurs., July 24–Aug. 14, 12 p.m., CODE 1E0-0YC; Members $145; Nonmembers $170
Introduction to Portrait Painting
Step into the world of portrait painting and explore how the observation of light and shadow, color, and the placement of facial features all add up to capturing the likeness of a specific individual.
INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook ONLINE: Wed., June 25–July 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XX; Members $145; Nonmembers $170
Watercolor Quick-Sketch for a Day Expressive Florals
By Cindy Briggs
SOLD OUT
Spend the day learning to render the bright florals of summer with flowing lines and painterly colors. Discover how to simplify your subject as you compose and draw more organically and confidently.
INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs ONLINE: Sat., July 26, 10:15 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0YP; Members $135; Nonmembers $150
Read more about programs in this guide on the website. Search by code or date. Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org
Unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and essential membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenue. If the joy of learning enriches your life, please consider a charitable gift in support of the vibrant educational experiences that open the Smithsonian's world of knowledge to audiences across the country.
By Josh Highter
By Eric Westbrook
By Shahin Talishkhan
By Heather Kerley
NEW CLASSES
From Frustration to Flow Harnessing Wet Techniques in Watercolor
Wet techniques are more than a method—they’re a mindset, inviting you to embrace spontaneity and let go of precision. Through guided practice, learn when and how to use wet techniques to create an array of effects.
SOLD OUT
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman
ONLINE: Tues., Aug. 12, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0XH; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
Painting in the Key of Color A Streamlined Approach to Color in Painting
Much like a musical composition follows a specific key, this watercolor-based workshop—also adaptable to oil and pastel—aims to simplify the painting process using color harmony.
INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Wed., Aug. 13, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E00XR; Members $60; Nonmembers $75 MIXED
PERSON NEW CLASSES
The
Deconstruct, Reconstruct
Take a break from your art creating routine and use this time to revive and reimagine unfinished or unsuccessful pieces. Using mixed-media materials and techniques, explore ways to alter works to arrive at new interpretations.
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
IN PERSON: Sat., June 28, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YF; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
Figure in Pieces
This workshop breaks down learning to depict the figure into manageable pieces, enabling students to quickly create dynamic, powerful images without anatomical bells and whistles. Students are freed to compose artworks that represent their creative vision with drawing, painting, and collage.
INSTRUCTOR: Amy Dapice
By Amy Dapice
IN PERSON: Sun., June 29, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00WN; Members $85; Nonmembers $95
Collage and Mixed Media: Animals and Nature
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
ONLINE: Wed., July 9–30, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E00XP; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
Collage Jumpstart
Celebrating
Smithsonian Gardens From Sketching to Creating in 3D
Explore Smithsonian gardens as you begin with sketching and photographing in the garden, then head back to the studio to turn your vision into mixed-media artwork.
INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
IN PERSON: Sun., July 20, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WT; Members $80; Nonmembers $95
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
ONLINE: Tues., July 22–Aug. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XL; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
Off the Wall
Going 3D with Assemblage
INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson
IN PERSON: Sat., July 12–Aug. 2, 1 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YJ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165
LIFELONG LEARNING
By Sharon Robinson
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Nick Cruz Velleman
By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard
By Sharon Robinson
By Sharon Robinson
ARTS
Basic
Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom
INSTRUCTOR: Tea Okropiridze
ONLINE: Tues., June 24–July 29, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XJ; Members $170; Nonmembers $205
Embroidered
Patch Workshop
INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley
ONLINE: Sat., June 28, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0YK; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
NEW CLASSES
Quilting Together Expert Guidance for Your Quilt Project
Work on your own quilt project(s) in a focused way over 4 weeks with expert guidance. Topics include material selection, design, work planning, construction techniques, and finishing advice
INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland
ONLINE: Tues., June 24–July 15, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0XE; Members $145; Nonmembers $170
Abstract Embroidery
INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley
ONLINE: Wed., July 23–Aug. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Painted Embroidery Workshop
INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley
ONLINE: Sat., Aug. 2, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0YS; Members $60; Nonmembers $75
Exploring Gender Roles
Examining Knitting Artifacts from the Smithsonian Collection
Across time and culture, knitting is not only beautiful and a practical art but also a commentary on the society it comes from. Explore attitudes toward gender through knitted objects in the Smithsonian collection.
INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards
OTHER MEDIA
Orchids for Beginners
INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt
ONLINE: Wed., June 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XU; Members $40; Nonmembers $55
ONLINE: Tues., June 24, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00XG; Members $25; Nonmembers $35 Meet our Instructors
The Art of Floral Design
INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff
ONLINE: Wed., July 9–Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XZ; Members $160; Nonmembers $195
By Lauren Kingsland
Division of Political History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
By Heather Kerley
By Heather Kerley
By Heather Kerley
Phalaenopsis schilleriana By Arrin Sutliff
SUMMER
NEW CLASSES
Micro-Macramé Earrings
Students learn several types of macramé knots and finishing techniques to create a pair of delicate yet durable earrings, plus how to translate the earrings pattern into longer pieces like bracelets or necklaces.
INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Sat., July 12 and 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0YQ; Members $130; Nonmembers $155
Geometric Bead Weaving Circles, Triangles, and Squares
Move beyond the introductory level woven strip, and its design limitations, while adding new off-loom stitches to your library of bead weaving techniques. Students learn two ways to create three flat shapes.
INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer
ONLINE: Sat., Aug. 2–16, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0YT; Members $195; Nonmembers $220
Handmade Cards
Hello, Friend!
Surprise friends and family with beautiful greeting cards you made by hand. This class teaches you everything you need to know.
INSTRUCTOR: Karen Cadogan
ONLINE: Sat., July 19, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E00YN; Members $85; Nonmembers $105
By Karen Cadogan
PHOTOGRAPHY
IN PERSON
On-Location Photography
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
IN PERSON: Sun., June 29–Aug. 10, 1:45 p.m., no class July 6; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WR; Members $205; Nonmembers $240
The Photo Essay
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
ONLINE: Thurs., June 26 and July 10, 6:30 p.m., no class July 3; CODE 1E0-0YD; Members $95; Nonmembers $120
By Lewis Katz
The Art of Black-and-White Photography
INSTRUCTOR: Lewis Katz
ONLINE: Wed., July 9–30, 7:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0XV; Members $130; Nonmembers $155
Photographic
Creativity, Design, and Composition
INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky
ONLINE: Thurs., July 31–Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0YE; Members $135; Nonmembers $160
Studio Arts classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio
SCULPTURE n n n n
IN PERSON
Small Sculptures in Wood
Students create sculptures in wood based on their own ideas, while learning to use basic tools. The course focuses on assembly techniques rather than carving.
INSTRUCTOR: Jeremiah Gallay
IN PERSON: Sun., July 13–Aug. 10, 10:15 a.m., no class July 20; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0YW; Members $160; Nonmembers $185
By Mïa Vollkommer
By Mïa Vollkommer
Overnight Tours 2025
More Great Destinations from Smithsonian Associates
Smithsonian Associates' Study Tours offer more than just a getaway: They combine one-of-a-kind experiences with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, theater, nature, or architecture—or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions will enrich your year with tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2025.
All tour dates, content, and on-sale dates are subject to change
NEW
Experience Lancaster: Amish Traditions, Farms, and Food
Fri., Sept. 19–Sat., Sept. 20
(on sale now, see p. 49)
Discover a rich tapestry of history and culture in Pennsylvania Dutch country. Explore the vibrant Amish community and gain insights into a unique way of life through guided tours and authentic culinary experiences.
Art
Along Long Island Sound: The Hamptons and Beyond
Sat., Oct. 4–Wed., Oct. 8
(on sale now, see p. 51)
New York’s fabled Hamptons are more than an elite summer resort. The stark natural beauty of Long Island’s South Fork has long inspired painters. Traveling from Washington, D.C., spend time in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, New Haven, and the Long Island Sound area exploring art, artists, and the landscape that inspired them.
Leader: Richard Selden
Scenic
Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam
Sat., Oct. 18–Sun., Oct. 19
(on sale now, see p. 52)
The beauty and culture of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley unfold as you ride the Virginia Scenic Railway, enjoy a performance at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse, and wander through historic Staunton.
Leader: Lynn O’Connell
Jewels of Queens
Sun., Nov. 9–Mon., Nov. 10
(on sale July 1)
Your visit to the largest of New York City’s outer boroughs includes the site of two World’s Fairs; the Museum of the Moving Image; the Noguchi Museum; the Louis Armstrong House Museum; a sampling of international cuisine; and a stay at the TWA Hotel, which celebrates the Jet Age glamour of the ’60s.
Leader: Richard Selden
NEW
Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum
Sun., Nov. 16–Mon., Nov. 17
(on sale July 1)
Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum, where you'll encounter a stunning array of artifacts, from mummies to monumental statues, that bring the mysteries of the pharaohs to life.
Leader: Gary Rendsburg
Holidays in the Brandywine Valley
Sun., Dec. 7–Mon, Dec. 8
(on sale Aug. 1)
Step into a world of timeless elegance and holiday splendor as you journey through the historic Brandywine Valley, where the legacy of the du Pont family comes to life in grand estates adorned with dazzling seasonal displays. This tour of the enchanting region covers some of the most opulent mansions and gardens in the country, including the Hagley Museum, Nemours Estate, Winterthur, and Longwood Gardens.
Leader: Hayden Mathews
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.
North to Freedom: Harriet Tubman’s Eastern Shore
Born into slavery in Dorchester County, Maryland, around 1822, young Araminta Ross faced adversity from an early age. These hardships transformed “Minty” into Harriet Tubman, the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad, and her childhood knowledge of the geography of the Eastern Shore played a key role in her success in ferrying more than 70 people to freedom by 1860.
SOLD OUT
Historian Anthony Cohen uncovers the saga of Tubman’s life by exploring significant sites in the region where she was raised—and that shaped her dreams of freedom and equality. He chronicles Tubman’s life and the journey she and others took on their perilous journey north to freedom.
Visit the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek and the Bucktown Village Store, where a violent encounter altered young Tubman’s life, and the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center. Additional stops at sites along the Underground Railroad provide insights into Tubman’s life and achievements. Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Fri., June 6, 8 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-056; Members $199; Nonmembers $260
Related program: Harriet Tubman and the Quest for Freedom, p. 7
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Sacred Spaces
Baltimore’s Religious Architecture
Home to practitioners of over 20 religions, Baltimore’s spiritual landscape is marked by hundreds of places of worship, each with its own story. Embark on an architectural journey with historian and deacon James Reaves, who showcases these sacred structures.
As you visit each building, you step into history. The Basilica of the Assumption, the first Catholic cathedral in the United States, was designed by Henry Latrobe, the country’s first professionally trained architect and Thomas Jefferson’s Architect of the Capitol. Neoclassical and Romanesque elements create a space of profound beauty and reflection. In the First Unitarian Church of Baltimore and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Tiffany glass in walls, mosaics, and stained-glass windows offer a visual testament to the city’s artistic and religious heritage.
St. James Episcopal Church, a historically African American parish, was the first Episcopal mission established for Black communicants south of the Mason-Dixon line. B'nai Israel, an example of Moorish Revival architecture, is one of the oldest synagogues in the country, with congregations that have worshipped there for over 100 years.
Fri., June 20, 8 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-057; Members $163; Nonmembers $225
Bus Tour
Millicent Sparks portrays Harriet Tubman
Bucktown Village Store on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Basilica of the Assumption
B'nai Israel synagogue
Bus Tour
Bus Tour
Beyond the Myth
Frida Kahlo at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Known for her deeply personal, surreal, and vibrant self-portraits, Frida Kahlo continues to fascinate the world with her trailblazing legacy, arresting gaze, and signature fashion. Yet, despite being one of the most documented artists of the 20th century, Kahlo remains an elusive figure, clouded by a mythology that was partly of her own making. “Frida: Behind the Myth” explores the defining moments of Kahlo’s life as depicted through self-portraits plus prints and photographs of her.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts exhibition assembles more than 60 of the artist’s extraordinary paintings, drawings, and prints—many rarely seen outside of Mexico—in which she embedded vivid symbolic representations of her emotional state. Her self-portraits and still lifes are complemented by more than 30 prints and photographs of Kahlo by those closest to her, including her husband, Diego Rivera; Nickolas Muray; Lola Álvarez Bravo; Julien Levy; and her father, Guillermo Kahlo. These works trace the journey from her childhood in Mexico, through her turbulent marriage to Diego Rivera, to her flourishing career in Mexico and the U.S., and ultimately to her final years, marked by declining health. A guided tour of the exhibit is the centerpiece of a day that includes time to enjoy the museum’s extensive holdings.
After lunch at a local Mexican restaurant, visit the Latin Ballet of Virginia, where you meet company dancers and explore various styles of Latin dance, along with their cultural significance.
Arts journalist Richard Selden leads the tour.
Thurs., July 17, 7:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-058; Members $210; Nonmembers $270 Related program: Frida Kahlo: Artist, Feminist, Gardener, p. 41
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Walking Tour
Design on the Water
Washington, DC, Architecture Cruise
Spend a summer evening sailing on the Potomac, taking in Washington, D.C.’s architectural icons and history from a new perspective.
Cast off from Georgetown with your architecture guide from DC Design Tours and professional crew from Capitol River Cruises. As you cruise south on the Potomac, soak in sunset views of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and Georgetown waterfront, then sail past Theodore Roosevelt Island, under Arlington Memorial Bridge, and along the National Mall and Tidal Basin while learning about iconic landmarks like the Watergate Hotel, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Pentagon, and Kennedy Center. Along the way, discover other gems, such as the C&O Canal, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, and Navy and Marine Memorial.
NEW DATE: Thurs., Aug. 7, 6–8 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CS-C04; Members $70; Nonmembers $90
Frida on White Bench by Nickolas Muray, 1939
Anchors Aweigh
A Day at the United States Naval Academy and Annapolis
Founded in 1775, the United States Navy began as a modest fleet but rapidly expanded into a formidable force. From wooden sailing ships during the American Revolution to today’s nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and cutting-edge submarines, the Navy has evolved over 250 years. It stands as one of the world’s most powerful and respected maritime forces. Spend the day exploring the rich history and traditions of the Navy.
Upon arrival in Annapolis, Maryland, begin your visit with a guided walking tour of the 180-year-old U.S. Naval Academy. Your guide shares stories of the academy’s past, details of its rigorous admission process, and insights into the life of a midshipman. Key stops include the domed Naval Academy Chapel, Bancroft Hall with its 1,639 dorm rooms, and Herndon Monument, the granite obelisk that first-year students work together to scale at the end of their freshman year. Following the tour, hear from staff about what it takes to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. military and how midshipmen are prepared for their post-graduation assignments.
Lunch is served at the Naval Academy Club. Conclude time on campus at the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall, which features compelling exhibits on the history of sea power, the evolution of the Navy, and the academy’s critical role in developing future leaders for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise offering a unique perspective of the academy and Annapolis Harbor. On this narrated tour, learn about Annapolis’ history as a seaport, explore the region’s waterways, and take in stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Fri., Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-059; Members $224; Nonmembers $285
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
2-Day Tour
Experience Lancaster
Amish Traditions, Farms, and Food
Nestled in the countryside of Pennsylvania, Lancaster County is home to one of the oldest and largest Amish communities in the United States. Known for its picturesque farmlands, traditional way of life, and rich history, this region offers a rare glimpse into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. An immersive journey explores the traditions, hospitality, and craftsmanship that make Lancaster a unique destination.
Begin at the Amish Experience Theater with a viewing of the film Jacob’s Choice, which offers a look into the traditions and challenges of Amish life. Follow it with a tour of an authentic one-room schoolhouse and homestead. A bus ride through the scenic countryside takes the group past rolling fields, horse-drawn buggies, and farms. Stop at the home of an Amish family, who share insights about their way of life, values, and customs in a conversation with tour participants.
During the afternoon, learn about traditional cheese-making at a goat farm and explore the skills and heritage behind Amish goods at a quilt shop, a bakery, and the workshop of a leather craftsman. The day concludes with a traditional Amish dinner in a private home. Settle in for the night at the Lancaster Country Inn, a local family-owned hotel.
The following day, step back in time at the Ephrata Cloister, an 18th-century religious community known for its distinctive Germanic architecture, printing press, and unique way of life. A city tour with a local guide includes Lancaster Central Market, the oldest operating public market in America. Conclude at a local distillery and enjoy a guided tasting of the region’s small-batch spirits. Fri., Sept. 19, 8 a.m.–Sat., Sept. 20, 7 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-LAN; Members $656; Nonmembers $865
Naval Academy Chapel
Ephrata Cloister
BLAIR
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
2-Day Tour
An Artful Weekend in New York
The Frick Collection, Neue Galerie New York, and Morgan Library & Museum
Discover three of New York City’s most renowned cultural treasures, starting with the Frick Collection, newly reopened after four years of restoration.
Led by art historian Judy Pomeranz, spend an immersive afternoon at the Frick Collection exploring artwork spanning from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. Wander through masterpieces by Old Masters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Goya and the collection of decorative arts and period rooms. These beautifully preserved spaces offer a glimpse into the lavish lives of New York’s Gilded Age elite. The heart of the Frick, the serene Garden Court, provides a peaceful retreat year-round.
Sunday morning begins with a private tour before opening hours of the Neue Galerie New York’s main collection and a special exhibition, “German Masterworks from the Neue Galerie.” The exhibition showcases significant German art from 1890 to 1940, highlighting movements like Die Brücke, Der Blaue Reiter, Neue Sachlichkeit, and Bauhaus. Works by Kirchner, Kandinsky, Dix, and Klee are featured, along with a powerful piece by Felix Nussbaum that reflects the horrors of the National Socialist era.
The Morgan Library & Museum’s architectural histor y is as rich as its collections of over 350,000 illuminated manuscripts, rare books, literary and historical manuscripts, music manuscripts, and drawings, spanning from antiquity to the present day. Designed in 1904 by architect Charles Follen McKim for banking magnate Pierpont Morgan, the private library includes original manuscripts by Charles Dickens and Leonardo da Vinci. A guided tour of the museum offers a curated exploration of its treasures, followed by time to explore on your own. Tour participants stay at the Art Deco-era Hotel Edison in the heart of the Theater District. The location is perfect for visiting the TKTS booth for discount tickets to a show on Saturday evening, which is yours to fill. An early three-course supper is included before you set off on Sunday.
Sat., Aug. 23, 8 a.m.–Sun., Aug. 24, 10:30 p.m., by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-FNM; Members $643; Nonmembers $857
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
Your Monthly Digital Program Guide Is Just a Click Away!
Smithsonian Associates members receive the digital program guide via email before the print guide arrives in the mail.
Smithsonian Associates members also receive early email announcements of new programs, free events, and special offerings—ahead of the general public.
Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to join or renew your support; register for programs; sign up for eAlerts tailored to your program interests; and access the popular Digital Digest e-newsletter.
Living Hall, the Frick Collection, New York
A Gutenberg Bible at the Morgan Library & Museum
We want to make sure you’re up-to-date on changes to our program schedule and other important news. Log in to your member account to update or add an email address at SmithsonianAssociates.org.
You can always reach our customer service team by email at CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit
5-Day Tour
The
Art Along Long Island Sound
Hamptons and Beyond
New York’s fabled Hamptons—where privet hedges hide grand estates and Modernist homes overlook the Atlantic surf—are more than an elite summer resort. The stark natural beauty of Long Island’s South Fork has inspired painters from William Merritt Chase and Childe Hassam to Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Lee Krasner.
Participants in a 5-day tour led by arts journalist Richard Selden encounter works by these artists and others at the Parrish Art Museum in the Southampton hamlet of Water Mill and at Guild Hall in the Village of East Hampton. The group also visits the former home and studio of Krasner and Pollock in the Town of East Hampton’s Springs neighborhood and the dune-bordered fishing village of Montauk at the island’s easternmost point.
Traveling from Washington, spend time in Brooklyn and visit Prospect Park—a favorite subject of Chase— and the Brooklyn Museum to enjoy galleries in its American Art wing after reinstallations. Enjoy two artfilled days in the Hamptons, then ferry across Long Island Sound to New London, Connecticut, for an afternoon in the charming village of Mystic. After a night in New Haven at a hotel designed by Bauhaus master Marcel Breuer, the Yale University Art Gallery provides the tour’s concluding art experience on the return trip.
Sat., Oct. 4, 8 a.m.–Wed., Oct. 8, 9:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NNHAM; Members $2,130; Nonmembers $2,840
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
The tour visits the former home and studio of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner in the Town of East Hampton, as well as other notable sites in the area
2-Day Tour
Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam
Fall in the Shenandoah Valley
Nestled in the heart of scenic Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, Virginia, is alive with history, culture—and a little steam. Washington, D.C., area guide Lynn O’Connell leads a weekend getaway that offers a sampling of Staunton’s best sights plus a train excursion.
Upon arriving in Staunton, visit Blackfriars Playhouse, the only replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theater, where the magic of the bard’s works comes alive. Delve into the world of theater with a backstage tour, during which guides take you around the playhouse, share secrets and anecdotes, and offer insights into the playhouse’s inner workings. After lunch, embark on a journey with two friends, Valentine and Proteus, as they navigate love, friendship, and betrayal in The Two Gentlemen of Verona’s tale of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. Dinner is on your own in downtown Staunton.
On Sunday, hit the streets for a leisurely walking tour of Staunton led by local guides before boarding the Virginia Scenic Railway for a breathtaking 3-hour train journey on the Blue Ridge Flyer. See the communities of Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro from a distinctive perspective before ascending roughly 1,000 feet to the entrance of the Blue Ridge Tunnel, which is nearly a mile long and hundreds of feet below the mountain summit. After the Flyer emerges, views beckon around every rock-cut bend from Afton eastward. The train turns around in Ivy for the return journey. Lunch on-board is included.
The day concludes back in Staunton with a visit to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. A guided tour through the historic home offers insights into President Wilson’s life, leadership, and impact on American history. Sat., Oct. 18, 7:30 a.m.–Sun., Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-SSO; Members $671; Nonmembers $895
Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs
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Staunton’s Beverley Street
A performance of The Taming of the Shrew at Blackfriars Playhouse
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
Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•)
Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session
June
Art Meets
Wed., June 18, July 23, and Aug. 20
Invest in the Future
Support Paid Internships for Smithsonian Summer Camp
This summer, Smithsonian Associates has an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference—by supporting paid internships for Smithsonian Summer Camp. These internships offer college students the chance to gain valuable experience, contribute to impactful educational programs, and be part of a world-renowned institution dedicated to learning, exploration, and discovery.
Our Summer Camps inspire curiosity in young learners as they discover the treasures of Smithsonian museums and engage in educational activities across many disciplines, including art, science, history, and culture—and have plenty of fun. But behind the scenes, a dedicated team of interns helps make this experience come to life. They assist with camp activities, work closely with educators, and support the day-to-day operations, all while gaining professional skills that will shape their careers.
This summer we will host 4 interns with a $5,000 stipend each. Please help us hit our fundraising goal of $20,000 to fully fund this summer’s intern cohort.
To donate or learn more about supporting paid internships for Smithsonian Summer Camp, please scan the QR code or visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/invest
SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES
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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!
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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.
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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.
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