Smithsonian Associates November 2025 program guide

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

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Join the Associates Legacy Society

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

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.

At Smithsonian Associates, we often say our mission is to open doors to the world of the Smithsonian. One of our signature program areas opens doors even farther—across the country. Study tours invite participants to step into remarkable places, guided by experts who bring history, art, science, and culture to life. Whether exploring legendary landmarks or hidden gems, a Washington, D.C., neighborhood or an Arizona canyon, these journeys offer unforgettable experiences that reflect the Smithsonian spirit of curiosity and discovery.

This program guide offers a preview of the multi-day tours planned for 2026 (pp. 52–53). You might wonder how these destinations are chosen and what goes into creating each tour. Nichole Andonegui, program manager of Smithsonian study tours, offers insight:

“Tour participants often ask how we come up with our locations. They’re selected in many ways. A current tour leader might present a new itinerary. A tour-goer makes a suggestion on an evaluation form, or we learn about a destination at the annual American Bus Association conference. Sometimes, a place that a staff member or I experienced on a personal vacation can spark an idea. Having been a tour curator for 30 years, I’m always on the lookout for new travel experiences that are educational and entertaining to offer our audience.”

Organizing a tour is a group effort, explains Leah Connolly, study tour program curator: “Our team is small but mighty. Nichole and I develop the programs, and coordinator Anna Turner assists with logistics. We're able to create and implement more than 70 study tours each year—from shorter walking tours to single-day excursions and up to the popular multi-day adventures. We plan tours at least six months in advance, sometimes a year or more for destinations with longer stays.”

We always love seeing you on the National Mall. In 2026, we also hope to welcome you to Revolutionary-era Boston and Philadelphia, vibrant Pittsburgh, Gilded Age mansions in Newport, music-filled Nashville … and more. Your next adventure awaits! Dear Friends and Members,

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

November 2025

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

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LIFELONG LEARNING

60 Celebrating 60 Years of Learning at the Smithsonian

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES LIFELONG LEARNING

Sparking Curiosity, Conversations, and Connections

Smithsonian Associates invites you to welcome the holidays with a festive mix of programs featuring timeless music, Dickensian tales and traditions, ghostly stories, a beloved film, reflective writing, ornament making, and cozy seasonal drinks to chase the cold.

And don’t miss this year’s production of Discovery Theater’s Seasons of Light, which illuminates winter holiday celebrations the world over with joy and warmth. Running from December 1 to 19 at the Ripley Center, a family-andfriends visit to the show might be the start of a holiday tradition of your own. (Visit discoverytheater.org for ticket information.)

Dickens, Christmas, and Victorian Society

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol highlights the stark contrast between London’s wealthy and impoverished. Taking a cue from the Ghost of Christmas Past, historian Julie Taddeo returns to the age of workhouses and plum puddings to examine Dickens and Christmas within the larger social dynamic of 19th-century Britain; why the author has been credited with the “invention” of Christmas; and how this holiday became a Victorian tradition that influences how it is celebrated today. Wed., Dec. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-639; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Classical Sounds of Christmas

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

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

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

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has been a beloved Christmas classic for generations. Yet when the film was released in 1946, it was a box office flop and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered through endless airings on local TV stations beginning in the 1970s. Media historian Brian Rose examines the fascinating story of It’s a Wonderful Life Thurs., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-507; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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

Advent’s Anticipation

A Reflective Writing Workshop

Ponder the possibilities that the contemplative season of Advent provides, inspired by Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting The Annunciation and a poem by Wendell Berry. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop led by Mary Hall Surface invites participants to look outwardly at art and to look inwardly through writing.

Sun., Dec. 7, 4 p.m.; CODE 1K0-646; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Holiday Keepsake Ornaments

Create small hanging artworks that can be individualized in many ways to fit any gift-giving occasion. Instructor Sharon Robinson shows you how to begin with miniature canvases as the base and decorate them with photos or other types of personal mementos, papers, paint, ribbon, cord, found objects, beads, and other materials.

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

Raise a Glass to the Holidays With Tasting

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

Wed., Dec. 10, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1T0045; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Christmas Ghost Stories

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

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

Look for this icon to find more programs that are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

In Person

The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898

By Sharon Robinson

In Person

Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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

Persepolis

In the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.E., the ancient Persians forged a new empire that stretched from the Indus River in the East to the Danube in the West. Jacobs analyzes the architectural symbol of their unprecedented wealth and power: the palace complex at Persepolis. By examining the artistic motifs of surviving stone reliefs and the many mysteries of the ruins, he illustrates how the Persians laid the rhetorical foundations of so many other empires that followed in their historical wake.

Mon., Nov. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-500; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Teotihuacan

Machu Picchu

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

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

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

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

Sacred Sites of Tibet

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

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

Persepolis, "the Persian city"

Machu Picchu, Peru

Teotihuacan, Mexico

Potala Palace, Tibet

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

China Camp

A Landscape of California History

Chinese immigrants faced significant discrimination in 19th-century California: racism, bans on property ownership and occupations, and oftentimes outright violence. Shrimp fishing was one of the few occupations open to them. China Camp in Marin County is a surviving shrimping village from this period, one of dozens that dotted the shores of San Francisco Bay.

Established in the 1870s, it survived into the 20th century as a sports fishing camp, undergoing changes as its uses—including serving as a backdrop for a 1950s John Wayne movie—evolved. John Martini, a former National Park ranger and historian, tracks its story and preservation as he covers the human and structural histories of China Camp over the last 150 years.

Wed., Nov. 5, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-155; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Art Spy: World War II Resistance Hero Rose Valland

Rose Valland was a curator at the Jeu de Paume Museum in Paris when the Nazis invaded France, occupied the museum, and began using it as a sorting center for thousands of pieces of stolen art from across Europe. Miraculously, she managed to keep meticulous secret records of the provenance and destination of the artwork. Her notes made possible the recovery of many stolen pieces after the war.

Journalist Michelle Young reveals how Valland passed crucial information to the Resistance network, put herself in harm’s way to protect the museum and her staff, and faced death during the last hours of the day Paris was liberated from the Nazis.

Young’s new book, The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland, is available for purchase.

Thurs., Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-039; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Raoul Wallenberg

The Man Who Rescued Thousands

Raoul Gustaf Wallenberg was a Swedish architect, businessman, and diplomat who saved the lives of tens of thousands of Jews from German Nazis and Hungarian fascists during one of the darkest chapters of World War II. As a special envoy stationed in Budapest in 1944, Wallenberg used his position, resourcefulness, and courage to issue protective passports and establish safe houses, defying the Nazi regime and its local collaborators.

After Soviet forces drove the Nazis out of Budapest in early 1945, Wallenberg was detained by the Red Army on suspicion of espionage. He disappeared into the Soviet prison system and was never seen again by anyone outside the Soviet Union. Historian Ralph Nurnberger examines the life and legacy of Raoul Wallenberg and the events surrounding his suspicious disappearance.

Mon., Nov. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-121; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

William T. Sherman and the Settling of the West

Gen. William T. Sherman is remembered for his service during the Civil War. He was the architect of some of its most daring campaigns and, by the war’s end, recognized as the second-most-powerful general in the U.S. Army. Yet Sherman’s military career, highlighted by his campaigns in the South, represented a single chapter of a career largely focused on the American West.

Historian Bennett Parten reframes Sherman’s overall legacy, looking west across the Plains. He discusses how the famous general played a pivotal role in the early history of California; the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad; and the U.S. government’s many wars against native peoples. Parten is the author of Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman’s March and the Story of America’s Largest Emancipation. Thurs., Nov. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-633; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

China Camp in Marin County, California

JOHN MARTINI

Raoul Wallenberg

The American Revolution and the Fate of the World

A Global History of a Not-so-Local War

The American Revolution is often considered a parochial drama: 13 colonies squaring off against the British Crown in a spirited bid for independence. Historian and author Richard Bell reevaluates the Revolution as a world war that unleashed chaos, opportunity, and transformation across six continents. It was a seismic global event that redrew maps, toppled hierarchies, catalyzed migration, and accelerated new movements for liberty—and for empire.

Bell offers a new framework for understanding the Revolutionary War as a sprawling, complex, and high-stakes struggle fought on land and sea, shaped by commerce, diplomacy, propaganda, and contingency.

His book The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (Riverhead Books) is available for purchase.

Mon., Nov. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-423; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

A Revolutionary Triumvirate

Abigail Adams, Phillis Wheatley, and Mercy Otis Warren

With the impending 250th anniversary of American independence, much of the focus will be on the Founding Fathers. Women, however, were critical to the success of both the resistance movement against Great Britain and in winning the War for Independence.

Historian Rosemarie Zagarri of George Mason University examines the role of women in the American Revolution, including ordinary women who participated in boycotts against Great Britain as well as more educated women who supported the patriotic cause.

She focuses on Mercy Otis Warren, who wrote plays satirizing British tyranny; Phillis Wheatley, the enslaved poet who won her freedom during the Revolution; and Abigail Adams, who reminded her husband, politician John Adams, to “Remember the Ladies” when making laws for the new nation.

Thurs., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0883; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Venice and Water: A Hydrological History

Few cities in the world are as intertwined with water as Venice. Historian Dennis Romano explores how the aquatic environment of the Venetian lagoon has shaped nearly every aspect of life in the city. Over the course of its 1,600-year history, citizens have regarded the surrounding waters in remarkably varied ways: as a vital safeguard and source of sustenance; a complex engineering challenge; an obstacle to be overcome; and today, an existential threat.

Romano, author of Venice: The Remarkable History of the Lagoon City, examines the physical and hydrological characteristics of the lagoon and considers how shifting perceptions of water have influenced Venice’s development, resilience, and vulnerability. Through this lens, he offers a deeper understanding of the city’s past and the urgent questions it faces in the present.

Fri., Nov. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-122; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

King James VI and I: Uniter of Kingdoms

Crowned James VI in Scotland in 1567 when he was just a year-old infant, and then in adulthood as James I, sovereign of England and Ireland in 1607, he has long been eclipsed in history and fame by his cousin and predecessor, Elizabeth I, and his mother, Mary Queen of Scots. Historian Clare Jackson reappraises his life and legacy, contextualizing the domestic drama of his youth and the renewed creativity of the Jacobean era, culminating in the commissioning of the King James Bible. Along the way, Jackson reveals how the king’s keen interest in joining old and new worlds—the creation of colonies overseas and, closer to home, uniting Scotland, England, and Ireland—set the geopolitical stage for centuries to come. Her new book, The Mirror of Great Britain: A Life of King James VI and I (Liveright), is available for purchase.

Fri., Nov. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-649; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Engraving of poet Phillis Wheatley, 1773

Romancing the Regency

Fantasies and Realities of 19th-century England

As fans celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday and await the next season of “Bridgerton,” the Regency era is more popular than ever. But much of what readers and viewers know about the period comes from historical fiction. Pride and Prejudice alone has inspired multiple film and TV versions—notably in the 1995 British miniseries with its now-iconic image of Colin Firth’s wet-shirted Mr. Darcy. What is it about this brief period that fuels fantasy, sells millions of romance novels, and lures tourists to London and Bath, eager to retrace the steps of their favorite fictional characters?

Historian Julie Taddeo explores the real world of Regency elites, known as the Ton, and the larger British culture of which they were part. She also examines how the Regency lives on through social media and mass marketing, adding romance and history to 21st-century lives.

Tues., Nov. 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-634; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Blitz

Envisioning the Future

How the 19th Century Predicted Today

People of the late 19th century had great hopes that technological innovation 100 years into the future would change human life for the better. Artists of the era offered their visions of this new world in vivid, colorful illustrations for collector’s cards, postcards, and cartoons.

Some imagined a world of robot barbers and manicurists, jet-pack-propelled tennis, and hunting in the sky. Other dreams like a “correspondence cinema”—in which a person with enough wires and equipment at home could see and talk to someone in a remote location—have long been realized. More than a century has passed since this flourishing of popular art envisioning the future. Writer Adam Tanner looks at these depictions to reveal how some futurists were hilariously off-base, while others uncannily predicted the world of today.

Wed., Nov. 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-157; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

How England Met Germany’s Air Assault

As Britain’s survival hung in the balance in 1940 and 1941 against Germany’s relentless Blitz air campaign in World War II, scrappy defenders on the ground forged a fragile network of radar, telephones, civil defense, and radio communications. It triumphed despite equipment delays, squabbling, and political interference.

Focusing on key moments during the German bombings, Marcus Jones, U.S. Naval Academy history professor, explores how a combination of the Chain Home radar network, centralized operations at Bentley Priory, and real-time telephone communications created what would now be recognized as the first command-and-control system. The Blitz was both an assault on cities and a test of Britain’s ability to organize knowledge, labor, and machines into an effective defense that foreshadowed the information age of warfare.

Wed., Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-884; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Louis XVI

The Tragic Monarch Reconsidered

Louis XVI, the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy in 1792, is a figure often flattened by caricature. In popular culture and historical fiction, he is typically portrayed as either a feeble puppet manipulated by his glamorous wife Marie Antoinette or a heartless tyrant whose downfall was richly deserved. Historian Alexander Mikaberidze of Louisiana State University offers a more nuanced reappraisal of a monarch whose life and reign were far more complex—and far more tragic.

Mikaberidze reveals a man of contrasts: deeply educated and intellectually engaged, yet politically indecisive; capable of insightful foreign policy strategy, yet paralyzed at moments of national crisis. He views Louis as neither a fool nor a villain but rather a monarch caught in the violent center of a world in transformation.

Thurs., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-422; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

C. E. Brock illustration for Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, 1895

Louis XVI, King of France and Navarre (detail) by Antoine Callet, 1779

Chain Home radar network receiver room, 1940

A French card from 1900 (detail) imagines education in 2000

Churchill the Writer

Beyond his political and military achievements, Sir Winston Churchill was a prolific and accomplished writer. Historian Katherine Carter explores the literary legacy of a man whose mastery of language was as formidable as his determination during his country’s darkest hour.

Churchill’s writing career spanned more than 60 years, producing a vast body of work that includes history, memoirs, speeches, and journalism. His vivid prose brought history to life, capturing the drama of world events with clarity and passion.

Carter examines how Churchill’s skillful storytelling helped shape public perception, bolstered morale during World War II, and made him a worthy recipient of a Nobel Prize in Literature. She is a curator who has managed the house and collections at Chartwell, Churchill’s country house, for over a decade.

Fri., Nov. 21, 2 p.m.; CODE 1K0-638; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

A History of American Dining

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

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

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

Clodia of Rome: Champion of the Republic

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

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

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

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

The New Deal

Taking on the Crises of the Great Depression

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

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

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

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

Winston Churchill by Cecil Beaton, 1940

Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a radio broadcast

The Amarna Letters

Voices From the Bronze Age

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

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

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

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

1789: Threshold of the Modern Age

The adoption of the U.S. Constitution and the start of the French Revolution—events that occurred in chronological parallel— were for much of the last two centuries seen as contrasting, but equally indisputable, pillars of modernity. What has less been considered is their shared, complex interaction with the continued growth of the British Empire and how far the political turning points of the era also hinged on shifts in technology, trade, and exploitation that had a global reach.

In exploring these connections, from individuals such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine to the webs of oceanic trade and nascent industrialism, historian David Andress, author of 1789: The Threshold of the Modern Age, reflects on the entanglement of budding concepts like citizenship and rights with the realities of powerful systems of government.

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

Viktor Frankl: Life, Work, and Legacy

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

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

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

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

The Dogfaces’ War

The American GI Experience in World War II

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

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

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

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

MUSÉE CARNAVALET

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

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

Viktor Frankl

A Very Midcentury Christmas

Journey back to the time when aluminum trees shimmered in living rooms, Shiny Brite ornaments sparkled on branches, and cartoon holiday specials became beloved TV traditions. Children wrote wish lists that might include Easy-Bake Ovens and electric train sets—and glowing bubble lights were the coolest decorations for Christmas trees.

Through period photographs, vintage advertisements, and colorful catalogs, cultural historian Leslie Goddard brings to life the spirit of Christmas in the United States from the late 1940s through the 1960s. Goddard explores how the holiday evolved during an era marked by postwar prosperity and cultural optimism for many.

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

Golden Prague: Art and Politics in the Heart of Europe

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

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

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

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

Your programs...your time

John Hay: An Architect of American Power

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

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

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.

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

Live from the Long Island Museum

Horse-Powered History

The Long Island Museum’s Carriage Collection

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

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

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

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously (and perhaps apocryphally) nailed his 95 Theses condemning papal indulgences to the Wittenberg Castle Church door, giving the Protestant Reformation its official starting date. Five hundred years later, celebrations and evaluations of this historic event swept the globe, which seemed to solidify Luther’s enduring role as hero and exemplar of the Reformation.

But the true story of reform is more complicated, and Luther the man more controversial. Historian Amy Leonard of Georgetown University provides an overview of the history and historiography of the Protestant Reformation and Luther’s place in it, also addressing his more polemical writings and the legacy of his rhetoric.

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

The Papal Schism: A House Divided

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

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

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

The Hundred Years War A New History

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

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

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

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

Grace Darling omnibus, ca. 1880

BRIAN KUTNER

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

A 14th-century miniature symbolizing the schism

The Life of Queen Elizabeth II

Graveyards

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

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

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

A History of Living with the Dead

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

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

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

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

Shadows of the Scepter

Occult Belief and Superstition in Tudor England

Behind the doors of the royal courts of the Tudor dynasty, occult belief often played a role in the lives of some of England’s most significant and revered monarchs. Historian Cheryl White unlocks a hidden world where Henry VII, Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I sometimes navigated political intrigue with the assistance of the dark currents of occult belief. In this interplay between superstition and the sacred, predictions and omens were observed closely, with major events such as coronations, treaties, and military campaigns often timed according to favorable alignments of the stars. Drawing from historical accounts, letters, and rare texts on alchemy and witchcraft, White investigates how this culture of the occult and mysticism became deeply entwined with Tudor power.

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

Smithsonian Associates’ Digital Digest is a lively monthly e-newsletter filled with information about programs and experiences that are entertaining, informative, eclectic, and insightful. Be sure to see the current issue at: smithsonianassociates.org/digital-digest

The Danse Macabre by Michael Wolgemut, 1493

A Milestone in Church History

The Council of Nicaea

The year 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which met in 325 in the presence of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. The gathering of some 250 bishops from across the eastern Mediterranean and beyond is remembered as the first ecumenical council, which composed the original Nicene Creed still used in modified form in many churches today.

However, what really happened at the council remains controversial. The evidence is contradictory, reflecting the tensions that divided early Christianity. Historian David Gwynn explores Nicaea’s disputed legacy for both Christianity and the Roman empire.

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

The Vikings

New Perspectives on History and Society

The Vikings have fascinated people for centuries, but new discoveries have transformed the view of the Viking world.

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

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

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

Liberty in the Cane Fields

The Haitian Revolution and Its Legacy Scholars contend that the Haitian Revolution remains the only successful large-scale revolt in which enslaved people won their freedom, overthrew the existing colonial government, and established an independent state. Historian and author

Alexander Mikaberidze traces the rebellion from its beginnings during the French Revolution through its course to culmination in 1804, when Haiti emerged as the first independent Black republic and the second independent nation in the Americas. In achieving freedom, Haitians overturned both the power of France’s colonial elite and the broader Atlantic system of racial slavery. Their struggle inspired enslaved and colonized peoples worldwide and reshaped ideas about race, freedom, and sovereignty across the region and beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

The Crown and the Cradle

Royal Babies in British History

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

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

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

Learning From Lincoln

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

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

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

Catherine de Medici

The Powerful Mother of Kings

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

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

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

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

Prince Edward by Hans Holbein, 1539

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

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 allday seminars focusing on the Divine Comedy’s canticles. 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.

NOV 1 Purgatorio

DEC 13 Paradiso

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

Individual sessions: 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

A History of Fantasy

Fairy Tales in Classical Music

Ever since early humans began to gather, they attempted to understand the universe by telling tales. While composers have frequently enjoyed exploring the macabre and Gothic horror, classical repertory is equally graced with gentler stories, some of which end happily ever after.

Gretel, Vienna State Opera, 2015

In the perfect follow-up to Halloween, speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin revisits her seasonal tour through the most mysterious corners of classical music and illustrates how fantasy and folklore have inspired some of history’s greatest composers. From ghouls and ghosts to faeries, trolls, and mystical maidens, she surveys the scariest of orchestral compositions, operatic explorations of the occult, and masterpieces inspired by the tales of Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm.

4-session series: Mon., Nov. 3–24, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-628; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Fantasy is now an established and lucrative genre with a dizzying array of popular iterations across literature, games, and film. But the story of how hobbits, dungeons, knights, and dragons took over our collective imaginations is a long, complex one, with many surprising twists and turns. Historian Justin M. Jacobs eexplores the origins of the modern fantasy genre, including the iconic works of J.R.R. Tolkien and the co-creators of Dungeons & Dragons

NOV 5 J.R.R. Tolkien and High Fantasy

NOV 12 The Creation of Dungeons & Dragons

NOV 19 Fantasy After Dungeons & Dragons

Individual sessions: Wed., Nov. 5 (CODE 1J0-497C); Wed., Nov. 12 (CODE 1J0497D); Wed., Nov. 19 (CODE 1J0-497E); 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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.

Hansel and

In Person

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

2025–2026 Season

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

The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society audiences have the unparalleled experience of being able to hear two magnificent quartets of instruments—one made by Antonio Stradivari, the other by his teacher Nicolò Amati—in this popular four-concert series. The Axelrod Quartet welcomes its new violist, Joan DerHovsepian, principal violist of the Houston Symphony, whose distinguished career includes membership in the Everest Quartet. Season-opening concerts: J. S. Bach: The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080 Sat., Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Masterworks of Three Centuries

In early November, members of the Smithsonian Academy Orchestra celebrate Antonín Dvorák with two captivating works of 1878. Later in the month, the Smithsonian Chamber Players offer a program of German music from around the turn of the 18th century by Philipp Heinrich Erlebach, Dieterich Buxtehude, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

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

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

Upcoming concerts: Dvorák’s Serenade, Op. 44, and Bagatelles, Op. 47, Sun., Nov. 2, 3:30 p.m.; Music of Buxtehude, Bach, and Erlebach, played by the Smithsonian Chamber Players, Sun., Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m.

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

Kenneth Slowik

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

Naoko Takao and Kenneth Slowik

Smithsonian Consort of Viols

Postwar Italian Cinema

ITALIAN CINEMA

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

NOV 9 La Dolce Vita and the Road to Recovery (1950s–1960s)

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

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

Individual sessions: Sun., Nov. 9 (CODE 1D0-120B); Sun., Dec. 7 (CODE 1D0-120C); Sun., Jan. 11 (CODE 1D0-120D); 1 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Beyond Blue and White

Exploring Women’s Stories Through Dutch Delftware

In the fall of 2019, over 75 rare pieces of 17th- and 18th-century delftware were discovered in a historic Manhattan townhouse. Decorative arts expert Genevieve Wheeler Brown unveils the history behind this recent finding. Brown explores how these vibrant ceramics represent a beloved decorative art form and illuminate the powerful, often overlooked roles of women across the centuries.

Learn the stories of female delftware pottery owners, such as Barbara Rotteveel, founder of the influential Three Bells factory in 1671, alongside patrons like Queen Mary II, who popularized delftware in royal courts. Brown looks beyond the classic cobalt glaze, uncovering a vibrant narrative of the artistry, female agency, and cultural history embedded in delftware.

Brown’s book, Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic (Pegasus Books), is available for purchase.

Fri., Nov. 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-073; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Dorie Greenspan in Conversation with Carla Hall

Join five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan for a delectable evening celebrating her new book, Dorie’s Anytime Cakes. Greenspan and chef Carla Hall serve up stories, baking wisdom, and insights into the magic behind the kinds of cakes that don’t need frosting, fuss, or special occasions—just a fork and a little hunger for happiness. Greenspan and Hall share how cake can be bound in memories and offer inspiring tips to help make each recipe, including honey-buttermilk loaf, poppyseed lemony wonder, and jammy snacking cake, to individual tastes. The evening includes a Q&A session. Dorie’s Anytime Cakes (HarperCollins Harvest) is available for purchase.

Wed., Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-040; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Dorie Greenspan Carla Hall

Nicoletta Braschi and Roberto Benigni

Anna Magnani

In Person

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra | 2025–2026 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 history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Jazz and the Armed Services

Congressionally funded military bands date to 1798 with the establishment of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. In the 1910s, First Lieutenant James Reese Europe infused elements of jazz into military music, and today most branches have an official jazz ensemble.

In honor of Veterans Day, SJMO’s season-opening concert salutes military jazz bands and the role they play in inspiring American troops, fostering patriotic support, and promoting national interests at home and abroad. The program includes “Memphis Blues” by W.C. Handy and Carl Wolfe; “American Patrol” by F.W. Meacham and Glenn Miller; and the “Armed Forces Medley.” (Full orchestra) Program subject to change

CANCELED

Sat., Nov. 8, 7 p.m.; Warner Bros. Theater, National Museum of American History; CODE 1P0-891; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

2025–2026 CONCERT DATES: Sat., Dec. 13; Sat., Feb. 28; Fri., April 17; Fri., June 5 (Visit website for detailed program information)

A Whirlwind History of the English Language

How is the word “lord” related to a loaf of bread?

Where did the pronoun “she” come from? Who first said (erroneously) that two negatives make a positive? Is “must” being replaced by “hafta?” Why and how does a living language like English change? The answer, in a word, is fascinating.

Linguist and Englishlanguage historian Anne Curzan, a professor of English and linguistics at the University of Michigan, covers the language’s shifting landscape from Beowulf to blogging. English continues to evolve, says Curzan, especially given the impact of modern technologies. Despite a fear that texting and tweeting could destroy the written language, linguists who track the effects of the internet and social media don’t suggest a decay in the language. After what English has undergone over the past millennium, you “hafta” believe it will survive.

Thurs., Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m. CODE 1M2-416; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Masterworks of the Choral Tradition

Choral music is a glorious genre in which the sound of a multitude of voices embraces an audience. Opera and classical music expert Saul Lilienstein leads an in-depth consideration of the great choral works and the composers who wrote them from the Renaissance through the Romantic century, including compositions by William Byrd, Palestrina, Handel, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Berlioz, and Verdi.

Emphasis is placed on the most enduring and beloved masterpieces, with special focus on compositional technique, polyphonic nature, influences among composers, and the relationship between the secular and the sacred. Programs are highlighted by film clips and musical recordings.

5-session series: Tues., Nov. 18–Dec. 16, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-420; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

LIFELONG LEARNING

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

The first folio of the epic poem Beowulf, written primarily in the West Saxon dialect of Old English

Saul Lilienstein

The Washington Chorus

Fall Wine Adventures: A Global Exploration of Great Taste

NOV 14 Madeira, a Gift From an Island to the World Madeira, which originated on its namesake Portuguese island, was consumed at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and at many milestones of early American history. George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Thomas Jefferson were huge aficionados of Madeira. In fact, Virginia and much of the U.S. owe their wine industry to Jefferson’s attempts to recreate Madeira at Monticello. Dig into the many styles of this glorious food-friendly wine from a gorgeous island.

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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

DEC 12 Sonoma Uncorked

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

Individual sessions: Fri., Nov. 14 (CODE 1T0-037); Fri., Dec. 12 (CODE 1T0-038), 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $85

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

Update: Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program. Check back soon on new pick-up location details.

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.

Rooted in Fire with Pyet DeSpain

A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking

As both a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and someone with deep roots in her Mexican heritage, chef Pyet DeSpain works to reflect a balance of these rich cultures in her cooking. In her new cookbook, she shares how to incorporate an array of key ingredients—including venison, dandelion greens, honey, and habanero peppers—into dishes that invite home cooks to honor the seasons. DeSpain talks with Andi Murphy, producer for NPR’s “Native America Calling,” about the cookbook and the stories, traditions, and philosophies of Indigenous people that flavor each recipe.

DeSpain’s book, Rooted in Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking (HarperOne), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Nov. 20, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-041; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

L. Frank Baum: The Man Behind the Curtain

L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and dozens of other books, brought a unique voice to children’s literature, taking classic folk tales and giving them a decidedly American spin. Baum’s goal, he said, was simply to “please children,” but a legion of contemporary fans continues to find playful hidden meanings scattered along the Yellow Brick Road. He might have offered an amused reply: “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!”

From the landmark 1939 film through this year’s release of Wicked: For Good, Baum’s fantastical creations continue to shape our cultural landscape. Click your heels three times to join a celebration of the wonderful world of Baum as author Daniel Stashower explores his life and legacy and actor Scott Sedar reads from Baum’s most beloved works.

Thurs., Nov. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-125; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Irresistible Movie Musicals of MGM

One Hollywood studio’s happy creations of joy and razzle-dazzle, gravity-defying leg lifts, and showstopping duets (with partners or an umbrella) still light up the screen and leave audiences smiling.

Bursting with big talent with big dreams, MGM in the 1940s and ’50s produced the most glorious string of musicals in film history: gems like On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, The Band Wagon, and Gigi. Enjoy the dancing—and marvel at those who believed the movie musical could be a breathtaking art form of its own—with Emmy Award–winning writer and documentary filmmaker Sara Lukinson, who combines a lively lecture with an abundant sample of film clips to offer a joyous evening that makes you want to sing in the rain.

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

Gene Kelly: Singin’ and Dancin’ in the Rain

Gene Kelly is one of the most engaging and influential dancers to ever set foot in Hollywood. He emerged as a star at a time when most movie dancing was basically a showcase for elegant partners in motion, but within a few years he had transformed not only the nature of male dancing but also the crucial role of the camera in making dance come alive on the big screen.

Starting in the 1940s with films like Cover Girl, Anchors Aweigh, and On the Town, Kelly choreographed and performed dozens of classic numbers that helped to define the American movie musical and that continue to delight audiences of all ages around the world. In a program illustrated with video clips, media historian Brian Rose surveys Kelly’s remarkable achievements and examines his enduring impact on Hollywood dancing.

Thurs., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-504; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

, 1945

Margaret Fuller An Extraordinary Transcendental Woman

While many people have some idea who the 19th-century author and feminist Margaret Fuller is, few have read her work or know her life story. The author of the first major work of feminism in the United States, Woman in the Nineteenth Century, was also a precocious polymath: an editor of the nation’s first avant-garde magazine; and the first foreign correspondent for a major American newspaper. She also led a series of conversations that arguably sparked the beginning of the American feminist movement.

Scholar Randall Fuller of the University of Kansas recounts the remarkable life and work of a brilliant and often-misunderstood woman.

Tues., Nov. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-647; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, title page

Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, and Gene Kelly in Anchors Aweigh

Margaret Fuller (detail) by Thomas Hicks, 1848

Theatrical poster for the 1949 musical film On the Town

Shakespeare’s London: A Living Stage

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

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

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

The Films of Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster

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

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

DEC 9 Burt Lancaster: Cinematic Legend

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

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

Notre-Dame’s Grand Organ Magnificence and Rebirth

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

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

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

Shaping the Age of Information

A History From ARPANET to AI

How did room-sized computers and dial-up connections evolve into tools of artificial intelligence that can write, analyze, and even create? Librarian and information science educator Nancy Friedland focuses on the key moments in history that shaped today’s digital world—starting with ARPANET, a Cold War–era research project, and moving through the invention of the World Wide Web; the rise of search engines such as Google; the rapid growth of mobile and cloud computing; and the evolution of artificial intelligence.

Friedland examines how these developments changed the way people communicate, access knowledge, and navigate daily life. As she traces the path from early networks to today’s intelligent systems, Friedland looks into the future of this remarkable age of information.

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

Olivier Latry

Understanding Buddhist Ethics

Buddha Shakyamuni, Pala dynasty, ca. 1000

At the heart of Buddhism lies a deep concern with how individuals live— how their actions affect others and contribute to their own awakening.

Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, outlines the differences between Buddhist and Western approaches to ethics and offers a detailed discussion of Buddhist practice, focusing on the role that meditation plays in moral development. He examines the divine abodes, a series of meditative exercises designed to cultivate the virtues of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

Emmanuel also explores the use of narrative in Buddhism as a means of fostering moral development, particularly stories about the Buddha’s past lives, and examines ethical controversies surrounding the Buddhist doctrine of skillful means.

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

Broadway’s Boom

Join Tim Dolan, an actor and owner of Broadway Up Close tours in New York City, as he leads a virtual stroll that takes in the theaters at the northern end of the Broadway Theater District from 47th Street to 54th Street. Along the way, discover how Broadway was transformed by the introduction of rock musicals with the landmark 1968 production of Hair and with the first million-dollar show, the short-lived Via Galactica from 1972. Learn how a dog named Sandy would change one Tony Award–winner’s life—and Broadway’s canine future—while Little Orphan Annie belted “Tomorrow” before thousands.

Videos and rarely seen photographs help set the stage. Spotlighting some of Broadway’s most notable shows and legendary performers that have called these theaters home, Dolan pulls back the curtain on backstage quirks and secrets that are seldom revealed.

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

Washington’s Neighborhoods: The Soul of the City

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

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

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

Women Who Shaped the Musical World Performers, Patrons, Composers, Muses … and more

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

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

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

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

Composer Fanny Mendelssohn by Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, 1842

Augustine of Hippo

Christianity at the Crossroads

The Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the year 312 made the young religion a permanent force in the late Roman Empire. Born four decades later in one of its remote provinces, Augustine of Hippo (354–430) would achieve for Christian thought an intellectual standing as enduring and dominant as the social and political influence conferred on Christian institutions by the first Christian emperor.

Augustine found in Christianity a collection of authoritative texts, creeds, and doctrines passed down by the Church and accepted by faith. He harnessed that philosophical heritage of antiquity to express a new Christian philosophy that would eventually have a huge impact. Augustine scholar Scott MacDonald of Cornell University explores some of its compelling ideas as reflected in Augustine’s major works.

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

The Birth of the Sitcom in Ancient Greece

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

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

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

“One for My Baby”

The Hollywood Songbook of Frank Sinatra Frank Sinatra‘s 100 musical performances in motion pictures reveal a vocalist who almost from the start recognized how the camera could enhance his artistry as much as the microphone. Sinatra came to Hollywood right before he began his solo career, and within a few years he would be just as big at the box office as he was on stage and in recordings.

Though he would have his ups and downs, both professionally and personally, his ability to magically convey the inner heart of whatever he sang remained undiminished on film. Media historian Brian Rose surveys Sinatra’s extraordinary Hollywood musical career, which began with uncredited appearances with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and continued through his famous days with the Rat Pack. Wed., Jan. 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-515; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Architecture of the National Parks

Sam Gennawey, a former urban planner and theme park historian, likens the National Park Service (NPS) to a meticulously curated museum that showcases the nation’s most culturally significant landscapes. The parks are categorized into three types—Nature, History, and Recreation—and within them are themes that unify and define their core values.

Gennawey focuses on the Nature Parks (encompassing volcanoes, geology, vignettes of primitive America, caves, deserts, and fossils), exploring the landscapes and the architecture that frames them. From the rustic “Parkitecture” lodges of the early 20th century to modern visitor centers, these structures embody the evolving identity of the parks. Gennawey, author of Sacred Landscapes: One Van Lifer’s Six-Year, 175,000-Mile National Park Journey, offers his unique perspective on landscape storytelling, his experience visiting nearly 390 parks, and his insight as a longtime NPS volunteer.

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

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

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

Frank Sinatra recording at Capitol Studios

Winter Wine Adventures A Toast to the American West Coast

FEB 20 Outstanding Oregon

JAN

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

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

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

MARCH 20 Paso Perfection

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

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

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

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

Update: Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program. Check back soon on new pick-up location details.

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.

Masterpieces of the Symphony

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

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

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

Over the Rainbow: The Hollywood Career of Judy Garland

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

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

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

How the Civil War Changed Walt Whitman’s Poetry

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

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

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

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

Saul Lilienstein

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

A Physicist’s Journey

From Hiroshima to the Extinction of the Dinosaurs

During World War II, physicist Luis W. Alvarez achieved major breakthroughs in radar, played a key role in the Manhattan Project, and served as a scientific observer at the bombing of Hiroshima. In 1968 he won the Nobel Prize in Physics. At the end of his life, he collaborated with his son on a project to demonstrate that an asteroid impact was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Alvarez was also a combative, ambitious figure who testified as a government witness at the security hearing that destroyed the public career of his friend J. Robert Oppenheimer. Author Alec Nevala-Lee shares ideas, lessons, and anecdotes from Alvarez’s life.

Nevala-Lee’s book Collisions: A Physicist’s Journey from Hiroshima to the Death of the Dinosaurs (W.W. Norton) is available for purchase.

Mon., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-072; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Revealing Lost Texts in the Sinai Desert

One of the oldest libraries in the world is also one of the most remote, located at the Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine in the Sinai Desert. Within fortress-like walls at the base of Mount Sinai is a trove of handwritten manuscripts in ancient languages, including many that were scrubbed off and overwritten. Michael B. Toth, president of R.B. Toth Associates, discusses how technical experts, scientists, and scholars used advanced imaging systems in such an isolated spot amid political and security risks to reveal the hidden undertexts. As a result of this work, images of the monastery’s texts are now available online for digital research.

Thurs., Nov. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-502; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Rock Creek Park

A Virtual Exploration

Rock Creek Park is the oldest urban national park in the country and covers twice the size of New York’s Central Park. This forested gem running through the heart of Washington, D.C., delighted residents long before it was declared a national park by an act of Congress in 1890—and continues to offer a welcome destination for outdoor lovers.

Drawing on vivid photographs and her knowledge of Rock Creek Park through the seasons, author and naturalist Melanie Choukas-Bradley introduces the story and natural history of a national park landscape as old as Yosemite. Learn about the Indigenous peoples who hunted, fished, and quarried on the land; the presidents, including Theodore Roosevelt, who enjoyed recreation here; and the flora and fauna that find a wild refuge in their urban surroundings.

Mon., Nov. 17, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-156; Members $25; Nonmembers $35;

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Michael Toth examining an ancient manuscript during spectral imaging

Humanish

A Crash Course on Anthropomorphism

From naming hurricanes to throwing birthday parties for dogs, the tendency to see human traits in animals, objects, and natural forces is a cognitive impulse known as anthropomorphism. Science writer Justin Gregg delves into the science and psychology behind the phenomenon—which sparks the urge to treat pets like babies, fall in love with chatbots, and talk to cars.

Drawing on surprising research and curious examples—from emotional support alligators to AI-generated companions to a woman who married her briefcase—he reveals how anthropomorphism enhances both empathy and connection but can carry complex consequences including its darker inverse, dehumanization. Gregg’s book Humanish: What Talking to Your Cat or Naming Your Car Reveals About the Uniquely Human Need to Humanize (Little, Brown and Company) is available for purchase.

Mon., Nov. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-123; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

How Weather Works

Weather encompasses atmospheric conditions including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. This dynamic environment is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the sun’s energy, the rotation of Earth, and its surface features, including mountains, oceans, and forests. And yet, despite scientific advancements and sophisticated forecasting tools, the local weather that impacts people’s daily lives continues to remain a mystery to many.

Gain a better understanding of what weather is and how it works with meteorologist Edward Graham, based at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. He surveys the core science behind the operation of Earth’s weather and climate systems. He also discusses how Earth is monitored daily and how millions of weather observations are gathered to make the weather forecast for tomorrow.

Wed., Nov. 19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-650; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Is Extreme Weather on the Increase?

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

Linking such events directly with human influence on the climate is not easy. However, observational evidence of unprecedented weather extremes is mounting from all over the globe. These are confirmed by atmospheric modeling studies that show such events are more destructive today than in a world without human interference. By comparing these real and simulated scenarios, says Graham, it’s possible to assess how the frequency and intensity of an extreme weather event may have been influenced by human effect—and if such events are on the rise.

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

Our Universe in a New Light Exploring Chandra X-Ray Observatory’s High-Energy Wonders

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

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

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

Artist’s illustration of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory

Volcanoes That Changed the World

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

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

The Hidden History of Brainwashing

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

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

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

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

The Future of Seeing How Imaging Is Changing Our World

Over the centuries, humans have developed a powerful and versatile set of tools to reveal what was once invisible. Daniel K. Sodickson, a physicist and pioneer in biomedical imaging, explores the rich history and surprising future of vision, from the evolution of sight in early organisms to the rise of high-tech devices that emulate human senses and minds. He traces the development of imaging tools that have revolutionized medicine, reshaped the global economy, and raised timely questions about privacy and perception.

As these technologies increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, Sodickson examines how they are changing the way individuals perceive the world, connect with one another, and understand who they are.

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

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

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

How to Change a Memory

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

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

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

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

The Art, Joy, and Importance of Observing Insects

Insects are the most abundant animals on the planet—in both number of species and individual organisms— representing about 80% of all animal species and numbering in the quintillions. Oddly enough, they are also the least observed. Naturalist Eric R. Eaton aims to inspire you to watch more bugs and shares what you can do to keep these critters thriving. He highlights the basic tools for watching insects with all five senses, suggests best habitats and circumstances for seeing the most diversity, and offers tips for attracting desirable insects to your yard and garden. Eaton also addresses insect decline and how to help correct it.

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

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

The Giant Leap Space as Evolution’s Next Frontier

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

Tues., Jan. 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0657; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Myth and Reality of 100-Foot Waves

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

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

Journalist and author Susan Casey looks at these ship-swallowing rogue waves, noting that as scientists scramble to understand this phenomenon, others—including extreme surfers who fly the world to ride the ocean’s most formidable monsters—view the giant waves as the ultimate challenge. Thurs., Jan. 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-667; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Avocados: From the Ice Age to Global Superfood

Life on the Ice

Penguins of Antarctica

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

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

Avocados are one of today’s most beloved foods, valued for their rich flavor, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Long before they became a global superfood, avocados evolved as nourishment for giant Ice Age animals like sloths and mammoths. When those creatures vanished, humans stepped in. Ancient Hondurans were skilled forest managers and tree farmers much earlier than previously known and domesticated avocado, and likely other tree crops, long before the arrival of domesticated maize, beans, or squash. At the El Gigante site in the country’s southern highlands, evidence shows people tending avocado trees as early as 11,000 years ago. For millennia avocados were grown from seeds, and genetic variety still survives in the wild. Archaeobotanist Heather Thakar explores how the history of avocados can offer insights for modern agriculture.

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

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and the Dementias

What We Know, What We Can Do

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

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

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

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.

These programs are part of

Gentoo penguins, Antarctic peninsula

You love art.

Now become the expert you’ve always wanted to be.

World Art H i story Certif icate Prog ram

Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. But to truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was produced. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers an exciting 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.

The core courses and electives in this program are selected from among Smithsonian Associates’ ongoing courses, seminars, study tours, and Studio Arts classes. In 2025, you’ll find an expanded roster of instructors and a new range of course topics.

Complete the program requirements at your own pace and track your credits online. Credits are counted from the day of program registration and are not given retroactively.

To learn more about the Smithsonian Associates World Art History Certificate Program, visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/ArtCertificate

*from Smithsonian museum collections

Left column: from the top: Taj Mahal, completed 1643, Agra, India; Fresco of the Libyan Sibyl , ca. 1511, Sistine Chapel, by Michelangelo; The Young Ladies of Avignon, 1907, by Pablo Picasso; Equestrian ceramic figure, ca. 13th–15th centuries, Mali*. Second column: The Calf-Bearer, ca. 570 B.C., Athens, Greece; Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, 2010, by Frank Gehry, Las Vegas; Frida Kahlo by Magda Pach, 1933*; Before the Ballet, ca. 1892, Edgar Degas.

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.

The Church and Museum of Santa Croce

The Basilica of Santa Croce, located in Florence, Italy, is the largest Franciscan church in the world and an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. Many of its 16 chapels are decorated with frescoes by Giotto and his disciples. The museum complex consists of the church, chapels, monastery, bell tower, and an area for exhibitions. Ruggiero leads a visual journey of the church and museum of Santa Croce, focusing on key artworks, architectural features, and notable moments from the church’s history.

Mon., Nov. 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-503; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

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

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

The National Gallery of Parma

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

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

Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Marian church in Rome and houses one of the most important icons of Mary, the Salus Populi Romani, traditionally attributed to Saint Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of painters. Seven popes as well as Bernini are entombed in the basilica. Ruggiero highlights the importance of Santa Maria Maggiore through its history, architecture, and works of art.

Mon., Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-519; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

Basilica of Santa Croce

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

Salus Populi Romani

The Circumcision by Jacopo Tintoretto, 1587

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Masterpieces of the Middle Ages A Romanesque Reawakening

Despite widespread fears, the world didn’t end in the year 1000. Instead, the new millennium sparked a remarkable revival of artistic expression, particularly in 11thand 12th-century France. From that renewal emerged the Romanesque style—bold, inventive, and deeply rooted in faith—reshaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of medieval Europe.

Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton explores this vibrant period through its cathedrals, churches, cloisters, and monasteries—beautiful spaces created to instruct and inspire. Through the lenses of architecture, sculpture, painting, and the decorative arts, Benton reveals how Romanesque art defined an age of cultural awakening and communal devotion, stretching from mountain monasteries in France to pilgrimage centers from Italy to Spain and beyond.

2-session series: Sat., Nov. 1 and 8, 1–3:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-118; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Looking Up: The Rise of the Modern Skyscraper

From the 19th century to the early years of the next, technical developments in electricity, heating and cooling, and building methods—as well as innovations such as the elevator—offered new opportunities in construction that set off rivalries in the race to create the tallest building in the world.

During the first three decades of the 20th century, high-rise architecture incorporated the pre vailing historic styles. Modernism, with its simplified forms and rejection of ornamentation, became the dominant style during the post-World War II period, with the “glass box” skyscraper becoming ubiquitous across the world. Bill Keene, a lecturer in architecture and urban studies, traces developments in technology, materials, and regulations that accelerated the rise of the skyscraper.

Mon., Nov. 3, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-154; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Frick Collection, Then and Now

Helen Clay Frick’s Vision Renewed

The early 20th century witnessed a transformation in the way art was collected, studied, and shared with the public. At the heart of this cultural evolution stood Helen Clay Frick, a force whose devotion to art, scholarship, and public access helped shape one of America’s most esteemed art collections. Building on the legacy of her father, industrialist and collector Henry Clay Frick, Helen expanded the mission of the Frick Collection beyond private connoisseurship to a cultural institution rooted in education, conservation, and curatorial excellence.

Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores Helen’s pivotal role in building the Frick Collection, her influence on American art philanthropy, and the enduring impact of her life’s work—which entered a new chapter with the museum’s reopening this year.

Thurs., Nov. 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-124; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Mont Saint-Michel

Portrait of Helen Clay Frick, 1910

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Splendor of Words

An Introduction to Manuscript Illumination

Early manuscript illuminations are astonishing for their beauty and detail. Some early books are witness to a mixture of various artistic styles; others are religious books that inspire awe.

Heidi Catherine Gearhart, associate professor of art history at George Mason University, presents the most luxurious and fascinating examples of illuminated manuscripts from western Europe dating from late antiquity to the later Middle Ages.

Some of these collectors’ books, like the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, contained full-page, highly naturalistic, and richly detailed illuminations, as if they were paintings in and of themselves. Gearhart introduces the story of manuscript illumination beginning with the oldest surviving codices, considers their relation to older traditions of scrolls and tablets, and discusses how practices of illustration evolved over time.

Mon., Nov. 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-885; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Peggy Guggenheim and the Art of Collecting

Peggy Guggenheim inherited two and a half million dollars when she turned 21 in 1919, and she decided to use it to fund her passion for art.

A free-spirited and tireless woman who visited prominent artists of the time in their studios, she became a visionary collector who established galleries in New York and London.

After consulting with some of the most knowledgeable minds in art—including Marcel Duchamp and Samuel Beckett—she decided to invest in modern art. Today these works are found in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, housed in the palazzo on the Grand Canal that was her home. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar discusses Guggenheim’s background and provides a critical analysis of key works in her collection.

Wed., Nov. 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-632; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Art Nouveau: New Style for a New Century

Noted for its organic, sinuous, and seductive styles, the Art Nouveau movement in art and design flowered only for a decade or so but had a long-lasting influence and popularity. Art historian Bonita Billman explores Art Nouveau’s characteristics; its French origins; major creators including Louis Comfort Tiffany, Rene Lalique, Alphonse Mucha, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh; and its interpretations in Britain and America.

Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-419; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

Crossing Borders

Art,

Trade, and Pilgrimage in Pre-Modern

Asia

The merchants, explorers, pilgrims, and refugees who traveled the often-treacherous trade routes of Asia from the second century B.C.E. through the 15th century brought treasured commodities and new ideas with them. Crossing massive mountain ranges, unforgiving deserts, and dangerous open seas, these routes could be a source of untold riches or of disaster. Although many trade networks extended beyond Asia into Europe and Africa, Robert DeCaroli, professor of art history at George Mason University, focuses on the ways Asian societies participated in, benefited from, and were changed by trade and travel.

4-session series: Tues., Nov. 18–Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-501; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, designed by Lorenzo Boschetti

Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, Folio 44v, ca. 1415

Crescent Lake, on the Silk Road, Dunhuang

Alphonse Mucha book illustration for Clio, 1900

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

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

Siena: A Gothic Dream

Draped across three hills, Siena—often called the most beautiful city in Tuscany—is a flamboyant medieval collection of palaces and towers cast in warm brown brick. Its soaring skyline is dominated by the fantastical Gothic-style Duomo and the taut needle of the Torre di Mangia.

In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Siena developed an artistic identity distinct from that of nearby Florence. While Florentine art embraced humanism and realism, Sienese painting remained more spiritual, decorative, and mystical. The Sienese School—led by Duccio, Simone Martini, and the Lorenzetti brothers— produced works celebrated for their graceful lines, luminous color, and deep devotion, especially to the Virgin Mary. Examine how this art-filled cityscape and a fierce sense of civic pride combined to make Siena a world of its own.

Fri., Nov. 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-126; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome and Mary Magdalen by Neroccio de' Landi, ca. 1490

The Renaissance Artist at Work

Life Behind the Masterpieces

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

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

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

Palladio: Architect of the Western World

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

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

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Contemporary North American Native Art Tradition and Experimentation, Tragedy and Humor

The Indigenous peoples of North America—like their counterparts all over the world—have a rich and varied history of creativity reflected in stunning baskets and clay pots, rugs, beadwork, jewelry, intricately embroidered garments, and more. Contemporary Indigenous artists produce both 21st-century variations on age-old tribal traditions as well as highly experimental works in a variety of media in which artists combine reverence, humor, political protest, and aesthetic beauty with original perspectives.

Art historian Nancy G. Heller surveys the most significant work by contemporary Native artists from the U.S. and Canada, placing it in a broader socio-political context and celebrating the accomplishments of North American Indian artists.

Tues., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-421; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Pienza: An Ideal Renaissance City

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Secretary cabinet designed by George Washington Jack, ca. 1889

The Arts and Crafts Movement in Philadelphia

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

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

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

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

The Soil You See by Wendy Red Star, 2023

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Travels of Paul Gauguin

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Barnett Newman: The Man, the Artist, and His World

Abstract Expressionist Barnett Newman was a contemporary of Pollock, de Kooning, and Rothko. Born in New York to Polish Jewish immigrant parents, he involved himself in the city’s life: He crusaded for the civil service; ran for mayor; taught public school; wrote poetry, criticism, and manifestos; and promoted artists—all before painting a mature work of his own.

CANCELED

Art historian Amy Newman (no relation) tells the story of how someone with none of the qualities once considered indispensable for an artist became the artist who seemed to be exactly what American post-war culture called for and the favorite father figure of later generations of American artists.

Newman’s new book, Barnett Newman: Here (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Dec. 3, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-042; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Harmonies

and Reflections

The Aesthetic Vision of Whistler

As a forerunner of Post-Impressionism, James Abbott McNeill Whistler is celebrated for his bold and innovative style in media from painting in oil to watercolors and etchings. His artistic ideals were informed by the Aesthetic movement and its emphasis on refinement, subtlety, and belief in the autonomy of art. Whistler’s admiration for Asian art prompted his experimentation with abstract color and composition. He also departed from traditional representation to work with visual arrangements and color harmonies that correspond to those in music. Art historian Aneta Georgievska Shine looks at how these ideals were expressed in his work—whether in subtle tonal landscapes or in his portrayal of women.

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mexican Muralists in the U.S.

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

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

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

Watermill in Pont-Aven by Paul Gauguin, 1894

Self-portrait by James McNeill Whistler, 1872

Creative Writing Workshops

Write Into Art

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

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

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

NOV 4 Shifting Perspectives

NOV 18 Surprising Stories

NOV 25 Capturing Memories

FEB 3 Explore Place

FEB 4 Unveil Stories

FEB 5 Probe Perspective

3-session series: Tues., Nov. 4, 18, and 25, 10 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-641; Members $105; Nonmembers $125

Individual sessions: Tues., Nov. 4 (CODE 1K0-642); Tues., Nov. 18 (CODE 1K0- 643); Tues., Nov. 25 (CODE 1K0-644); 10 a.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

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

Reflective Writing Workshops

Winter’s Colors

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

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

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

Moments of Epiphany

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

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

Colors of Love

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

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

Charing Cross Bridge by André Derain, 1906

The Old Violin by William Michael Harnett, 1886

Winter Landscape (detail) by Wassily Kandinsky, 1909

The Birthday (detail) by Marc Chagall, 1915

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

Secrets and Symbols in Art

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

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

The Iconography of Christmas

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Winslow Homer: Portraits of American Life

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Fire and Ice: The Art of Scandinavian Glass

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

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

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

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

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

Adoration of the Magi (detail) by Ghirlandaio, 1488

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

An Art-Treasure Island

Malta’s Storied History

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Ruth Asawa and the Shape of Modernism

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Snapshots of History: The Story of Photography

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

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

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

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

A view of Valletta, Malta

Untitled by Ruth Asawa

The Boulevard du Temple by Louis Daguerre in 1838

Italian Regions to Discover

Three Treasures of History, Art, and Culture

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

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

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

The Veneto

Venice’s Territories and Their Riches

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

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

Lombardy

The Cultural Splendors of Milan and Beyond

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

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

Liguria

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

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

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

Liguria: Camogli, Ligurian coast

Lombardy: Milan Cathedral

The Veneto: Andrea Palladio's Villa Rotonda, Vicenza

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Henri Rousseau

A Painter’s Secrets

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Art + History

John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence

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

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

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

Masterworks at the Barnes Foundation

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

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

JAN 23 Cézanne

JAN 30 Matisse

FEB 6 Renoir

FEB 13 Modigliani and Soutine

FEB 20 Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Seurat

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

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

The Snake Charmer (detail) by Henri Rousseau, 1907

Declaration of Independence (detail) by John Trumbull, 1819

After The Bath by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1910

Jeanne Hébuterne by Amedeo Modigliani, 1919

Thatched Cottages in the Sunshine by Vincent van Gogh, 1890

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Visual Literacy: How To Look at Art

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Papal Patronage of the Arts

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit California Modern Architecture

Redefining Modern Living

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

Disseminated through architectural publications and immortalized by the lens of photographer Julius Shulman, California Modernism became more than a regional style—it became a symbol of innovation and elegance. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores the architects and their training, influences, and legacy, tracing how a generation of visionaries reshaped the modern landscape of design across California and beyond. Mon., Feb. 2, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-136; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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

“Laocoön” (detail)

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Art Deco: Vibrant, Eclectic, and Dynamic

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud

Artistic Friends and Rivals

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Turkey: A Portrait of Artistic Richness

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

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

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

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

René Lalique Victoire hood ornament, 1928

The ruins of a Seljuk inn in Pamphylia

Study For Portrait V by Francis Bacon, 1953

Night Portrait by Lucian Freud, 1985-1986

Fall Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

ART THEORY & PRACTICE

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Composition Studies

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 5−19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0ABN; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

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

DRAWING

Sketching the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series

INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Kuster

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Thurs., Nov. 6 (1E0-ADB5); Thurs., Nov. 13 (1E0ADB6); 12 p.m.; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

PAINTING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

NEW | The 1860s Vision of Cézanne Figures, Portraits, Landscapes, and Still Lifes

INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar

IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 2–16, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AAG; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

NEW | Reverse Painting on a Glass Clock

INSTRUCTOR: Mel Curtin

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 5 and 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0ZQ; Members $90; Nonmembers $120

NEW

| Aloha Palette

Watercolor Escape to Hawai’i

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 19 and Thurs., Nov. 20, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAD; Members $135; Nonmembers $150

Amaryllis in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Tues., Dec. 2 and Wed., Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAC; Members $135; Nonmembers $150

FIBER ARTS

When Good Patterns Go Bad Avoiding and Fixing Knitting Mistakes

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards IN PERSON: Tues., Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ABP; Members $45; Nonmembers $60

Quiltmaking for the Non-perfectionist

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sun., Nov. 9–23, 3 p.m.; CODE 1E00ZM; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

OTHER MEDIA

Exploring Encaustic

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

IN PERSON: Sun., Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ACY; Members $170; Nonmembers $185

PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW | Main Street USA

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Nov. 6 and 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAJ; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

Night Photography in Washington, D.C.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Mon., Nov. 10 and 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAU; Members $90; Nonmembers $115 (Note: The first session of this class is conducted on Zoom, and the second session is in person in Washington, D.C.)

CALLIGRAPHY

Introduction to Pointed-Pen Calligraphy

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 1–22, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0ACN; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

NEW | Jazz It Up

Holiday Cards Using Pointed-Pen Calligraphy

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

LIFELONG LEARNING

LIFELONG LEARNING

By Cindy Briggs

By Mel Curtin

By Sharmila Karamchandani

By Cindy Briggs

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

IN PERSON

Art Journaling for Self-Expression

INSTRUCTOR: Carter Umhau

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

ONLINE

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

DRAWING

IN PERSON

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

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

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

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

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

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

Figure Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

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

Illuminating Positivity

Transforming Inspirational Words into Art

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 11, 3 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFS; Members $215; Nonmembers $240

Color Theory and Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

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

Creative Mind Mapping

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

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

Introduction to Figure Drawing

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

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

Painting in the Key of Color A Streamlined Approach to Color in Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

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

INSTRUCTOR: Tom Kim

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

ONLINE

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mark of van Gogh

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

Drawing Birds from Around the World

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

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

The Simplified Figure

INSTRUCTOR: Amy Dapice

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

By Tom Kim

Shadows First

An Alternative Approach to Drawing Portraits

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

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

Creating with Chalk Pastels

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

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

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

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

Drawing Techniques Composition and Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Desarae Lee

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

Masters and Mediums Pastels

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

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

Drawing with Pen and Ink

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

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

PAINTING n n n n

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

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

Intermediate Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

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

Drawing Techniques Perspective

INSTRUCTOR: Desarae Lee

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

Digital Drawing Advanced Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

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

Masters and Mediums Trois Crayon

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

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

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

Watercolor Portraits

Painting from Photographs

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

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

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

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE

Introduction to Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

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

Paint Nature’s Little Creatures in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

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

Painting Water in Landscapes and Seascapes

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

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

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

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

Principles of Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

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

IN PERSON

Romare Bearden−Inspired Compositions

Exploring Mixed Media Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar

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

Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

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

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

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

By Cindy Briggs

Paths of Light

Watercolor Workshop: Quick-Sketch for a Day

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

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

From Frustration to Flow

Harnessing Wet Techniques in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

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

Capturing Light and Atmosphere in Landscapes

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

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

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

Paper, Paint, and Scissors

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

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

By Sharon Robinson

Poetry and Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

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

Birds and Nature in Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 11–March 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AFA; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Student Work

Creating Tiny Books in Mixed Media

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

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

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

Beginning Mixed-Media Techniques

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

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

INSTRUCTOR: Jean Pederson

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

FIBER ARTS

Knitting for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

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

Continued Knitting

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

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

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

Embroidery 101 Workshop

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

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

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

A Walk on the Wild Side with Photomontage

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

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

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

Masters and Mediums Collage

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

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

Embroidery 101

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0AEA; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Quilting Together

A Virtual Open Studio with Expert Guidance for Your Quilt Project

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 17–Feb. 7, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0AES; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Back-to-Basics Knitting Boot Camp

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

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

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

By Sharon Robinson

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Jean Pederson

By Ann Richards

By Heather Kerley

ONLINE

Mind-Body Centering Through Art and Handwork

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

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

Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

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

Improvisation in Quilts

Raw Edge Piecing and Appliqué

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

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

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OTHER MEDIA

Gel Plate Journey

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

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

ONLINE

Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

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

Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

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

Carve and Create Learning to Love Linocuts

INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Beachler

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

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

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

Geometric Bead Weaving Circles, Triangles, and Squares

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

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

Wirework Intensive: Fabulous Findings

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

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

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

Mosaic Basics

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

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

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

Upcycled Brooch Workshop

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

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

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

Wild Foliage in Printmaking

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

INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Beachler

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

White-Line Woodblock Printing Advancing Your Techniques

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

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

Orchids for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt

ONLINE: Wed., March 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADL; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Kathy Beachler

By Mïa Vollkommer

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw

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

3, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-ADF); Tues., Jan. 13–March

3, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-ADE); Ripley Center; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

NEW CLASSES

Capturing Winter Scenes

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

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

Understanding Your New Mirrorless Camera

Indoor Macro Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

Photography Next Steps: The Personal Project

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

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

Smartphone Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

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

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CALLIGRAPHY

Introduction to Italic Hand Calligraphy

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

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

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

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

Black-and-White Analog Photography

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

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

SCULPTURE

Figure Sculpture

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

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

Small Sculptures in Wood

INSTRUCTOR: Jeremiah Gallay

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

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

3D Constructions in Mixed Media

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

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

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

By Joe Yablonsky

Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

Overnight Tours 2026

A New Year of Delightful Destinations from

Smithsonian Associates

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

The Road to Nashville

Sun., March 15–Thurs., March 19 (on sale Dec. 1)

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

Leader: Richard Selden

Revolutionary Philadelphia

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

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

Leader: Denver Brunsman

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

New adventures that visit Newport, Rhode Island, St. Louis, and Boston have been added. By popular demand, several favorite destinations return to the schedule, including Arizona, Staten Island, and Buffalo, offering another chance to join these adventures before they sell out again. Start your plans now by registering for January’s Artful Weekend in New York City (see p. 56).

Outdoor Arizona

Sat., April 25–Thurs., April 30 (on sale Dec. 1)

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

Leader: Wayne Ranney

Splendors of Newport

Sun., May 3–Thurs., May 7 (on sale Dec. 1)

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

Leader: Fred Zilian

Pennsylvania Gardens

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

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

Leader: Chelsea Mahaffey

Staten Island

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

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

Leader: Richard Selden

An Artful Weekend in NYC

Sat., Aug. 22–Sun., Aug. 23 (on sale May 1)

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

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Wed., Aug. 19–Sun., Aug. 23

(on sale April 1)

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

Leader: Bill Keene

Revolutionary Boston

September 2026 (on sale May 1)

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

Leader: Fred Zilian

NYC Design and Architecture

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

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

Leader: Bill Keene

St. Louis Up Close

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

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

New York Cemeteries

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

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

Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota

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

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

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam Sat., Oct. 17–Sun., Oct. 18 (on sale June 1)

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

Leader: Lynn O’Connell

All Eyes on Pittsburgh

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

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

Leader: Richard Selden

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

Lincoln’s Legacy at Congressional Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery in southeast Washington, D.C., is the resting place of more than 67,000 Americans—heroes and villains, famous and forgotten—making it a powerful place to explore our shared history. The cemetery holds surprising ties to President Abraham Lincoln, although he wasn’t buried there. Lincoln walked these grounds during one of the Civil War’s most heartbreaking moments, and the cemetery is the final resting place for many individuals whose lives intersected with his.

Author Chuck Raasch explores some of those connections during a walk through the grounds. The stories he tells include those of an assassination conspirator in an unmarked grave, pioneering photographer Mathew Brady, and unsung heroes who became victims of one of the Civil War’s most tragic non-combat events.

TWO OPTIONS: Sat., Nov. 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-B03); Sat., Nov. 8, 1–3 p.m. (CODE 1CW-C03); detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

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.

2-Day Tour

Unearthing Egypt at The Met and the Brooklyn Museum

Step back in time to the land of the pharaohs and take a journey through two of New York’s most prestigious cultural institutions: the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Each museum offers a captivating lens into the world of ancient Egypt.

The Brooklyn Museum houses a rich, thoughtfully curated Egyptian collection that illuminates the daily life, religious beliefs, and funerary practices of ancient Egyptians. On your guided visit, learn about Charles Edwin Wilbour, a self-taught Egyptologist whose numerous acquisitions in Egypt, including eight Elephantine papyri, form the core of the Brooklyn Museum collection. Visit the Assyrian collection, which features 12 huge reliefs from the palace of Ashur-nasir-pal II at Nimrud, excavated by A. H. Layard in the 1840s.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts the most extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in North America, featuring monumental sculptures, intricate artifacts, and the awe-inspiring Temple of Dendur, completed by 10 B.C.E. by the Roman emperor Augustus. A full-day visit includes a guided tour through the Lila Acheson Wallace Galleries of Egyptian Art with your study leader. Learn how the artifacts illuminate many of the best-known stories in the Bible, especially from the book of Exodus. The visit also includes a docent-led tour of highlights of the museum’s collections and time to view other galleries, including the relatively recently renovated Byzantine and medieval wing.

Biblical scholar and historian Gary Rendsburg leads this exploration of ancient Egyptian culture. Sun., Nov. 16, 7:30 a.m.–Mon., Nov. 17, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-EGY; Members $653; Nonmembers $871

Grave of Civil War photographer Mathew Brady

Walking Tour

The Temple of Dendur at The Met

Honor and Legacy

A Journey Through the 250 Years of U.S. Army History

Founded on June 14, 1775, the United States Army stands as the oldest branch of the U.S. military. Historian Christopher Hamner leads a compelling day exploring the Washington, D.C., area’s collection of memorials and museums dedicated to the Army.

Highlights include a before-hours visit to “The Price of Freedom” exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History with an introduction from a curator. The exhibition reflects on the human cost of war and honors the sacrifices of military personnel. The National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, features immersive exhibits showcasing the Army’s journey from its militia roots to its modern-day missions. In a special lunchtime session, a museum educator explores the commitment, challenges, and bravery of African American soldiers in World War II.

Commemoration of the Army’s legacy is reflected in the many monuments and memorials dedicated to its generals, soldiers, and defining battles. Among these is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Hamner discusses the memorial’s design and Eisenhower’s role in U.S. history. En route to the Eisenhower memorial, he highlights other sites, including the World War II Memorial, First Division Monument, and Second Division Memorial.

Fri., Nov. 21, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-002; Members $140; Nonmembers $200

The Holidays in Old Town Alexandria

Walking Tour Henri Rousseau at the Barnes Foundation

Step back in time as Lynn O’Connell leads an exploration of how Christmases of yesteryear were celebrated in Alexandria, Virginia. As you walk through Old Town Alexandria, learn how John Carlyle, George Washington, and other city leaders of the 18th century marked the season; what the holidays were like in the former Carlyle home during the Civil War; and which new customs were brought to Alexandria in the 1880s and 1890s. Get the delicious details on the holiday feasts served at historic Gadsby’s Tavern in the 19th century, including George Washington’s favorite dish—and his rather boozy eggnog.

The walk also brings the opportunity to discover seasonal traditions at local churches, including Christ Church and the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. Along the way, stop by the Little Theatre of Alexandria for a holiday-themed visit, where you’ll enjoy a surprise involving A Christmas Carol

TWO OPTIONS: Sat., Dec. 13 (CODE 1CW-B05); Sun., Dec. 14 (CODE 1CW-C05); 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

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

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

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

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

National Museum of the United States Army

Bus Tour

The Sleeping Gypsy by Henri Rousseau, 1897

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, recently reopened after four years of restoration.

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

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

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

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

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

Living Hall, the Frick Collection, New York

A Gutenberg Bible at the Morgan Library & Museum

Effective April 1, 2025

Smithsonian Associates Membership Levels and Benefits

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

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

Subscription to the monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide

Subscription to the monthly Smithsonian Associates digital program guide

Access to members-only in-person and online programs

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

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

Subscription to the Smithsonian Associates Digital Digest

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

Smithsonian magazine delivered to your home

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

Member discounts on Art Collectors Program fine-art prints

Advance digital copy of the monthly Smithsonian Associates program guide

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

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

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

Ability to participate in Smithsonian Summer Camp registration lottery

Two complimentary registrations for a Smithsonian Insider event

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

Monthly donor preview digital communications for select upcoming programs

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

Copy of the Smithsonian’s annual report

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

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

Reserved seating at most Smithsonian Associates in-person programs

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

Dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and program registration

Invitation for two to the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend

Recognition in the Smithsonian’s annual report

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

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

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

Special event invitations as available

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

Invitation to a private event with members of Associates’ leadership

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Sat., Nov. 1 and Dec. 13

Reading Dante’s Divine Comedy

Sat., Nov. 1 and 8

Masterpieces of the Middle Ages

Sun., Nov. 2 and 16

Masterworks

Tues., Dec. 2 and

Sat., Dec. 6

The Axelrod String Quartet (Saturday series)

Sun., Dec. 7 The Axelrod String Quartet (Sunday series) •

Wed., Jan. 7–28

Mon., Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 2 and 9 Women Who Shaped the Musical World

Jan. 23–Feb.

Jan. 26–Thurs., Jan. 29

Feb. 3, Wed., Feb. 4, and Thurs., Feb. 5 Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Feb. 3–March 3

Masterpieces of the Symphony

Program Planner (New listings in red); (In-person programs•)

and Multi-Session

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org for more details

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

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

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ZOOM PROGRAM LINKS

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

PROCESSING FEES

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

CREDIT TO YOUR SM ITHSON IAN ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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