Smithsonian Associates October 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.

Dear Friends and Members,

Anniversary greetings are even more meaningful when they come from a longtime friend. In the September/October issue of Smithsonian magazine, the Institution’s Secretary, Lonnie Bunch III, offered reflections on Smithsonian Associates’ 60 years of educational impact. We’re delighted to share his letter with the people at the heart of our mission—a community of lifelong learners, for which we are deeply grateful.

—Frederica R. Adelman, Director

Occasionally, to the chagrin of my team, I enjoy sneaking out of meetings and wandering around Smithsonian buildings—sometimes the galleries of the nearby Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, sometimes my old stomping grounds at the National Museum of American History. I once even visited the Feather Identification Lab at the National Museum of Natural History, where I learned how its scientists attempt to stop birds from flying into aircraft.

Whether our curators are sharing an impromptu lesson on entomology or 17th-century portraiture, I always reflect, “Wow. There really is nowhere else where I could do this.”

I am not the first Secretary to have this thought. Sixty years ago, then-Secretary S. Dillon Ripley wanted to share that same feeling of discovery not only with visitors to our museums, but also with folks in our own backyard. So, in honor of James Smithson’s 200th birthday, Ripley created the Smithsonian Society of Associates, now known as Smithsonian Associates, to create educational and enlightening programming that connects our exceptional resources with the Washington, D.C., community and beyond.

The earliest opportunities included scholarly tours of local landmarks, including Lafayette Square and St. John’s Episcopal

Church. Some pursuits were precursors to activities that now fall under our broader educational umbrella, such as zoo tours for children. One whale-watching adventure in 1972 resulted in an astonishing archival photo. Smithsonian Associates also launched the legendary Washington kite festival held every spring and, following the release of the 2009 movie Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, founded Smithsonian Sleepovers, where pajama-clad visitors participate in educational activities before dozing off on their own air mattresses.

Smithsonian Associates now covers myriad topics from color theory to computer science, fulfilling Ripley’s dream of the Institution becoming a cultural hub for the region. As a former professor, I see it as a college town for the entire country—a place to get to know your neighbors and learn from them.

And with an increased number of digital opportunities, Smithsonian Associates has become an exemplar of how the Smithsonian reaches audiences across the nation. It invites learners from everywhere to spend any day like my best days, getting to know the extraordinary people (and even some animals) who call the Smithsonian home.

For its 60th anniversary, Smithsonian Associates has been holding special events throughout the year, culminating in a celebration this fall. Whether you want to expand your appreciation for Shakespeare’s poetry or ignite your curiosity with the mysteries of the space shuttle, I invite you to help us toast 60 wonderful years. I look forward to many more.

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

Smithsonian Associates (USPS 043-210) Vol. 54, No. 2, October 2025. Published monthly by Smithsonian Associates, Smithsonian Institution, 1100 Jefferson Drive, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20560. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC. and at additional mailing offices. Robert A. Sacheli, Editor; Ric Garcia, Visual Specialist. Copyright 2025 by the Smithsonian Associates. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Smithsonian Associates, P.O. Box 23293, Washington, D.C. 20026-3293. Printed in the U.S.A. on recyclable paper.

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PHOTO:

Lonnie G. Bunch III

Anniversary Celebration Weekend

A Toast to Smithsonian Associates

After 60 years of informing, entertaining, and inspiring, it’s time for Smithsonian Associates to celebrate! And that’s what is happening the weekend of Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19.

The evening of activities on Friday sparkles—literally and figuratively—with both online and in-person events. They include a presentation on three of the Smithsonian’s most scintillating exhibits (see details below); the opportunity to enjoy a special 1960s-themed cocktail mixed by Philip Greene, co-founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail; a chance to exercise your artistic muscles by creating miniature paintings on glass and collage/mixed media; a cool photo op; a viewing of an illustrated timeline of Smithsonian Associates through the decades; and a light reception.

The first presentation of this celebratory weekend, How the Smithsonian Sparkles, highlights a studio model of the “Star Trek” starship Enterprise, rare colored diamonds, and ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz

One of the most famous fictional voyages into space is that of the Enterprise, and the 11-foot-long model that starred in the original TV series now resides at the National Air and Space Museum. Space History department chair Margaret A. Weitekamp shares stories about how the museum recreated some of the starship’s Hollywood sparkle.

Fancy red diamonds, which are pure red, are among the rarest gems on Earth, and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) recently opened an exhibit focused on just such a sparkler: the Winston Red Diamond. Gabriela Farfan, NMNH curator of gems and minerals, delves into that diamond and its dazzling companions in the Winston Fancy Color Diamond Collection.

Several pairs of ruby slippers were made for Judy Garland to wear in The Wizard of Oz. A pair was donated to the National Museum of American History (NMAH) in 1979 and has been one of the most asked-about artifacts at the Smithsonian ever since. NMAH conservator Dawn Wallace illuminates the magic of these glittering slippers.

In Person: Celebration and presentation, Fri., Oct. 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-032; Ripley Center; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Online: Presentation, Fri., Oct. 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-032; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

NOTE: After Saturday lectures with some of members’ favorite presenters and teachers, studio arts classes, and a Sunday-afternoon walking tour, the weekend closes that evening with an online lecture from travel expert Rick Steves, who shares stories from his journey along the legendary “Hippie Trail” from Istanbul to Kathmandu during the 1970s (see p. 4 for details).

Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/celebration for additional program details, information on special pricing packages, and extended Encores viewing

and Online Program In Person

Anniversary Celebration Weekend Schedule

Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19 | SmithsonianAssociates.org/celebration

All programs are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Friday, October 17

A Toast to Smithsonian Associates | In-Person and Online 60th Anniversary Celebration Event

Join in a weekend-long toast to the diamond anniversary of Smithsonian Associates.

Saturday, October 18

A Toast to Smithsonian Associates

With Presentation: How the Smithsonian Sparkles 6:30–8:30 p.m. | CODE 1T0-032

In Person: Celebration and Presentation, Ripley Center; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Online Presentation Only: 6:30–7:30 p.m.; Members $20; Nonmembers $30 (see p. 2 for a full program description)

In–Person Celebration Activities | Ripley Center Concourse | 7:30–8:30 p.m.

• Light reception

• 1960s-themed signature cocktail with Philip Greene

• Drop-in Studio Arts: ` Miniature Paintings on Glass Collage and Mixed Media

• An illustrated timeline of Smithsonian Associates through the decades

• Step and repeat photo wall

• Meet Smithsonian Associates staff members

Concourse Experiences | Ripley Center Concourse | 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Check in for programs and visit informational booths dedicated to all aspects of Smithsonian Associates. Light refreshments are available for purchase during the day.

Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/celebration for additional program details and information on special pricing packages and extended Encores viewing

Hour-long Lectures | In person and online

The Visionary Genius of Frederick Douglass

10–11 a.m.

Presenter: Richard Bell

Members $20; Nonmembers $30; CODE 1M2-414

The Films of Alfred Hitchcock

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Presenter: Brian Rose

Members $20; Nonmembers $30; CODE 1J0-496

Why a Painting Is Like a Pizza

A Guide To Understanding Modern Art

1:30–2:30 p.m.

Presenter: Nancy G. Heller

Members $20; Nonmembers $30; CODE 1M2-413

How To Live To Be 100

3–4 p.m.

Presenter: John Whyte

Members $20; Nonmembers $30; CODE 1K0-623

The Lincoln They Didn’t Teach You About in School

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Presenter: Robert Watson

Members $20; Nonmembers $30; CODE 1K0-624

Art + History: Toulouse-Lautrec

7–8:30 p.m.

Presenter: Paul Glenshaw

In Person: Ripley Center (includes reception); Members $45; Nonmembers $55; CODE 1K0-668

Online: Members $20; Nonmembers $30; (only includes lecture from 7–8 p.m.)

Celebration Weekend Schedule continued on next page

Anniversary Celebration Weekend Schedule

Friday, October 17–Sunday, October 19 | SmithsonianAssociates.org/celebration

Dear Friends and Members,

Saturday, October 18 (cont.)

Mosaic Jewelry

10:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Bonnie Fitzgerald

In Person: Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ACV; Members $95; Nonmembers $110

On-Location Photography at the Smithsonian on the National Mall 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Andargé Asfaw

In Person: Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AAK; Members $45; Nonmembers $60

Digital Drawing: Remixing the Collection

1–4 p.m.

Instructor: Mike O’Brien

In Person: Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0ZJ; Members $45; Nonmembers $60

Luminous Landscapes in Watercolor 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Instructor: Lubna Zahid

Online: CODE 1E0-ACZ; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Beautiful Florals in Watercolor 2–5 p.m.

Instructor: Lubna Zahid

Online: CODE 1E0-ADA; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/celebration for additional program details and information on special pricing packages and extended Encores viewing

Sunday, October 19

Rick Steves: On the Hippie Trail

In the 1970s, the ultimate trip for any backpacker was the storied “Hippie Trail” from Istanbul to Kathmandu. A 23-year-old Rick Steves made the trek and, like a travel writer in training, documented everything along the way, from jumping off a moving train to making friends in Tehran to getting lost in Lahore. The experience ignited his love of travel and forever broadened his perspective on the world.

Forty-seven years later, Steves shares stories and the unforgettable moments of his life-changing 1978 experience. His new book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer, is available for purchase.

Online: Sun., Oct. 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-033; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

By Lubna Zahid

By Andargé Asfaw

By Lubna Zahid

By Mike O’Brien

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

All programs are scheduled in Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Studio Arts Classes

The Genius of Benjamin Franklin

Lessons from the Age of Invention

With his wild hair, tiny spectacles, and larger-than-life persona, Benjamin Franklin was the genius of his age—more famous than the moon, or so he liked to claim. But what can this master inventor, statesman, and self-made celebrity teach us about genius today? Caroline Winterer, a professor of history at Stanford University, leads a survey of Franklin’s most remarkable creations and groundbreaking ideas—from harnessing electricity and inventing bifocals to revolutionizing the postal system and crafting a musical instrument that inspired Mozart and Beethoven. And, of course, his greatest invention: himself. Discover how Franklin was very much a man of his own century, as well as how he continues to offer timeless lessons that help us explore our own possibilities for genius today.

Mon., Oct. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-114; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Spies, Leaks, and Secrets

True Stories from the National Security

Beat

Scott Shane covered national security for The New York Times for 15 years and twice shared Pulitzer Prizes with his colleagues. He tells stories of his career, including what happened when he told the Obama White House the Times had a quarter-million secret diplomatic cables; how he spent a summer in an oversized highsecurity closet at the Times, poring over 60,000 National Security Agency documents from Edward Snowden; and how he showed that Russian intelligence had created fake Americans and sprinkled them on Facebook to spout the Russian line. Along the way, he considers a paradox of American government: how secret agencies can operate in a democracy.

Tues., Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-031; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The History of the British Monarchy

From Royal Power to Pomp and Ceremony

The Domesday Book

In 1085, determined to understand just what he controlled after he became king of England, William the Conqueror ordered an inquest be made in every shire into the landed and fiscal resources of the realm so that he could know what he owned and what taxes were due him. The Domesday Book hasn’t been used as evidence in disputes since the 1960s, but local historians and genealogists continue to look to it for information about the early history of English villages and family lines.

Samuel Collins, professor of history at George Mason University, explores how and why this extraordinary document came to be and what it reveals about the governance and economy of late 11th-century England and the impact of the Norman Conquest.

Tues., Oct. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-880; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom, stretching back to AngloSaxon England and Scotland, where smaller kingdoms were consolidated by the 10th century. Tudor and royal historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger traces the complicated history of the role of kings and queens through the centuries. Explore the way centralized rule of England was established in the 11th century and then challenged ever since.

Learn how the creation of Magna Carta, through all its iterations, marked a legal way of controlling the power of the monarch. Trace the growth of parliamentary power and examine how the monarchy’s role evolved from absolute ruler to “Head of Nation”—a symbol of unity, stability, and national pride.

5-session series: Wed., Oct. 15–Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-411; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky (detail) by Benjamin West, 1816

LIFELONG LEARNING

Illustration of the Domesday Book, 1900

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, coronation poster (detail), 1937

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

Taj Mahal

LIFELONG LEARNING

Programs on this page are part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

The grief of a Muslim shah for his dead wife inspired the 17th-century construction of what would become the architectural jewel of the Mughal empire in India. The Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for the Persian wife of a male descendant of Genghis Khan, showcases the splendid craftsmanship of South Asian artisans, the motifs of Persian-inspired Muslim art and architecture, and the political influence of Central Asian conquerors in India. Jacobs simulates the experience of a visit to the Taj Mahal complex, highlighting historical themes and revealing architectural details along the way.

Wed., Oct. 8, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-492; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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

Persepolis, "the Persian city"

Machu Picchu, Peru

Teotihuacan, Mexico

The Taj Mahal

1968: The Extraordinary Events of a Memorable Year

The year 1968 encapsulates the narrative of the Sixties in America. Leonard Steinhorn, a professor of communication and affiliate professor of history at American University, offers a perspective on a year that transformed the nation.

Steinhorn views the America of 1968—marked by the Vietnam war, the assassinations of leaders, student unrest, and cultural and racial hostilities—as one that would have been unrecognizable just a few years prior.

To understand the Sixties and how the decade reshaped the nation, he says, it’s necessary to consider how the seminal year of 1968 influenced American history.

Mon., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-882; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

America’s Main Street: Pennsylvania Avenue

America’s most famous avenue connects the White House and the United States Capitol, but it hasn’t always been a grand thoroughfare. Pennsylvania Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood have been renovated, re-imagined and revitalized repeatedly. From Murder Bay, a center of crime, gambling, and prostitution in the mid-19th century to the stately boulevard of presidential inaugurations, Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, unfolds a story of metamorphosis along what came to be known as America’s Main Street.

Sites highlighted include the White House; Eisenhower Executive Office Building; Blair House; Federal Triangle; the Willard Hotel; Old Post Office Tower; J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building; U.S. Navy Memorial; National Archives; and Temperance Fountain.

Wed., Oct. 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-151; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Legacy of the Ancient World

The Texts That Tell the Stories

In many instances, the source of contemporary knowledge about the ancient world is texts dating back two or three millennia, such as the works of Homer and the Bible. These and other texts in Hebrew and in Greek were copied and recopied by generations of scribes across the centuries. Hundreds of ancient and medieval manuscripts are preserved in museums and libraries, offering a window into this painstaking work and the civilizations it documented.

In other cases, knowledge of the ancient world derives from the archaeological discoveries of the 19th century in Egypt and in Mesopotamia, along with the attendant decryption of the hieroglyphic and cuneiform written languages. Biblical scholar Gary Rendsburg explores the stories behind these sources, which retain their narrative power into the 21st century.

Sat., Oct. 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-417; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

The End of Communism and the Rise of Putin

Insights from a Reporter in 1990s Moscow

Russia’s transition from the collapse of Communism to the emergence of Vladimir Putin as its dominant leader is a complex story of political upheaval, economic chaos, and shifting social landscapes. Drawing on his experiences during the five years he spent as a journalist reporting for The Moscow Times and Reuters, Adam Tanner provides a window into the 1990s.

Through storytelling and his own photographs captured across Russia during that transformative period, he traces how the country’s early years under its first democratically elected leader, Boris Yeltsin, set the stage for Putin’s rise. Tanner’s insights offer a deeper understanding of the historical, political, and cultural forces that formed modern Russia against the backdrop of the current global geopolitical landscape.

Mon., Oct. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-152; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, 1968

President Boris Yeltsin supporters converge near Red Square, 1993

A scene from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, ca. 1250 B.C.E.

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

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

The Blitz

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

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.

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

Chain Home radar network receiver room, 1940

A French card from 1900 imagines education in the year 2000

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

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

Dickens, Christmas, and Victorian Society

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year”—so promises Ebenezer Scrooge at the close of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Apart from celebrating the holiday, its plot highlights the contrast in Victorian society between the wealthy and the impoverished and emphasizes the need for compassion and social reform.

Historian Julie Taddeo places Dickens and Christmas within the larger social dynamic of 19th-century Britain, examining if the author’s story was indeed a challenge to the class structure of the period; why Dickens is credited with the “invention” of Christmas; and how distinctly Victorian traditions influence how it is celebrated today. Taking a cue from the Ghost of Christmas Past, Taddeo returns to the age of workhouses, plum puddings, and an author whose holiday story has become timeless.

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

Winston Churchill by Cecil Beaton, 1940

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

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

Give the Gif t of Color

Limited-edition prints from the Smithsonian Associates Art Collectors Program capture brilliant and memorable worlds of color—and make great gifts for all occasions. For details, visit ArtCollectorsProgram.org

*Member pricing applies to Promoter level and above For membership levels visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

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

Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a radio broadcast

Blue Moonlight by April Gornik (detail) Retail: $1200 Members: $950*

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

The Dogfaces’ War

The American GI Experience in World War II

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

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

programs...your time

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

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

"Dogfaces" of the 172nd Infantry Regiment, 1943

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

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

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

LIBRARY

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 three all-day seminars focusing on each of the Divine Comedy’s three canticles: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. He highlights the originality and brilliance of Dante’s poetic vision, explaining how this great poem became one of the most influential works in literary history.

OCT 4 Inferno

NOV 1 Purgatorio

DEC 13 Paradiso

3-session series: Sat., Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-490; Members $200; Nonmembers $240

Individual sessions: Sat., Oct. 4 (CODE 1J0-490A); Sat., Nov. 1 (CODE 1J0-490B); Sat., Dec. 13 (CODE 1J0-490C); 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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. A four-part series explores pivotal moments in Italian cinema—from the birth of Neorealism to the bold experimentation of contemporary filmmakers. Art historian Jennie 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.

OCT 5 Neorealism and the Rise of Postwar Cinema (1943–1950s)

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)

4-session series: Sun., Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Dec. 7, and Jan. 11, 1 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-120; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Individual sessions: Sun., Oct. 5 (CODE 1D0-120A); 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

Haunted: Remembering Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe, the storyteller who gave us such enduring classics as “The Purloined Letter,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” is often referred to as America’s Shakespeare. With his tales of mystery and imagination, Poe both broke new literary ground and set the pattern for generations of writers to come. At the same time, in mysterious and lyrical poems such as “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee,” Poe struggled to perfect what he called “the rhy thmical creation of beauty in words.”

On the anniversary of his death—Oct. 7, 1849—author Daniel Stashower explores the life and art of the original “man in black,” as actor Scott Sedar offers a dramatic reading of Poe’s most powerful works, giving voice to his haunting genius.

Tues., Oct. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-113; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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

Anna Magnani

Nicoletta Braschi and Roberto Benigni

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

This chronologically wide-ranging eight-concert series begins in early October with the first of two appearances by the Smithsonian Consort of Viols, playing music by the Elizabethan composer Alfonso Ferrabosco the Younger and William Lawes, a favorite of Charles I. In early November, members of the Smithsonian Academy Orchestra celebrate Antonín Dvorák with two captivating works of 1878. Later that 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.

The Smithsonian Consort of Viols returns in March with 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.

Season-opening concerts: Music of Alfonso Ferrabosco the Younger and William Lawes Sun., Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m.; Dvorák’s Serenade, Op. 44, and Bagatelles, Op. 47, Sun., Nov. 2, 3:30 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

Ballet Music: The Soul of Movement

Audiences love the spectacle and the sets, adore the costumes, and thrill to the brilliance and beauty of the choreography and the performers, and above all are moved and exalted by the music. Ballet made a rapid journey from French courtly dance to an internationally beloved art form, with its path traveling directly through the magnificent scores of composers like Debussy, Stravinsky, Copland, and, of course, Tchaikovsky.

Speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin uses live piano demonstrations and historic and contemporary film clips to illustrate how the music from such ballet masterpieces as Giselle, Swan Lake, Daphnis and Chloë, Le Sacre du Printemps, and Appalachian Spring became a treasured part of our cultural landscape.

4-session series: Tues., Oct. 7–28, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-606; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

Betty Crocker

The Brand That Revolutionized American Cooking

Long before Martha Stewart became a household name, there was Betty Crocker. Born in 1921 as part of a promotional campaign by the Washburn-Crosby flour company, Betty Crocker wasn’t a real person, but she quickly became one of the most trusted resources in American kitchens. Her warm, reassuring presence graced a long-running radio show, and her line of cake mixes helped homemakers embrace convenience.

When Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book debuted in 1950, its sales rivaled those of the Bible. Today, the Betty Crocker Cookbook is in its 13th edition, with more than 75 million copies sold. Cultural historian Leslie Goddard explores the remarkable story of Betty Crocker: how she was created, why her cookbook has endured, and how her brand’s lasting influence was built on emotional connection and consumer engagement.

Wed., Oct. 8, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-070; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The Socratic Method

Japanese Traditional Theater

Enter a world colored by mythology, history, romance, and spiritual exploration with Japanese traditional theater, a living art form that stretches back centuries. Its many varieties range from masked Noh dance-dramas during medieval times to the Tokugawa/Edo period’s boisterous Kabuki plays and Bunraku puppet theater to the Shingeki (literally “new drama”) forms inspired by Western stage plays and the Butoh dance-theater.

Linda Ehrlich, who has taught Asian studies and traditional theater for several universities, delves into these traditions. Ehrlich shows images of beautiful costumes, evocative masks, and a strong gestural language. She also discusses the transmission of conventions from generation to generation, as well as examples of innovation and renewal.

Thurs., Oct. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-494; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

About 2,500 years ago, Plato wrote a set of dialogues that depict Socrates in conversation. The way Socrates asks questions and the reasons why amount to a whole way of thinking. This is the Socratic method—one of humanity’s great achievements. More than a technique, the method is an ethic of patience, inquiry, humility, and doubt.

Drawing on his book The Socratic Method: A Practitioner’s Handbook, Ward Farnsworth of the University of Texas School of Law explains what the Socratic method is, how it works, and why it matters in law, politics, the classroom, or tackling life’s big questions at the kitchen table.

Thurs., Oct. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-629; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Alcibiades Being Taught by Socrates by Marcello Bacciarelli, 1776

Kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorō VI in performance, 1949

Swan Lake, composed by Tchaikovsky

Fall Wine Adventures: A Global Exploration of Great Taste

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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

OCT 10 Portugal Perfection

The wine culture of Portugal represents virtually every style imaginable. This wide range of options and flavor profiles, along with hundreds of indigenous grapes, puts Portuguese wine at the forefront of every wine pro’s mind. Moreover, the wines from such popular regions as the Douro Valley and Alentejo compete with the best wines of the world at a fraction of the price. Explore Portugal through the lens of some of its most compelling wines.

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.

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.

3-session series: Fri., Oct. 10, Nov. 14, and Dec. 12, 6 p.m.; CODE WINE2026; Members $180; Nonmembers $225

Individual sessions: Fri., Oct. 10 (CODE 1T0-036); 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. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water St. SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line).

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

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

The Juedischer Kulturbund

Keeping the Arts Alive in Nazi Germany

Before the rise of Nazism, German Jewish culture experienced a renaissance in education and the arts, but that growth quickly contracted under the restrictions initiated by the Nazi regime. Established in 1933, the Kulturbund (the Culture League of German Jews) provided an outlet where many artists expelled from German institutions could present theater, cabaret, concerts, opera, and lectures before exclusively Jewish audiences.

Did they provide consolation for Jewish artists and audiences in a time of oppression? Or did the emulation of “normal” cultural life contribute to the false assumption that Germany might still hold a future for them? Michael Brenner, chair of Israel studies at American University and professor of Jewish history and culture at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich, explores the history of the Kulturbund and its impact on German Jews under Hitler’s rule.

Wed., Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-879; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Demosthenes: Democracy’s Defender

In the spring of 340 B.C.E., Philip of Macedon seized a town in central Greece, a base from which he could march on Athens. In the fierce debates about how to respond to the rising threat in the north, Demosthenes, the greatest orator of his day, goaded the Athenian Assembly into confronting Philip on the field of battle. Athens later fell into the grip of Alexander the Great, Philip’s son and successor, but Demosthenes had established himself as one of history’s most eloquent defenders of democracy.

James Romm, professor of classics at Bard College, explores the mind of the man who took on the challenge of saving Greek freedom and examines how democracies can be destroyed by internal divisions, such as those ignited by the insult-filled verbal brawls of Athenian orators. His new book, Demosthenes: Democracy’s Defender (Yale University Press), is available for purchase.

Mon., Oct. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-630; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Theatrical poster for The Big Sleep, 1946

Night and the Cities

Film Noir’s Suspense-driven World

A police detective down on his luck. A beautiful woman with a shady past. Dead bodies in dark corridors and dim light seeping through venetian blinds. A world of chain-smoking deceivers, drifters, loners, con artists, and killers—double-dealing their way toward an uncertain and possibly fatal future. This is film noir, one of the most original and stunningly stylized film genres of the 1940s and ’50s, whose impact still resonates in popular culture today. The protagonists ranged from Bogart, Bacall, Mitchum, Crawford, Stanwyck, Garfield, Lupino, and Lancaster to equally impactful partners in screen crime, including Lizabeth Scott, Robert Ryan, and Richard Conte. In a multimedia series featuring memorable sequences and archival illustrations, film historian Max Alvarez examines the origins and achievements of the actors, directors, writers, and craftspeople behind this remarkably enduring genre

3-session series: Thurs., Oct. 16–30, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-625; Members $85; Nonmembers $105

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The Kulturbund orchestra, 1934

A History of Fantasy

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 explores the origins of the modern fantasy genre, from the evolution of obscure Gothic novels to the iconic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and the co-creators of Dungeons & Dragons.

OCT 22 Evolution of Fantastic Storytelling

OCT 29 Robert E. Howard and Pulp Fantasy

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

NOV 12 The Creation of Dungeons & Dragons

NOV 19 Fantasy after Dungeons & Dragons

5-session series: Wed., Oct. 22–Nov. 19, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-497; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Individual sessions: Wed., Oct. 22 (CODE 1J0-497A); Wed., Oct. 29 (CODE 1J0-497B); Wed., Nov. 5 (CODE 1J0-497C); Wed., Nov. 12 (CODE 1J0-497D); Wed., Nov. 19 (CODE 1J0-497E); 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

The Ten Greatest Westerns

While its heyday was the 1940s and ’50s, the Western is making a comeback in the third decade of the 21st century. From a list of great films, historian Clay Jenkinson has chosen 10 standouts including Red River starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift; High Noon, starring Gary Cooper; the remake of True Grit by the Coen brothers; and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, starring Clint Eastwood. Jenkinson shares his criteria for choosing these Westerns, shows clips and stills from the films, and examines the history and future of the genre as a central expression of the American frontier.

Mon., Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-627; Members $35; Nonmembers $45

The Mystical Core of Traditional Religions

Mysticism—the awareness and the conscious unmediated experience of an ultimate reality, divinity, or God—captures the essence of religious experience. Comparative religion scholar Graham Schweig surveys the role mysticism plays in world religions and considers if there is a core mystical experience among these traditions or if each is shaped by unique cultural, linguistic, and religious contexts.

Using a selection of sacred texts, music, art, and other forms of expression, Schweig covers the meaning, role, and practice of mysticism in Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic forms. In the process, he discusses what mystical traditions reveal about the nature of relationships between humans and the divine and considers the meaning of mysticism for the contemporary world.

Thurs., Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-418; 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.

Theatrical poster for High Noon, 1952

Religious symbols for Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism

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.

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.

Psycho-Analysis

A Look Inside Hitchcock’s Horror Masterpiece

Alfred Hitchcock often called Psycho “a big joke” and was horrified to discover that audiences “were taking it seriously.” But his flip attitude can’t disguise what made his 1960 film a landmark in movie history. Working without his usual menu of big budgets, big stars, and glamorous locations, Hitchcock crafted a masterful study of fear and anxiety that still has the power to shock. Psycho’s influence can be felt not only in every horror and thriller film of the last 60-plus years but also in serious works of art in every medium. Media historian Brian Rose explores Hitchcock’s achievement, examining how the film was made and how it continues to haunt our cultural imagination.

Fri., Oct. 31, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-499; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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

Beyond Blue and White

Exploring Women’s Stories Through Dutch Delftware

Theatrical release poster for Psycho, 1960

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

Hansel and Gretel, Vienna State Opera, 2015

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 35-year 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

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

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 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 English-language 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

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!”

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, title page

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

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

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

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

Please help us in presenting vibrant educational programs by making a charitable contribution today. Your gift is essential because, unlike the museums, Smithsonian Associates is not federally funded and relies entirely on donations and membership support to bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenue.

MARGOT

Saul Lilienstein

The Washington Chorus

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

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

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 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

Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, and Gene Kelly in Anchors Aweigh, 1945

Margaret Fuller (detail) by Thomas Hicks, 1848

Theatrical poster for the 1949 musical film On the Town

The Films of Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster

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

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

DEC 9 Burt Lancaster: Cinematic Legend

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

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

are

Classical Sounds of Christmas

From sleigh bells to the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy to the mystical beauties of the Nativity, December is filled with the music of Christmas. Speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin revisits the most beloved seasonal repertory, exploring how classical Western composers created a canon of both secular and sacred musical experiences that are now deeply rooted in the celebration of the holidays.

Some favorite tunes are ancient and folk-based, others are grandly Baroque, and more recent masterpieces evoke images of feasting, snowy Christmas trees, brightly colored candy, and jolly Santas. Enjoy the stories behind works by composers including Bach, Handel, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Gerard Finzi—and Duke Ellington’s jazz take on The Nutcracker

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

Voted by the American Film Institute as the most inspirational movie ever made, 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, won no Academy Awards, 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, looking at the challenges of making the film, its surprisingly dark portrait of small-town life, and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer. Thurs., Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-507; 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.

These programs

part of Smithsonian Associates’ 60th Anniversary offerings

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

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

Christmas Ghost Stories

Raise a Glass to the Holidays With Tasting

The holidays are a time of gathering and celebration around the world. In addition to giving gifts and eating traditional foods, enjoying seasonal libations is a part of the celebration. Join cocktail historian Philip Greene and Washington, D.C., mixologists Gina Chersevani and Duane Sylvestre in taking a look at holiday-themed drinks from near and far.

Sample six holiday quaffs and enjoy light snacks over the course of the evening as you learn how to make each drink—and you can take home the recipes.

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

Today, the December holidays are all about joyous magic, warm evenings curled by the fire, and celebrations of the triumph of good and light in the world. Traditionally, however, the winter season also ushers in the terrors of the dark and the cold. One of the most fascinating, long-established cultural traditions that blends these very different impulses is the Christmas ghost story.

Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman trace the 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

Understanding Buddhist Ethics

At the heart of Buddhism lies a deep concern with how individuals live— how their actions affect others and contribute to their own awakening. Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University, outlines the differences between Buddhist and Western approaches to ethics and offers a detailed discussion of Buddhist practice, focusing on the role that meditation plays in moral development. He examines the divine abodes, a series of meditative exercises designed to cultivate the virtues of loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.

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

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

Buddha Shakyamuni, Pala dynasty, ca. 1000

Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman

In Person

Olivier Latry

SCIENCE

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

Feelings About Our Changing Planet

Climate change isn’t happening just in the computer models used to test out disaster scenarios—it’s also happening to us. As such, it is important to focus not only on the challenges we face on our rapidly changing Earth but also on how these changes make us feel, says climate scientist Kate Marvel

Interweaving earth science, mythology, natural history, and personal narrative, Marvel charts an inspiring and surprisingly funny course through our world. She tells a story of villains and heroes; the wonders of Earth and the workings of physics; and volcanoes, hubristic emperors, and ancient sequoia groves.

Marvel’s new book, Human Nature: Nine Ways to Feel About Our Changing Planet (HarperCollins), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-034; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

Birding Along the California Coast

Through photography and storytelling, naturalist Matt Felperin explores the variety of avian species found on the seaside and inland ecosystems of the California coast. In virtual explorations, follow Felperin into the lush redwood forests, home of the American Dipper, Wilson’s Warbler, Pacific-slope Flycatcher, and the threatened California Spotted Owl. The open chapparal and oak woodlands at Pinnacles National Park host birds such as the Canyon Wren, Prairie Falcon, California Scrub-Jay, and the rare California Condor. The rocky coastline is home for wading and diving birds such as Wandering Tattler, Black Oystercatcher, Pelagic Cormorant, and Pigeon Guillemot. Offshore, discover an array of ocean-going birds such as the Black-footed Albatross, Sooty Shearwater, Leach’s Storm-Petrel, and Parasitic Jaeger—and there’s a chance of something rarer flying in from across the Pacific.

Tues., Oct. 14, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-050; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

John Muir, Conservation

Pioneer

John Muir founded the Sierra Club in 1892, igniting a national passion for nature through his vivid storytelling that made plants and animals come alive. Born in Dunbar, Scotland, in 1838, Muir did farm work for years before attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At age 31, while working as a shepherd in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Muir discovered his true calling—the great outdoors. For the next 45 years, he explored and wrote passionately about the California mountains, the Cascades of Washington and Oregon, the Arizona desert, and the glaciers of Alaska.

Zoologist Fred Bercovitch traces Muir’s life and enduring legacy and reveals his surprising connection to the Smithsonian.

Tues., Oct. 21, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-071; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

The World According to the James Webb Space Telescope

Launched in December 2021, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is a space-based observatory optimized for infrared light and designed to complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio showcases the remarkable images obtained by the mission and interprets the telescope’s discoveries to date.

The latter include the detection of Neptune’s auroras; the determination of the composition of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets; and the detection of some of the earliest, most distant galaxies that formed in the universe. They were revealed to be bright, massive, and characterized by unusual chemical features. Another discovery is that the early universe was populated by an abundance of compact red-color sources of unknown origin. Livio guides participants through these findings, as well as others.

Thurs., Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-412; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

Canyon Wren by Matt Felperin

John Muir, ca. 1902

2.0

An image of the star cluster NGC 602 captured by the James Webb Space Telescope

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.

Artist’s illustration of the Chandra X-Ray Observatory

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

Houseplants: The Science Behind the Scenes

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

Tues., Oct. 28, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-153; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

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

An indoor garden designed by a Smithsonian horticulturalist

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

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.

How Weather Works

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; Related program: Urban Oasis, p. 49

Is Extreme Weather on the Increase?

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

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 modelling 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

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

Shaping the Age of Information

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 technical innovations 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

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 Future of Seeing

How Imaging Is Changing Our World

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 highprofile 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

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

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.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

The 10 Greatest Photographs of All Time, Part II

Historian Clay Jenkinson, who has previously shared his list of notable photographs, returns with another selection of 10 magnificent images— this time Pulitzer Prize winners—to explore how great photographs epitomize a moment or an era, capture an extraordinary event, provide a window into the human condition, or fill us with appreciation and wonder.

Confidence,”

Jenkinson’s list includes William Gallagher’s photo of the hole in Adlai Stevenson’s shoe (1953); William Beall’s “Faith and Confidence” (1957), capturing a policeman bending down to a 2-year-old boy; Yasushi Nagao’s “Tokyo Stabbing” (1961); and Nat Fein’s “Babe Ruth Bows Out” (1949), among others. Jenkinson covers the backstory of each image and its influence on the world. Audience members are encouraged to nominate their own favorites to add to the discussion.

Mon., Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-621; Members $35; Nonmembers $45

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Cave Art to the Renaissance

In a 4-session survey, art historian Joseph Paul Cassar traces how the creative legacies of centuries of ancient civilizations affected the art of the Early Renaissance. He examines the collective influences of the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras; the ancient Near East; Egypt and its pharaohs; the Aegean world; and Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art. Cassar discusses several works from each period—including paintings from Altamira and Lascaux caves, Neolithic monuments from Malta, the Temple of Knossos in Crete, the pyramids of Giza and Hatshepsut, and Etruscan burial art—leading up to the artistic climax reflected in Giotto’s magnificent Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Impressionist and PostImpressionist Painting in France

The style of 19th-century French painting known as Impressionism filled with color, light, and brilliant brushwork—was seen as an act of rebellion when it appeared in the 1870s. The work of these modern masters, notably Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, and Morisot, led in turn to the radical art of the Post-Impressionists.

During the 1880s and ’90s Seurat, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Van Gogh used vivid colors to depict subjects from real life but in ways that were not always fully realistic.

In a richly illustrated series, art historian Nancy G. Heller explores the sources, masterpieces, and later influences of these rebels, including their impact on 20th-century art.

5-session series: Tues., Oct. 7–Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-410; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

4-session series: Wed., Oct. 8–29, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-610; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts Movement

Emerging in late 19th-century Europe, the Arts and Crafts movement was a response to the Industrial Revolution’s massproduced goods and poor labor conditions. Emphasizing craftsmanship, simplicity, and honesty in materials, the movement championed design that clearly expressed a building’s structure and function— free of excessive ornamentation.

In the United States, the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright consistently reflected the core values of the Arts and Crafts movement, reinterpreted through his modern lens. His outlook is reflected in designs from the geometric clarity of the Robie House and Unity Temple to later works like the textile block houses, Fallingwater, and the Usonian homes. Architectural historian Bill Keene explores how Wright’s vision aligned with—and redefined— the Arts and Crafts movement.

Wed., Oct. 8, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-149; Members $25; Nonmembers $35

“Faith and

1958 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Photography

Woman with a Parasol-Madame Monet and Her Son by Claude Monet, 1875

Mosaic of Justinian I (detail), Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna, 547

Unity Temple, Oak Park, Illinois

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

Assisi: Where the Past and Present Live

The spirit of the Middle Ages is potently felt in the Umbrian hill town of Assisi. A holy city for Christians and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Assisi has long been a destination for pilgrims wanting to see the places where St. Francis was born, worked, and died.

Many of the most important examples of Umbria’s incomparable patrimony of paintings and architecture are found here. The great frescoes portraying Francis’ life— attributed to Giotto—are often referred to as bellwethers of Renaissance art. They hang in the Basilica of St. Francis, an architectonic complex that has heavily influenced the development of art and architecture. Ruffolo leads a journey into Assisi’s extraordinary art, breathtaking architecture, and enduring sacred legacy.

Fri., Oct. 3, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-115; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

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

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

St. Francis Preaching to the Birds by Giotto, 1299

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

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

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.

An Introduction to Iconography

Artworks once served as books for the illiterate, with a limited number of literary sources forming the basis for most Old Master paintings. Charney examines how viewers of the time decoded images through an allegorical and symbolic lens as he focuses on Jan Van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait of 1434, a masterpiece filled with symbolism that opens the door to this lost visual language.

Mon., Oct. 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-881; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

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

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.

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Exploring the Arts of Latin America

From colossal Olmec heads to the paintings of Frida Kahlo, Aztec temples to Mexican murals, this survey of Latin American art sweeps through the centuries and locations including ancient Mesoamerica, coastal Peru, and the top of the Andes. Michele Greet, professor of art history at George Mason University, traces the significant creators, works, influences, and trends that defined and shaped the arts of Latin America from their earliest expression through the 19th and 20th centuries.

4-session series: Thurs., Oct. 9–30, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-493; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

The Arnolfini Portrait (detail) by Jan Van Eyck, 1434

Omniscience, by José Clemente Orozco, 1925 (mural detail)

Adoration of the Magi (detail) by Ghirlandaio, 1488

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

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

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.

Advent’s Anticipation

Ponder the possibilities that the contemplative season of Advent provides, inspired by Henry Ossawa Tanner’s painting The Annunciation and a poem by Wendell Berry.

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

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

The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1898

Charing Cross Bridge by André Derain, 1906

The Old Violin by William Michael Harnett, 1886

Winter Landscape by Wassily Kandinsky, 1909

LIFELONG LEARNING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Contemporary Portraiture

Portraiture often suggests dusty oil paintings in ornate frames—static likenesses frozen in time. Building on centuries of tradition, contemporary creators are reimagining portraiture in provocative ways through painting, sculpture, photography, and video. Art historian Jennie Hirsh surveys portraiture in the late 20th and early 21st century, highlighting artists who have expanded its visual language to explore questions of memory, performance, and presence.

From self-portraits to intimate depictions of others, their work invites viewers to consider how likeness is constructed and understood from visual and cultural perspectives. The artists discussed range from Dawoud Bey to Lucian Freud, Alice Neel to Cindy Sherman—each challenging and redefining what it means to see and be seen.

Mon., Oct. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-119; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Leonardo Among Friends

Inspiration at the Milanese Ducal Court

Leonardo da Vinci epitomizes the ideal of the Renaissance man: He was a brilliant artist, visionary thinker, engineer, and scientist. Educated in Florence, he began his career in the service of Ludovico Sforza, the duke of Milan, where he lived and worked from around 1482 to 1499.

During that time, he connected with poets, mathematicians, philosophers, musicians, and other humanists at the ducal court, stimulating his creative and intellectual practices. Art historian Jill Pederson explores how Leonardo’s presence in this dynamic environment shaped his artistic output in works like The Last Supper, Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani (also known as Lady with an Ermine), and the Vitruvian Man.

Mon., Oct. 20, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-035; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Edward Hopper: American Modernist

Edward Hopper is widely regarded as one of the great American realists of modern art. Trained by Robert Henri, he is considered an heir of the Ashcan School. His work captures a quintessential view of New York City during a specific moment that became part of our cultural fabric. Many of the noir films of the 1940s and 1950s reflect Hopper’s personal vision of city life as seen in his paintings: austere, silent, moody, and lonely.

Art historian Bonita Billman explores the highlights of Hopper’s career and examines the sociopolitical and cultural contexts in which he lived and worked. Drawing on images of such paintings as Automat, Chop Suey, New York Movie, and Nighthawks, she discusses Hopper’s influences and his enduring relevance.

Thurs., Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-415; 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

The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, ca. 1492

Mother and Child, Havana by Alice Neel, 1926

Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, 1942

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 Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are a group of art and archaeological museums located on top of Capitoline Hill, which was the political and religious center of ancient Rome. The museums’ collections focus on the history of Rome and include masterpieces such as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the “Capitoline Wolf,” the “Dying Gaul,” both a reconstruction of the Colossal Statue of Constantine and fragments of the original, and a bust of Medusa by Bernini. Ruggiero highlights these impressive collections.

Wed., Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-495; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

“Capitoline Wolf”

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

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

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

Basilica of Santa Croce

GALLERIA NAZIONALE DI PARMA, PARMA

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

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Understanding Northern Renaissance Art

Northern Renaissance artists were famous for imbuing their paintings with religious and philosophical symbolism. Grounded in the medieval belief of the world as the book of God, this approach remained central to the visual culture of the Low Countries throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, especially in the wake of the Protestant Reformation.

In a daylong seminar, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine highlights these “painted treatises” and explores their symbolic content in a range of genres, from beautiful domestic interiors to market scenes and images of children’s games.

Fri., Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-626; Members $100; Nonmembers $125

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

A Game of Thrones: The Assyrian Crown Prince

Between about 900 and 630 B.C.E., Assyria (in today’s northern Iraq) became an empire that dominated the Middle East from Iran to Egypt. Assyrian kings ordered the construction of magnificent royal palaces whose internal walls were lined with huge stone reliefs that illustrate accomplishments of these rulers. The monarch is sometimes depicted accompanied by the crown prince, a bearded man wearing a diadem. He was central to the future of Assyria, and magnificent installation ceremonies intended to ensure a stable future were held.

There was often intense rivalry for the position of crown prince that led to rebellion and murder. Paul Collins, head of the Middle East department at the British Museum, explores some of the dramatic moments when the transfer of royal power threatened Assyria.

Mon., Oct. 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-498; Members $20; Nonmembers $30

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 11th- and 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

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.

Mont Saint-Michel

“Assyrian Crown-Prince,” a relief fragment, ca. 704–681 B.C.E.

The Adoration of the Magi in the Snow by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, 1567

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 prevailing 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

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 ½ credit

Peggy Guggenheim and the Art of Collecting

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, designed by Lorenzo Boschetti

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

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

Portrait of Helen Clay Frick, 1910

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

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

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

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.

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

The Soil You See by Wendy Red Star, 2023

Crescent Lake, on the Silk Road, Dunhuang

Alphonse Mucha book illustration for Clio, 1900

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

The Arts and Crafts Movement in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Museum of Art 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

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 PontAven 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

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

Secretary cabinet designed by George Washington Jack, ca. 1889

Watermill in Pont-Aven by Paul Gauguin, 1894

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.

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

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

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

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

Self-portrait by James McNeill Whistler, 1872

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Fire

and Ice: The Art of Scandinavian Glass

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

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

An Art-Treasure Island

Malta’s Storied History

The Mediterranean island of Malta has a rich history that reaches back some 7,000 years, when Stone Age temple builders left structures, sculpture, and pottery that demonstrate feats in engineering and artworks of outstanding aesthetic beauty—a culture that thrived well before the pyramids of Egypt. The city of Valletta, a UNESCO 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

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

A view of Valletta, Malta

Untitled by Ruth Asawa

FALL

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Sat., Dec. 6, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0ACR; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Curating a Life: Art as Memoir

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Wed., Oct. 8–Nov. 12, 3:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABH; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

DRAWING

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

Developing Your Sketchbook

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Sat., Oct. 9 and 16, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABT; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Composition Studies

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 5−19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABN; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

NEW CLASSES

SOLD OUT

IN PERSON: Sat., Nov. 1–Dec. 13, 10:15 a.m., no class Nov. 29; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0ACC; Members $235; Nonmembers $270

Drawing Birds from Around the World

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Thurs., Oct. 23–Nov. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABZ; Members $170; Nonmembers $210

Complete Colored Pencils

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

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

Still Life in Charcoal

Working in charcoal, set up interesting still-life compositions and learn how to accurately represent the objects in your drawing using a variety of techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Cobb

ONLINE: Wed., Oct. 8–Nov. 5, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0ZF; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Sketching the Smithsonian Weekly Lunchtime Drawing Series

Pull out your sketchbook and pencil to take an artful break as you explore the Smithsonian while drawing fall-themed objects from vast, fascinating collections.

INSTRUCTOR: Morgan Kuster

ONLINE: Thurs., Oct. 9–Nov. 13, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ADB; Members $95; Nonmembers $125; individual sessions also available

LIFELONG LEARNING

By Michelle Cobb

By Morgan Kuster

By Renee Sandell

By Lori VanKirk Schue

FALL

PAINTING n n n n IN PERSON

NEW CLASSES

By Sue Fierston

Autumn Sketching in the Smithsonian Gardens

October and November are magical in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Sketch in this stunning garden using watercolors to capture the changing light of the season.

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

IN PERSON: Sun., Oct. 5 and Nov. 2, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AAF; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Functional Floor Art Painting

Express your flair as you paint a floor art piece. With expert guidance, you design a distinctive mat to accent your home or give as a gift.

INSTRUCTOR: Mel Curtin

IN PERSON: Wed., Oct. 15, 1 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0ZP; Members $215; Nonmembers $230

By

Jump into Acrylics

Jump-start your journey into acrylic painting with this one-day immersive workshop. Get introduced to the basics and first steps, including how to use materials; touch on essential color theory; and explore this exciting medium with hands-on guided projects.

INSTRUCTOR: Carolyn Marshall Wright IN PERSON: Sat., Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-AAE; Members $140; Nonmembers $155

Intermediate

Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., Nov. 2–Dec. 14, 2:15 p.m., no class Nov. 30; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ACX; Members $255; Nonmembers $290

SOLD OUT SOLD OUT

By Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE

Portrait

Painting in Oil and Acrylic

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

ONLINE: Wed., Oct. 8–Nov. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABM; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Sketching Turner Expressing Atmosphere and Skies in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Mon., Oct. 20–Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAN; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Drawing Light How the Masters Did It in Color

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Mon., Oct. 20–Nov. 17, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-AAQ; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Mon., Oct. 27–Nov. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAT; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

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

Absorb yourself in the vibrant, expressive realm of Cézanne. Peer into the mindset of the beloved Impressionist and create inspired art in your choice of watercolor, pastel, or oils.

INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar

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

By Cindy Briggs

Amaryllis in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Brigg

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

Student work

Carolyn Marshall Wright

By Nick Cruz Velleman

The Gardener Vallier (detail) by Paul Cezanne, 1906

NEW CLASSES

By Michelle Cobb

Still Life in Oil Exploring Color Through Observation

Discover the secrets of the Impressionists through the timeless art of still-life painting as you work from life to develop observational skills and explore the study of color.

INSTRUCTOR: Michelle Cobb

ONLINE: Tues., Oct. 7–Nov. 4, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAB; Members $200; Nonmembers $235

Reverse Painting on a Glass Clock

Learn how to do a personalized painting on glass and add components to craft a functional clock.

INSTRUCTOR: Mel Curtin

ONLINE: Wed., Nov. 5 and 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00ZQ; Members $90; Nonmembers $120

Aloha Palette Watercolor Escape to Hawai’i

Capture Hawai’i’s dramatic skies, shimmering sea, and sunlit essence with expressive, flowing watercolors.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

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

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

Holiday Keepsake Ornaments

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

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

Gel Prints Beyond the Ordinary

Oppose and defy the ordinary and mundane to create mixedmedia gems using an array of resist materials on gel plates.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Sun., Oct. 5 and 12, 12 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0ZS; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

Mixed Media Art Warmups

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Mon., Oct. 27–Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-AAP; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Landscapes in Collage and Mixed Media

Discover the essence of what you see in landscapes near and far and respond by creating art in collage and mixed media. You are introduced to the materials, tools, and technologies to use.

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Thurs., Oct. 23–Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ABU; Members $175; Nonmembers $210

By Mel Curtin

By Sharon Robinson

By Sharon Robinson

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

By Cindy Briggs

FIBER ARTS

IN PERSON

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

ONLINE

Embroidery on Paper and Photographs

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., Oct. 4 and 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ACK; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

NEW CLASSES

Quiltmaking for the Non-perfectionist

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

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

Constructing Quilts from Vintage Textiles

Create spectacular color combinations in your quilts as you build your color theory vocabulary and learn how to beautifully incorporate many types of printed fabric.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., Oct. 4–Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m., no class Oct. 25; CODE 1E0-0ZL; Members $210; Nonmembers $245

Exploring Encaustic

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

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

Contemporary Glass Mosaics

INSTRUCTOR: Bonnie Fitzgerald

ONLINE: Tues., Oct. 14–Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0ZU; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Handmade Holiday Cards

INSTRUCTOR: Karen Cadogan

ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0ACQ; Members $95; Nonmembers $115

By Lauren Kingsland

By Karen Cadogan

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

PHOTOGRAPHY

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Sun., Oct. 12–Nov. 16, 1:45 p.m., Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ACU; Members $205; Nonmembers $240

The Exposure Triangle

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Tues., Oct. 7–28, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-ABD; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

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.)

NEW CLASS

Main Street USA

Get out in your city or town and capture the unique qualities and attractions of your downtown area. Discuss techniques to capture vintage storefronts, signage, brickwork, alleys, mannequins, and reflections in the first session and participate in a photo review during the second session.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

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

CALLIGRAPHY

Introduction to Pointed-Pen Calligraphy

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

ONLINE: Sat., Nov. 1–22, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-ACN; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Jazz It Up

Holiday Cards Using Pointed-Pen Calligraphy

Step up your card- and gift-giving game this holiday season with hand-drawn holidaythemed illustrations and borders using pointed-pen flourishes.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharmila Karamchandani

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

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.

NEW CLASS

By Sharmila Karamchandani

By Joe Yablonsky

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.

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Nature at Its Best

Step into the wild at Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, where nature unfolds in vivid detail just 25 miles from Washington, D.C. Wander through a landscape of 70-foot-tall tulip trees and fragrant sassafras saplings, home to graceful swallowtail butterflies, curious river otters, and slow-moving box turtles.

SOLD OUT

Spend the day with naturalist Liana Vitali and a team of volunteers as you explore the sanctuary’s rich mosaic of ecosystems. Stretching across 1,700 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, Jug Bay offers a glimpse into one of the most biologically heterogeneous areas along the Patuxent River.

Venture along some of the sanctuary’s 19 miles of scenic trails—binoculars in hand—to spot any of nearly 300 species of birds, from elegant osprey to seasonal waterfowl. Then climb aboard a pontoon boat for a ride through the wetlands to a hands-on archaeological dig site. Modeled after real excavations, this site invites you to uncover clues about a Native American settlement that thrived here more than 8,000 years ago. A catered lunch is included. Sat., Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CS-001; Members $114; Nonmembers $175; NOTE: Tour participants meet on site

Autumn Splendor in Seneca Regional Park

A guided hike through Seneca Regional Park, located upriver from Great Falls, Virginia, makes a fall morning an adventure. This mature forest is renowned for its vibrant fall colors, making it a perfect seasonal escape. Journey with interpretive naturalist Keith Tomlinson through upland forests that wind down into secluded ravines, finally reaching the woodlands along a deeply channelized stretch of the Potomac River.

Along the way, explore the forest’s natural history, with a special focus on landscape ecology—examining how topography, vegetation, and waterways shape this unique ecosystem. The area also holds historical significance as the site of early colonial canal construction, featured on the cover of National Geographic more than 35 years ago. Expect a moderate 3-mile hike on well-established but hilly trails. Wear sturdy footwear and be ready to immerse yourself in the rich natural and historical tapestry of this beautiful park.

TWO OPTIONS: Sun., Oct. 19 (CODE 1NW-A01); Sat., Oct. 25 (CODE 1NW-B01); 8–11 a.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $60; Nonmembers $80

Walking Tour

Urban Oasis

Rock Creek Park History Hike

Established in 1890, Rock Creek Park was the first national park created in a major city. More than 2,000 acres winding through Northwest Washington, D.C., were set aside as a refuge for wildlife and an escape for District residents. While the landscape feels natural today, much of the park was meticulously laid out by a noted landscape architectural firm, Olmsted Brothers. In addition to its natural beauty, Rock Creek Park contains historic structures, memorials, ruins, and other remnants of the past.

The tour begins outside the Smithsonian’s National Zoo before plunging into Rock Creek Park via a little-known entrance. Follow the course of an abandoned road to a secluded stone mansion, one of the oldest structures in the park. Then trek across the park’s western ridge before dipping down into the valley to see Peirce Mill, built in 1829, and going up along the Theodore Roosevelt Side Trail to beautiful Boulder Bridge.

Passing the ruins of another old mill, stroll back along Beach Drive before hiking one more stretch on a recently renamed trail while tour leader Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, shares its history. Finally, emerge onto bustling Connecticut Avenue and wrap up at the Cleveland Park Metro station.

Fri., Oct. 24, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CW-B02; Related program: Rock Creek Park, p. 29

View from Otter Point pier, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Hiking Tour

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Private Visions, Public Treasures

Exploring Hillwood and The Phillips Collection

Tucked away in the charming, tree-lined neighborhoods of Washington, D.C., are two remarkable gems where art, history, and personal passion meet. Join art historian Judy Pomeranz for an insider’s look at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens and The Phillips Collection—two of the city’s most intimate cultural landmarks, both housed in the former homes of their visionary collectors.

Start the day with opulence at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, former residence of heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. A guided tour of the 36-room mansion showcases Post’s extensive art collection, which focuses on French and Russian imperial art. Marvel at some of the 17,000-plus objects, including two Fabergé eggs and exquisite French porcelain. Step into the estate’s gardens, set on 25 acres adjacent to Rock Creek. Stroll through the French parterre, reminiscent of a world of European elegance, and step across the bridge in the Japanese-style garden. Don’t miss the greenhouse, the source of the tropical plants that fill Hillwood with color and fragrance year-round. During a three-course lunch on the estate grounds, enjoy a special talk from a Hillwood curator.

Nestled in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood, The Phillips Collection stands as America’s first museum dedicated to modern art. Established in 1921 by art collector and philanthropist Duncan Phillips, this private institution began as his residence and has evolved into a renowned museum housing over 5,000 works of modern and contemporary art. Docents lead you through the displayed collection, where you view works by Renoir, Rothko, O’Keeffe, and other luminaries, with a discussion of how the collection has grown.

Thurs., Oct. 23, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-001; Members $236; Nonmembers $300

A Fall Walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island

Enjoy a fall morning walk on a natural oasis in the Potomac River with Melanie Choukas-Bradley, the author of Finding Solace at Theodore Roosevelt Island. The nearly 2-mile path follows Theodore Roosevelt Island’s shore and moves deep into the swamp and tidal inlet along the boardwalk where willows, bald cypresses, and cattails frame views of Washington, D.C.

Choukas-Bradley shares an overview of the landscape’s fascinating mix of trees, wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife and highlights the island’s history and the legacy of the naturalist and conservationist president it memorializes. The morning also includes pauses for moments of guided forest bathing to quietly soak up the beauty of this wild island near the capital city.

ADDITIONAL DATE: Thurs., Nov. 6, 8:30–11:30 a.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CW-C04; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

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.

Bus Tour

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

The Phillips Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial

Walking Tour

Stone steps and bridge at Theodore Roosevelt Island

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.

THREE OPTIONS: Fri., Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CW-A03); 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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

An Art + History Mystery Tour

LIFELONG LEARNING

Are you a mystery fan? Experience a unique immersive adventure with study leader and storyteller Paul Glenshaw inspired by his Smithsonian Associates’ Art + History series. Here’s the twist: Participants register for a full-day tour without knowing where the journey will lead. Travel with Glenshaw to three to five distinctive sites around the Washington, D.C., area as he reveals hidden stories, lesser-known facts, and fascinating connections among art, architecture, and the historical moments they represent. The day includes a 3-course meal at a leading D.C. restaurant. The tour’s itinerary is provided to registrants as they gather at the departure point (which won’t be a mystery). Are you game for this artfully secretive—but rewarding—excursion?

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

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

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

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 THREE OPTIONS: Fri., Dec. 5 (CODE 1CW-A05); 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

Henri Rousseau at the Barnes Foundation

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

Featuring more than 40 paintings, drawings, 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

Walking Tour

Bus Tour

The Sleeping Gypsy by Henri Rousseau, 1897

Effective April 1, 2025

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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)

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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)

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Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Sat., Oct. 4, Nov. 1, and Dec. 13

Reading Dante’s

5,

Oct. 5 and Nov. 2

Tues., Oct. 7–28

Tues., Oct. 7–Nov. 4 Impressionist

Oct. 8–29

Oct. 9–30

Mon., Nov. 3–24

Fairy Tales in Classical Music

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Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Sat., Nov. 8

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra •

Tues., Nov. 18–Dec. 16

Masterworks of the Choral Tradition ........................................................23

Tues., Nov. 18–Dec. 9

Tues., Dec. 2 and 9 The Films of Humphrey Bogart and Burt Lancaster

Thurs., Dec. 4 and 11

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The Axelrod String Quartet (Saturday series)

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