Smithsonian Associates February 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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Associates Legacy Society Announcing the

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, Assistant Director of Advancement, at (202) 633-8697 or DonorServices@si.edu.

Dear Friends and Members,

To mark Black History Month during Smithsonian Associates’ anniversary, join us in looking back 60 years and ahead to the future in a broad array of programs.

Focusing on 1965, Smithsonian curators detail the significance of collection objects emblematic of the civil rights movement (p. 7). Journalists recount how people with African ancestry shaped today’s understanding of Latin American culture (p. 8) and trace the consequences of a military decision in colonial Virginia (p. 9). A colleague from the National Civil War Museum spotlights lesser-known abolitionists (p. 22) and a literature professor discusses James, Percival Everett’s reimagination of Huckleberry Finn (p. 30).

A historian parallels the rise and fall of baseball’s Negro Leagues with America’s changing identity in the first half of the 20th century (p. 11). School-age learners will cheer for the leagues’ groundbreaking players during performances of Black Diamond, an original musical from Smithsonian Associates’ Discovery Theater (p. 2).

Programs also focus on the critical importance of Black literature and the arts. Queer writer James Baldwin and his activist contemporaries had to keep their sexuality partly hidden as they fought openly for civil rights in the 1950s and ’60s (p. 3). An art historian highlights how the creativity of the Harlem Renaissance was a force for racial equality and social change (p. 44); a collaborator of Jean-Michel Basquiat recalls the artist (p. 44); and works by contemporary African American quilters in Baltimore are featured in a textile-focused museum tour in the city (p. 56).

At Smithsonian Associates, we are honored to examine the past with new insights and fresh ideas. We’re grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to welcoming you all year long.

Frederica R. Adelman, Director adelmanf@si.edu

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SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES

LIFELONG LEARNING

Celebrating 60 Years of Learning at the Smithsonian

Sparking Curiosity, Conversations, and Connections

The programs in February’s anniversary spotlight offer a focus on Smithsonian Associates’ collaborations at the Smithsonian and with museums and cultural organizations around the world. Take an inside look at how Smithsonian exhibitions

are created, join in a grand celebration of Francophile culture, and mark Black History Month by exploring the queer activism of writer James Baldwin. School-age audiences are sure to enjoy an exuberant original musical focused on the trials and triumphs faced by the heroes of the Negro Baseball Leagues.

In Person

Discovery Theater’s Black Diamond

Hit a home run with a spiritrousing musical play about the “other” major league. This Discovery Theater original, recommended for ages 7 to 11, chronicles the struggles and triumphs of pioneering African American baseball players. The all-star lineup of heroes includes Moses “Fleet” Walker, Andrew “Rube” Foster, power hitter Josh “Spitfire” Gibson, athlete-philosopher Satchel Paige, and a young Jackie Robinson. Stand up and cheer for the players who made sports history—and American history, too. (The show can be brought to schools, libraries, or community centers February 8–28.)

Tues., Feb. 4–Fri., Feb. 7, 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; visit discoverytheater.org for tickets and tour information.

In Person

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½

credit Brutalism in Washington, D.C.

In the mid-20th century, Brutalist design reshaped Washington, D.C.’s public buildings, but many haven’t aged well and their architectural significance is still debated. Architecture professor Angela Person and photographer Ty Cole are curators of “Capital Brutalism” at the National Building Museum. They offer a survey of the exhibition, which explores the history, current state, and future of seven polarizing buildings and the Metro system.

Mon., Feb. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-618; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

In collaboration with the National Building Museum

Claude Thornhill and the Subtle Side of Jazz

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Concert

Making its debut in 1940, the Claude Thornhill Orchestra introduced a new and innovative texture to Big-Band jazz. In contrast to the established orchestras of the era—including those of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Duke Ellington—Thornhill’s ensemble introduced “cool” to the genre with its unconventional instrumentation. This musical salute includes selections including “Jeru” by Gerry Mulligan; “Buster’s Last Stand” by Gill Evans; and “Snowfall” by Thornhill.

Sat., Feb. 15, 7 p.m.; Baird Auditorium, National Museum of Natural History; CODE 1P0-870; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Hubert H. Humphrey Building

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Two Glass Houses: An Entangled History

During the late 1940s, two glass-walled pavilions designed by leading architects of the period became the most written about and photographed International Style homes. From their beginnings to today, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s weekend house for Chicago nephrologist Edith Farnsworth and the residence it inspired, Philip Johnson’s Glass House in Connecticut, have been intertwined. The executive directors of both National Trust sites, Scott Mehaffey (The Edith Farnsworth House) and Kirsten Reoch (The Glass House), discuss the fascinating shared history of these icons of the Modernist movement.

Sun., March 16, 2 p.m.; CODE 1L0-625; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Behind the Scenes at Smithsonian Exhibits

Meet some of the unseen but essential professionals behind the Smithsonian’s exhibitions of art and artifacts when you pay a visit to a place where even the most avid museum-goer never sets foot: the headquarters of Smithsonian Exhibits in Landover, Maryland. Staff members talk about their work and welcome you to areas devoted to 3D scanning and printing technologies; graphics; fabrication; and object storage. See projects in progress, including ones destined for upcoming exhibitions.

TWO OPTIONS: Fri., March 21, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (CODE 1CS-A01); Fri., March 21, 1–3 p.m. (CODE 1CS-B01); detailed tour information on website; Members $45; Nonmembers $60

Exhibits specialist Willow Collins installs a 3D model in the National Museum of Natural History

James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance

During the 1950s and ’60s, writer James Baldwin wrote, marched, and made speeches to support the work of activist friends— including queer thinkers like himself who could not be openly out during the civil rights movement—inspiring a range of notable leaders, writers, artists, and intellectuals. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery exhibition This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance, honors Black queer force and its enduring spirit. Co-curator Rhea Combs, the gallery’s director of curatorial affairs, provides an overview of the exhibition.

Wed., March 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-624: Members $20; Nonmembers $25

La Grande Fête

Get ready for a spectacular party with a French accent. La Grande Fête, one of the highlights of the annual Francophonie Cultural Festival, is your passport for a world tour of francophone cultures. Sample food and drink from more than 20 embassies as you explore the attractions and traditions of a variety of nations and enjoy a performance by Senegalese Afropop artist Cheikh Ibra Fam

Fri., March 28, 7 p.m.; La Maison Française, Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd. NW; general public registration opens Mon., March 3; CODE 1P0875; $55 general admission

The event is organized by Smithsonian Associates in partnership with La Maison Française and the embassies of the Francophonie Cultural Festival Committee. Visit francophonie-dc.org for festival details.

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

The Edith Farnsworth House

The Glass House

Walking Tour

In Person

James Baldwin, 1964

Smithsonian Associates In Person

We invite you to join us for selected in-person programs, concert series, and studio arts classes and workshops in our nation’s capital, as well as walking tours, full-day study tours, and overnight tours.

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

D.C.’s Trailblazing Women Chefs

Thurs., March 27

Following the path paved by female culinary innovators, today’s female trailblazers are making their distinctive mark on the capital’s dining scene. In an evening of lively conversation, join several of these star chefs as they discuss working in the male-dominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails. (see p. 27)

A Toast to the Cocktail’s Ultimate Guide

Wed., April 9

With entries ranging from the Manhattan to mixology, sloe gin to stills, The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails is the ultimate comprehensive guide to understanding what’s in your glass. The book’s editor in chief David Wondrich, associate editor Noah Rothbaum, and contributor Philip Greene serve up a lively and informative evening in which they discuss the challenges and rewards of creating this major contribution to our understanding of civilized drinking. Four sample cocktails are served during the event, along with light snacks. (see p. 28)

Studio Arts

Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song

Thurs., March 13–June 5 | Thurs., June 12 performance

Ernest Johnson leads this ensemble in arrangements of the hits you know and love. No audition is required; final song list and musical arrangements are chosen to fit the specific vocal and musical abilities of the group. Twelve rehearsals culminate in a free June 12 performance. (see p. 26)

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

The Axelrod String Quartet

Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., May 4, 6:30 p.m.

Music by Mozart, Beethoven, and Ravel (see p. 19)

Masterworks of Five Centuries

Sun., March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Music by Ferruccio Busoni, Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, and Osvaldo Golijov

Sat., March 29, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 30, 6:30 p.m.

Music of Franz Schubert (see p. 19)

Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 47–53)

Tours

Discover expert-led tours that offer one-of-a-kind travel experiences. And get a preview of overnight tours that will go on sale in coming months. (see pp. 54–61)

2024–2025 Concert Season

Sat., Feb. 15

Claude Thornhill and the Subtle Side of Jazz (see p. 2) Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

© NORWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

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

How the New World Became Old

The Deep Time Revolution

During the 19th century, Americans were astonished to learn that North America was once stalked by dinosaurs and other terrifying beasts. Prehistoric fossils revealed that the New World—and the Earth itself—was far older than previously thought, rooted in what is now known as “deep time,” the concept that the planet is billions of years old, in contrast to the 6,000-year timeline suggested by Biblical interpretations.

The discoveries sparked profound changes in science, literature, art, and religion. Historian Caroline Winterer, author of How the New World Became Old, traces the rise of the powerful idea of deep time by examining how naturalists, explorers, engineers, and ordinary Americans unearthed a history more ancient than anyone could have imagined.

Mon., Feb. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-081; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

White House Wordsmiths

Presidents and Their Speechwriters

Presidential speechwriters provide a unique lens through which to view the nation’s chief executives. Learning about how presidents prepared their speeches and who helped them can reveal much about their views of the job. Author Robert Schlesinger explores the evolving role that presidential speechwriters have played over the last century and by extension how presidents have approached the bully pulpit. He also reveals the origin of some of the best-remembered pieces of presidential rhetoric.

Tues., Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-015; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Battle of Iwo Jima: “Uncommon Valor”

For five weeks in early 1945, Iwo Jima became the site of some of the most brutal fighting in World War II’s Pacific Theater. This tiny island was a key target for U.S. military planners: Capturing it would prevent the Japanese from using its airstrips to launch attacks against the American B-29 bombers flying missions to the Japanese home islands and would deliver a blow to the country’s morale. On February 19, 70,000 U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima, facing fierce resistance from 21,000 Japanese defenders in fortified positions. After five weeks of savage close-quarters combat and 7,000 Marine deaths, the United States captured the island. The battle’s intensity led Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz to remark, “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal, 1945

Historian Christopher Hamner draws on primary sources from the American and Japanese sides to explore the struggle in depth, covering its strategic significance to the United States’ effort against Imperial Japan; its consequences for the Pacific War’s final phase; and its importance to Americans’ memories of the Second World War.

Wed., Feb. 5, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-082; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

President Barack Obama and aides Carol Browner, David Axelrod, and Jon Favreau working on a speech in June 2010

Mammuthus primigenius (Blumbach), National Museum of Natural History

I N SI DE S C I ENCE

Benedict Arnold

Betrayal and Loyalty in the American Revolution

The name Benedict Arnold endures as the definition of a traitor. Alexander Hamilton spared no sympathy toward the Continental Army general’s spying for the British, calling it “the blackest treason” he could imagine.

The question of course is why did he do this? Historian Richard Bell surveys the life and times of the most famous turncoat in American history; the reasons for his treason; and the larger problems of betrayal and desertion that dogged the Continental Army throughout the War of Independence.

Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-367; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Ancient Egypt’s A-List Power, Empire, and Propaganda

Egypt, one of the superpowers of the ancient world, produced a culture and system of government that endured for more than 3,000 years. Its people believed in the reciprocal nature of divine rule: The king or queen ensured economic prosperity and defended against all threats. In return, the subjects were devoted to the royal family, comforted by the belief that divine wisdom and justice inspired their ruler. However, was that assumption a valid one?

Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson draws from recent archaeological evidence to examine four of Egypt’s most influential rulers—Khufu, Senwosret III, Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra—and the impact of their reigns.

Sat., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-368; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Benjamin

Franklin the Scientist

Benjamin Franklin was one of the preeminent scientists of his time. He conducted cutting-edge research on electricity, ocean currents, chemical bonds, and plants. But today Franklin is often remembered more for his political prowess than his scientific creativity.

Franklin’s political life cannot be understood without giving proper credit to his scientific accomplishments, argues author Richard Munson. He offers a compelling portrait of a shrewd experimenter, clever innovator, and visionary physicist whose fame opened doors to negotiate French support for American independence

His book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist (W.W. Norton) is available for purchase.

Mon., Feb. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-433; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Your programs...your time

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

Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart

LIFELONG LEARNING

Black granite statues of the pharaoh Senwosret III, ca. 1850 B.C.E.

Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky by Benjamin West, 1816

After Caesar

The Last Years of the Roman Republic

The assassination of Julius Caesar in March of 44 B.C.E. was meant to safeguard the Roman Republic from perceived tyranny. Instead, this grisly murder inadvertently set off a chain of events leading to the establishment of the autocratic Roman Empire.

Historian Colin Elliott, host of the weekly Pax Romana Podcast, explores the conspiracy that led to Caesar’s murder, examines the ensuing chaos, and traces how one man’s death sparked a civil war, ultimately extinguishing Rome’s nearly 500-year-old republic. He discusses the unintended consequences of political violence and the profound transformation from republic to empire and ponders timeless lessons on power, ambition, and the fragility of political systems.

Tues., Feb. 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-551; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

1965: Moments of Change

LIFELONG LEARNING

The year 1965 was a pivotal moment in history, marked by consequential social, political, and cultural developments. In the United States, the civil rights movement gained momentum, culminating in the Selma to Montgomery marches, which highlighted the struggle for voting rights and led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.

The assassination of Malcolm X, a former Nation of Islam leader, shocked the nation, underscoring the tensions within the civil rights movement and the broader struggle for African American empowerment.

A panel of three Smithsonian curators delves into objects that symbolize these events. Kevin Strait of the National Museum of African American History and Culture shows the pen used by Lyndon Johnson to sign the Voting Rights Act into law; Daniel Piazza of the National Postal Museum showcases a postage stamp issued to memorialize Malcolm X; and Taina Caragol of the National Portrait Gallery shares its portrait of John Lewis, one of the leaders of the civil rights march on “Bloody Sunday.” After their individual talks, Strait, Piazza, and Caragol discuss the significance of these events and objects to the Smithsonian collection. Thurs., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1CV-061; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Treaty of Paris

America’s Future on the Brink

Signed in November 1783, the Treaty of Paris ended the War of Independence and created the United States of America. It is one of the most important founding documents in the country’s history, but it is also the least well-known and most misunderstood.

Over months of negotiation, teams of delegates from the United States, Great Britain, and France pushed and pulled to secure every advantage. When the ink was dry, the United States had secured rights to all land east of the Mississippi River that was north of Florida and south of Canada, as well as important fishing rights and the restoration of property and prisoners of war. Historian Richard Bell argues that the Treaty of Paris was a triumph for U.S. diplomacy that reset relations with Britain but also damaged the U.S.–French alliance irreparably and left Native Americans, loyalists, and fugitives from American slavery to fend for themselves.

Tues., March 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-374; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

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

The Death of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini, 1805

Portrait of Congressman John Lewis by Michael Shane Neal

The Treaty of Paris (unfinished) by Benjamin West, 1783

The Celtic World: Ancient and Modern

The heritage of the ancient Celts is still felt in the modern world. Historian Jennifer Paxton of Catholic University of America traces how perceptions and knowledge of the Celtic peoples have changed over the centuries and how their legacies affected culture and politics in the nations and regions linked by language and traditions (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man) commonly known as the Celtic Fringe—as well as in the wider world. As our understanding of these peoples continues to evolve, Paxton examines the impact of new ideas on our contemporary fascination with all things Celtic.

Sat., March 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-373; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

The Gundestrup Cauldron, a silver vessel with Celtic influences from the pre-Roman Iron Age Irish step-dancing

The Impact of Afro-Latino Culture

A quarter of Latin America’s nearly 600 million people have African ancestry, and that continent’s influence is reflected in the daily life of countries throughout in the region. Kim Haas, executive producer, host, and creator of the public television series “AfroLatino Travels with Kim Haas,” provides insights into the historical and cultural impact of people of African descent in Latin America from the 16th century to the present day. Haas examines the origins of African people in the Americas beginning with the transatlantic slave trade, tracing how their settlement in countries like Brazil, Panama, and Costa Rica shaped key aspects of Latin America’s economic, social, cultural, and artistic development—seen in everything from music to cuisine to history-making infrastructure projects.

Wed., March 5, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-124; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Palace of Holyroodhouse: Home of Scottish Royal History

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s royal palace for more than 500 years, has witnessed everything from state occasions, balls, and banquets to uprisings, royal weddings, and even a dramatic murder. Standing in peaceful gardens beside the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey, the official residence of King Charles III in Scotland contains private chambers used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and baroque state apartments built for Charles II.

Curator Emma Stead and former senior curator Deborah Clarke explore the palace’s history, delve into stories of past occupants, and look at its present use by the British royal family.

Fri., March 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-016; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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.

LIFELONG LEARNING

Kim Haas visits musician Marcos Forbes to explore the origins of calypso

Live from Scotland

The Black Death

Over the past five years, we’ve all struggled to grapple with the realities of living with a global pandemic and its aftermath. It has caused intense grief as well as social and political upheavals. History can offer both context for this worldwide tragedy and a better appreciation of the humanity we share with those in the distant past.

Medievalist Paul B. Sturtevant explores the people and societies who experienced the Black Death—the hemispheric pandemic that ravaged the 14th-century world—and draws parallels between the individual and collective experiences of people seven centuries apart.

Tues., March 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-442; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Emancipation During the American Revolution

As the American Revolution broke out in New England in the spring of 1775, events unfolded in Virginia that helped unite the colonies against Britain. Journalist Andrew Lawler offers a new perspective on the roots of the revolution as he describes the impact of the actions of Lord Dunmore, Virginia’s royal governor. After Dunmore freed enslaved men and sent them into battle against a patriot army at Norfolk, the rebels burned the city on January 1, 1776. The port’s destruction and Dunmore’s act of emancipation prompted Virginia’s patriot leaders to urge the Continental Congress to split from Britain, breaking a deadlock on the issue.

Lawler’s book A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution (Atlantic Monthly Press) is available for purchase.

Tues., March 18, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-444; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Battle of Salamis

On a late-September day in 480 B.C.E., Greek warships faced an invading Persian armada at the Salamis Straits, a narrow corridor in the Saronic Gulf, in the most important naval battle of the ancient world. Overwhelmingly outnumbered, the Greeks triumphed through a combination of strategy and deception.

More than two millennia after it occurred, the clash between the Greeks and Persians at Salamis remains one of the most tactically brilliant battles ever fought. The Greek victory changed the course of Western history by halting the advance of the Persian Empire and setting the stage for the Golden Age of Athens. Classicist Barry Strauss brings this landmark battle to life.

Mon., March 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-853; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Swinging London

A ‘60s Cultural Revolution

Two decades after the devastation of the Blitz, the youthquake of the 1960s transformed staid London into Swinging London, the epicenter of a new world of fashion and entertainment. Carnaby Street set the styles; Mod designers such as Mary Quant became stars; Twiggy, a model from a working-class family, was the face of the moment; and Soho’s nightclubs were the place to dance the night away.

While London lured tourists, England also exported its pop culture. The British Invasion in music was spearheaded by the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and the country’s films outdid Hollywood as they tackled taboo topics of abortion, homosexuality, and interracial sex. Historian Julie Taddeo explores how London— and the nation—rebranded as a with-it world powerhouse amid the Cold War, a new Elizabethan age, and Britain’s decline as an imperial power.

Tues., March 18, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-623; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Andrew Lawler

Citizens of Tournai, Belgium, bury plague victims MAHAN

Carnaby Street, 1960s London

The Battle of Salamis, 19th-century illustration

Were the Fifties Actually Fabulous?

The 1950s in America is recalled as a pleasant and placid decade, an era of conformity and good cheer, “Leave It to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best,” Levittowns and shopping centers, gray flannel suits for men and domesticity for women. But it was also the decade of Emmett Till, the Little Rock Nine, Little Richard, Joseph McCarthy, air-raid drills, and Rebel Without a Cause

Leonard Steinhorn, a professor of communication and history at American University, takes a close look at this pivotal era, examining its contradictions, politics, music, media, and race relations; the rise of suburbia and mass consumption; the impact of television; and how the Fifties led to the Sixties.

Thurs., March 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-851; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Golden Years

The Story of American Aging

Americans who worked on farms and in factories once had little choice but to work until death. As the nation prospered, a new idea was born: the right to a dignified and secure old age. The fight to deliver that right has been successful but is still unfinished. Historian James Chappel shows how old age emerged as a distinct stage of life in the United States and how it evolved over the last century, shaped by politicians’ choices, activists’ demands, medical advances, and cultural models from utopian novels to “The Golden Girls.”

Chappel’s new book, Golden Years: How Americans Invented and Reinvented Old Age (Hachette), is available for purchase.

Thurs., March 20, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-060; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

James Chappel

Operation Varsity: The Last Jump

In March 1945, the war against Germany was entering its final chapter, with American, British, and Canadian troops continuing their effort to reach the country’s western border along the Rhine River. To support ground troops in amphibious river crossings, the Allies devised a massive airborne operation that would drop paratroops behind German lines. The result was Operation Varsity, which mobilized some 16,000 troops and thousands of aircraft. Though not without difficulties, Operation Varsity stands as an Allied success, capturing bridges and towns that otherwise would have been used by the German military to slow the advance of Allied ground forces. Historian Christopher Hamner explores the operation’s development, Allied strategy in Western Europe in the spring of 1945, and the implications of Operation Varsity for the war’s final weeks and the post-war settlement.

Mon., March 24, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-088; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

U.S. Army Air Force transports and gliders prepared for Operation Varsity

The Negro Baseball League

The feats and names of baseball’s Negro Leagues stars are legendary: Satchel Paige, James “Cool Papa” Bell, Josh Gibson, and more. But what was it like for them to play—and for fans to watch them?

The story of Negro League baseball is more than a history of sports, says Louis Moore, a professor of history at Grand Valley State University: It’s a story about American society. He explores how and why baseball became Black America’s game; how the rise and fall of the Negro Leagues paralleled the cultural tides of American life; and what the inclusion of the leagues’ stats into those of today’s Major League Baseball means for the past and present players.

Tues., March 25, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-854; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Live from Poland

Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Legend and the Reality

Eleanor of Aquitaine is the stuff of legend: first queen to go on a Crusade (supposedly dressed as an Amazon), queen of the Courts of Love, and royal prisoner who made grand appearances at Christmas courts. But how much is true? Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger considers the ways the legends have grown from the real life of the woman who managed to become queen consort of England and France in the Middle Ages. Lloyd-Stanger unfolds Eleanor’s story as she evolves from young woman to the wife of King Louis VII of France and explores the reality of her joining him on that famous Crusade. Learn how a subsequent marriage to the heir to the English throne brought increasing power and influence to her and her sons, even as she was shuttled from prison to prison at the command of her husband, Henry II. And examine how after his death she shaped the reigns of two of England’s most famous kings: Richard the Lionheart and King John.

Wed., March 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-376; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Road Less Traveled in Poland

Visitors to Poland often focus on major cities such as Warsaw and Krakow, but historical, cultural, and natural treasures abound elsewhere. Tour guide Christopher Skutela leads a visual journey to places in Poland that are off the beaten path.

Świętokrzyskie Mountains

Among these sites are the Wooden Architecture Trail in the mountains of the Krakow region; Tarnow, which housed a strong Jewish community until World War II; the Świętokrzyskie region with the medieval Holy Cross Monastery and oldest mountain range in Poland; Lodz, which used to unite three cultures and was one of the main centers of the textile industry in Europe; and Torun, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Copernicus was born.

Wed., March 26, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-437; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Real Revolution: America 1775–1783

The real story of the American Revolution is more than the catalog of deeds by a handful of famous men. As a private in the Continental Army later put it: “Great men get praise; little men, nothing.”

In a full-day seminar, Richard Bell, a professor of history at the University of Maryland and a specialist in the American Revolutionary era, explores the tumultuous years between 1775 and 1783 from the perspective of these “little men” by examining military recruitment; the wars on the home front and in Native American territory; the struggles of people of color; and the experiences of loyalists.

Sat., March 29, 10 a.m.–3:15 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-377; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Satchel Paige, standing 3rd from left, with the Pittsburgh Crawfords, 1932

Queen Eleanor by Frederick Sandys, 1858

LIFELONG LEARNING

Battle of Springfield, New Jersey, 1780

The Mesopotamian Riddle

Cracking the Code of Cuneiform

By the mid-19th century, a fascination with ancient civilizations gripped Victorian society, spurred by mysterious artifacts emerging from desert sands and the ruins of empires. Among these treasures was cuneiform, the script of ancient Mesopotamia that had preserved the stories, science, and secrets of civilizations such as Sumer, Assyria, and Babylon for millennia—only to have its meaning lost to history, locked in clay tablets scattered across the Middle East.

In 1857, three Victorian adventurers set out to change that. Journalist Joshua Hammer delves into how they unlocked the secrets of cuneiform, illuminating the forgotten voices of the ancient world and offering a glimpse into humanity’s earliest recorded past. His book The Mesopotamian Riddle: An Archaeologist, a Soldier, a Clergyman, and the Race to Decipher the World’s Oldest Writing (Simon & Schuster) is available for purchase.

Wed., April 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-089; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Complex Legacy of Oskar Schindler

The real Oskar Schindler was far more complex than the figure depicted in Schindler’s List. He was a German spy, businessman, bon vivant, and member of the Nazi Party who risked his life to rescue imperiled Jews. In the early 1940s, Schindler took control of a factory in Krakow, Poland, that had been confiscated by the Nazis. Exploiting forced Jewish labor from the city’s ghetto, he amassed significant profits, which funded a lavish lifestyle of luxury cars, fine wines, and an infamous playboy reputation.

However, as the German regime’s atrocities became undeniable, Schindler underwent a dramatic transformation. He turned his factory into a refuge, using bribery, manipulation, and sheer will to protect nearly 1,200 Jewish workers from deportation and certain death. Historian Ralph Nurnberger explores Schindler’s complex life, uncovering how, despite his personal and professional failures, he rose to perform extraordinary acts of heroism, ultimately saving more than a thousand lives.

Thurs., April 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-090; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Napoleon’s Complicated Legacy

Few figures in history excite as passionately held and often-conflicting visions as Napoleon. Some extoll him as a genius and the spirit of the revolution incarnate. Others denounce him as a megalomaniac and compulsive warmonger. One of the greatest military minds, he was a stirring visionary whose scale of ambitions continues to capture people’s imagination.

But Napoleon was also a climber and a double-dealer who exploited others for his own gain. Egotistical and prone to nepotism, he richly rewarded his relatives, even when confronted with their incompetence. He often blurred lines between lawfulness and criminality and cynically exploited human weaknesses. He was not the “Corsican Ogre,” but neither was he the romantic figure of legend. Napoleon was a self-made man who dominated his age like no other, a fact that even his enemies grudgingly admitted.

Historian Alexander Mikaberidze discusses his many facets and the enormous influence he wielded in Europe and beyond.

Wed., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-378; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Jane Austen at 250

Celebrating the Writer and Her World

This year marks the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, one of the most famous and best-loved English authors. Born on the eve of the American Revolution, Austen lived during the Regency, a time often associated with fancy dress and an elaborate social scene. It was also a period of war and political chaos.

Like other women, Austen was expected to secure her future by making an advantageous marriage. Instead, she pursued a career in writing. The six novels she completed give us a window into her era, with the realities of poverty, illness, war, and death rumbling through. More than two centuries later, her works continue to capture the modern imagination, leading to new adaptations and spin-offs for film, theater, and television every year.

Historian and author Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger leads a journey into the writer’s world through the lens of her novels, offering Austen fans and history buffs alike insights into her time and the ongoing relevance of her works today.

Sat., April 5, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-379; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Oskar Schindler

Engraving of Jane Austen, 1897

Rebels

at the Gates

The Confederacy’s Final Gamble and the Battle to Save Washington

During the summer of 1864, Washington, D.C., came within hours of being invaded and Lincoln within inches of being shot. At the time, Gen. Ulysses Grant was laying siege to Petersburg, Virginia, deploying every available Union soldier to end the bloody conflict. Gen. Robert E. Lee, who along with his troops was trapped in nearby Richmond, knew that the Union’s attacks would never stop until the Confederate capital fell. Lee hatched a desperate and bold plan to save the Confederacy and perhaps bring the war to an end—but on the South’s terms.

Robert Watson, a professor of American history at Lynn University, recounts this largely forgotten attack on Washington and its defense as well as the fascinating events surrounding the battle. His book Rebels at the Gates: The Confederacy’s Final Gamble and the Battle to Save Washington (Rowman & Littlefield) is available for purchase.

Mon., April 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-558; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Easter Rising: Dublin, 1916

Turning Points of the American Civil War

Even with the benefit of decades or centuries of hindsight, decisive battles or campaigns that result in the end of a war or shift its momentum to the ultimate victor are not always easy to pinpoint. Military historian Kevin Weddle presents his choices for the three most significant campaigns of the American Civil War: those that unfolded at Antietam, Gettysburg, and Vicksburg.

He examines the background of each and how the Union and the Confederacy developed and executed their respective military strategies within the context of a bitter and divisive political environment. While none of these operations led directly to the war’s conclusion, they had far-reaching consequences that cumulatively determined the nature of the nation that would emerge from the devastating conflict.

3-session series: Tues., April 8–22, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-568; Members $75; Nonmembers $95

The Easter Rising, an armed insurrection staged by a small group of Irish nationalists in Dublin in 1916 that ended in total defeat, nevertheless set in motion the events that eventually led to an independent Ireland. Historian Jennifer Paxton explores the origins of the Easter Rising in the upheavals of the 19th century: the Potato Famine, the struggle for greater political autonomy from Britain, and the ongoing tensions between the majority Protestant northern part of Ireland and the overwhelmingly Catholic southern part.

Prior to World War I, most Irish nationalists had worked to obtain home rule for Ireland by working through the British Parliament. Paxton looks at how the outbreak of the First World War led many of them to abandon the peaceful struggle and take up arms for Ireland and how the Rising set Ireland on a course for both independence and partition.

Wed., April 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-380; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe

At its peak, the Roman empire extended from Britain to the Sahara Desert, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Euphrates River. Yet in 476, the last western Roman emperor was deposed. Imperial authority survived in the east, centered on the city of Constantinople, but the western regions were divided between Germanic kingdoms and the rising influence of the papacy. Historian David Gwynn analyzes the dramatic events which shaped the decline and fall of the Roman empire in the west, exploring the transformation from the ancient to the medieval world that laid the foundations for modern Europe.

4-session series: Wed., April 9–30, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-447; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Individual sessions: Wed., April 9 (CODE 1J0-447A); Wed., April 16 (CODE 1J0-447B); Wed., April 23 (CODE 1J0-447C); Wed., April 30 (CODE 1J0-447D); 12 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Hancock at Gettysburg by Thure de Thulstrup

Robert Watson

LIFELONG LEARNING

Alaric entering Athens by Allan Stewart, ca. 1920

Dubliners search in the rubble after the Easter Rising, 1916

“Move Over, Sir!”

Women Working on the Railroad

As the railroad allowed Americans to move westward, it not only opened possibilities for men seeking their fortunes but for women looking for work as well. In the late 1830s and ’40s, telegraph lines expanded alongside new railroad tracks and opened professional opportunities for women, despite social norms that discouraged them from working outside the home and interacting with the public.

As men were drafted into the military during the Civil War, more than 100,000 women took their places—many as railroad telegraphers. They were expected to step aside as the soldiers returned home, and public discussions about women’s proper place began again.

Early pioneer women telegraphers were still the exception rather than the rule, but they blazed a trail for women in the century of progress to come. Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Collection at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, explores the complex and exciting world of women working on the railroad in the United States.

Wed., April 9, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-129; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

How Europe Reckons With Its Wartime Past

After World War II ended, participating countries’ responses to the conflict were widely varied. Nearly half of West Germans still considered Nazism a good idea badly carried out. East Germans maintained that as communists, they had always opposed the Nazis. Italians presented themselves as brava gente, or good people, even though fascism was born in their country. France, where the Vichy government collaborated with the Nazis, retold its history as one of resistance. The Soviet Union glorified its victory against Nazi forces while ignoring its initial alignment with Hitler. Yet in Germany, a generation of children of Nazis began to demand an assessment of the responsibility of the nation’s people rather than solely blaming Hitler. Writer and former foreign correspondent Adam Tanner examines how these nations have come to terms, or not, with their actions in World War II.

Thurs., April 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-130; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

How the Mexican War Transformed America

Few today are aware of the war between the United States and Mexico (1846–48), except that it led to the acquisition of a vast tract of land that became California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of several other states. But this forgotten conflict transformed the nation by triggering a major national political crisis over the issue of slavery that pushed it closer to civil war. It also led to the Gold Rush of 1849, an event that had a major impact on the national economy as well as American political culture. Historian Edward T. O’Donnell explores the details of the war and its consequences.

Thurs., April 17, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-855; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

How the Sixties Shaped Today’s Politics

We must remember the 1960s to understand today, says Leonard Steinhorn, a professor in the School of Communication at American University. He sees the decade as continuing to reverberate in U.S. politics and institutions, as well as spawning the polarization and culture wars that now divide Americans the way the Vietnam War did in the past.

From civil rights to feminism to gay liberation to the environmental movement to the silent majority, a period that began more than half a century ago has shaped and influenced our country ever since. To many, the presidency of Barack Obama symbolized the liberation movements of the Sixties. But it’s also important to ask how the period produced the presidency of Donald Trump, says Steinhorn. He explores the decade’s meaning and its legacy, one that may be the dividing line in our current politics and society.

Mon., April 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-857; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Battle of Veracruz during the Mexican–American War, illustration, 1851

Vera Lichty, a wartime telegraph operator, Union Pacific telegraph office, 1944

George Washington and the Origins of Executive Power

George Washington not only played a vital role in framing the Constitution as the president of the Philadelphia Convention, he also put the document into practice as America’s first leader.

Historian Denver Brunsman explores the origins of executive power through the writings and actions of the United States’ first president. Brunsman delves into how the father of the country managed to balance establishing a strong executive office while still assiduously obeying the legal limits of power.

The Enduring Legacy of the Bayeux Tapestry

Tues., April 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-062; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

A few years after the Norman Conquest of 1066, a beautiful and intricate work that came to be known as the Bayeux Tapestry appeared. It documented in remarkable detail the events of the Battle of Hastings, a clash that witnessed the victory of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, over Saxon King Harold II—an outcome that changed the course of European history. Historian Cheryl White examines the facts and the controversy about the role of the Bayeux Tapestry and turns a critical eye on its lasting impact as a work of art and historical documentary. Its enduring legacy speaks to the identity of a people, a kingdom, and ultimately, the role of art in reinforcing the dominant view by which scholars interpret the past.

Wed., April 23, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-383; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

England’s Historic Royal Palaces

A Step Inside

Palaces were the residences of monarchs, but they were also buildings where the business of state was carried out. Within their walls intrigues, murders, love affairs, and deaths—the full pageant of British history—took place and royal magnificence was displayed.

Siobhan Clarke, a guide for the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, offers a look inside four significant historic sites: the Tower of London; Hampton Court; the Banqueting House at Whitehall; and Kensington Palace. Using maps, paintings, and photographs, she introduces these splendid corridors of royal power and pleasure, the people who inhabited them, and the nation-shaping events that took place there.

4-session series: Mon., April 28–May 19, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-385; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

The Great American Road Trip

In preparation for the summer road trip season, join historian Allen Pietrobon as he looks at how the culture of the United States has been shaped by people pushing into new territory in search of better opportunity. Pietrobon delves into the ways Americans traveled in the past—for example, what it was like to be aboard a wagon in the 1840s and a transcontinental railroad in the 1880s. He talks about the rapid growth of interstates in the 1960s, the associated rise of fast food and roadside motels, and, most importantly, the birth of the notion that the open road is the epitome of American freedom.

Mon., April 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-451; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Banqueting House at Whitehall

Bayeux Tapestry detail showing Bishop Odo rallying William the Conqueror's troops at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

A History of Freedom in Modern Life

The Age of Choice

Making choices is part of virtually every aspect of our lives, from what to buy and where to live to whom to love, what profession to practice, and what to believe. But the ability to choose in such matters was not something that we always had or even aspired to historically.

Historian Sophia Rosenfeld explores how, between the 17th century and the present, the practice of making choices from menus of options came to shape many aspects of our existence, from consumer culture to human rights. She draws on sources ranging from the latest findings in economics and psychology to novels and restaurant menus. Rosenfeld is the chair of the history department at the University of Pennsylvania. Her book The Age of Choice (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Tues., April 29, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-063; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Thomas Paine: Revolutions of a Founding Father

When Thomas Paine died in June 1809, only a dozen people came to his funeral. Historian Richard Bell examines his meteoric rise to celebrity status during the American Revolution and his equally dramatic fall from grace in the decades afterward. Bell illuminates Paine’s humble origins and his extraordinary gift for political argument and explains why his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense is credited with catalyzing a mass movement driven by the cause of independence.

Bell also explores the surprisingly bitter backlash Paine experienced when he published the 1791 manifesto The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in support of the social and political extremism of the French Revolution and The Age of Reason, his 1794 defense of deism, reason, and free thought. He examines why Paine, once lionized as the most relatable and revolutionary founding father, died a pariah, too radical and uncompromising for the cautious new country he helped call into being.

Wed., April 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-386; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Excavations at Tell el-Amarna

A Window Into Ancient Egypt

Isolated in the desert of Egypt, the ancient city of Tell el-Amarna is one of the most exciting archaeological sites in the world. The “heretic” Pharaoh Akhenaten created the city to serve as the center of the cult of worship of a single deity, a sun god called the Aten. Due to its extraordinary level of preservation, Tell el-Amarna is the most revealing city from ancient Egypt, providing an unmatched window into daily life and religious practices.

Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson, a senior member of the Tell el-Amarna archaeological team, examines the latest discoveries at the site and reveals truths about life in this remarkable ancient city, one whose society revolved around the royal family and the vision of a king.

Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-387; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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.

Tell el-Amarna, Egypt

Winter Wine Adventures

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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

FEB 21 Wines of Campania: Where Fire Meets Water on Italy’s Amalfi Coast

There are few more beautiful wine regions than Campania, a gorgeous stretch of volcanic coastline that includes Capri and the Amalfi and Positano coasts. Home to the now-extinct Mount Vesuvius stratovolcano, the mineral-rich soils of this magical region coupled with proximity to the Mediterranean are the most significant factors influencing the distinctive terroir. From fresh, bright, and mineral whites like Falanghina, Greco, and Fiano to the intense and brooding reds like Aglianico and Piedirosso, there’s something for everyone here.

MAR 21 A Global Celebration of Women in Wine

It is scientifically proven that women have better senses of taste and smell than men, so it should come as no surprise that some of the most delicious and coveted wines in the world are made by them. In celebration of Women’s History Month, explore a delicious selection of wines made or managed by some of the most important women in the industry. This global tasting is sure to surprise and delight as we raise a glass to the women who are changing the wine world for the better.

Individual sessions: Fri., Feb. 21 (CODE 1L0-616); Fri., March 21 (CODE 1L0-617); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line). Patrons 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.

Writing the Family Story

Your family is unique in all the world, but how do you best tell its story? Whether you’re starting with boxes (or electronic folders) of photos, diaries, news clippings, recipes, and other mementos or whether memories themselves are your main material, documenting a family history can be daunting. But it can be done well and meaningfully and shared with the people you love for decades to come.

Mathina Calliope, a writer, editor, teacher, and writing coach, shares the tools and guidance you need to move from daunted through motivated and on to accomplished. You’ll learn to begin and finish one manageable element of your project and then confidently create a plan to move toward completing and distributing your one-of-a-kind family story.

4-session series: Mon., Feb. 3, 10, 24, and March 3, 6:30 p.m. (no class Feb. 17); detailed program information on website; CODE 1H0-849; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

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

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE Spring Wine Adventures

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

April 18 The Caucasus Caucus: The Wines of Georgia

This country on the eastern edge of the Black Sea is recognized as one of the birthplaces of wine. Georgia’s more than 500 native grapes provide a new range of flavors for wine lovers to discover. This immersive tasting explores the full rainbow of Georgian wines from white to amber-orange to red…and holds a few surprises.

May 16 Give ‘Em the Boot: Wines from the Foot of Italy

The southern regions of Italy produce some of the most exquisite warm-climate wines that channel the essence of the Mediterranean. From Puglia (the heel), Basilicata (the instep), Calabria (the toe), and Sicily (“kicked” by the boot), this sampling of delicious wines invites you to step up and learn to drink like an Italian sommelier.

JUNE 13 Rhône Rangers: Rhône Varieties from Around the World

The native grapes of the Rhône Valley produce some of the world’s most sought-after wines. These hardy warm-climate grapes are becoming even more important as climate change causes winemakers to rethink the wines they produce. Sample some of the most prolific Rhône varieties from countries near and far.

3-session series: Fri., April 18, Fri., May 16, and Fri., June 13, 6 p.m.; CODE 2WINE2025; 6 p.m.; Members $180; Nonmembers $210

Individual sessions: Fri., April 18 (CODE 1L0-631); Fri., May 16 (CODE 1L0-632); Fri., June 13 (CODE 1L0-633); 6 p.m.; Members $70; Nonmembers $80

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes a curated personal tasting kit with enough wine for one person to sample the full lineup of wines. Additional participants must register individually to receive their own tasting kit, which is an essential component of the workshop. Kits are available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program and the day of the program, 12–5 p.m., at Shilling Canning Company (360 Water Street SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line).

NOTE: Patrons will receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to the program.

Due to state and federal laws, Smithsonian Associates cannot ship wine kits. However, SOMLYAY may be able to provide kits to participants outside the Washington, D.C., area (who must cover shipping costs). Please contact erik@thesomlyay.com for more information

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In Person

LIFELONG LEARNING

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

2024–2025 Season

The 48th season of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society features musical masterpieces from the late-16th to the early 21st centuries, played on some of the world’s most highly prized musical instruments. The repertoire ranges from acclaimed masterpieces to obscure gems by all-but-forgotten composers.

Kenneth Slowik, SCMS artistic director and recipient of the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar Award, again curates a series of pre-concert talks one hour prior to many of the programs, shedding light on the glorious music and the lives and times of the featured composers. Concerts take place in the National Museum of American History’s intimate Nicholas and Eugenia Taubman Hall of Music and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill.

For a full season overview visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

The Axelrod String Quartet: Stradivarius and Amati

Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., May 4, 6:30 p.m.

Mozart: Quartet in D Minor, K421/417b

Beethoven: Quartet in F Major, Op. 135

Ravel: Quartet in F Major

Masterworks of Five Centuries

Sun., March 16, 7:30 p.m.

Ferruccio Busoni, arr. Schönberg: Berceuse élégiaque

Gustav Mahler, arr. Slowik: Kindertotenlieder

Richard Strauss: Metamorphosen

Osvaldo Golijov: Tenebrae

Mischa Bouvier, guest soloist

The Smithsonian Chamber Orchestra

Mischa Bouvier, baritone; Kenneth Slowik, conductor

Sat., March 29, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., March 30, 6:30 p.m.

4-hands Music of Franz Schubert

Naoko Takao and Kenneth Slowik, fortepiano

For concert schedules, repertoire, individual concert registrations, and bonus offerings for subscribers visit SmithsonianAssociates.org/scms

All programs and artists subject to change. Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Kenneth Slowik, James Dunham, Marc Destrubé, and Mark Fewer

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

2024–2025 Concert Series

Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 34-year history as one of the crown jewels of the National Museum of American History.

Sat., Feb. 15 | Claude Thornhill and the Subtle Side of Jazz

See p. 2 for details

Sun., April 6 | Jazz at the Cotton Club Harlem’s Cotton Club opened its doors to jazz from 1923 to 1940. Launching the careers of Jimmie Lunceford, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and many others, this uptown cabaret was instrumental in providing a home base for orchestras cultivating the fabric of modern music. SJMO features music from these legendary big bands including “The Mooche” by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills; “Harlem Camp Meeting” by Harry White and Cab Calloway; and “Organ Grinder’s Swing” by Will Hudson, Mitchell Parish, and Irving Mills.

Sat., June 14 | Jazz Rides the Rails

Led by A. Philip Randolph, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was organized in 1925 to fight the substandard treatment and working conditions of African Americans in Pullman car service. To celebrate the centennial of this historic railroad labor union—the first of its kind—SJMO presents music highlighting railroads across America. Concert selections include “Last Train from Overbrook” by James Moody; “Blues in the Night” by Harold Arlen; and “9:20 Special” by Earle Warren, Bill Engvick and Jack Palmer.

Individual concerts: Sun., April 6 (CODE 1P0-871); Sat., June 14 (CODE 1P0-872); Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Please note: All concerts feature the full orchestra and take place at 7 p.m. at Baird Auditorium in the National Museum of Natural History. Program content is subject to change.

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The Bhagavad Gita

Ancient Wisdom for Today’s World

The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most beloved sacred texts of the world. Graham M. Schweig, a professor of religion and published translator of the Bhagavad Gita, illuminates some of the exquisite passages in this Hindu philosophical poem and examines their rich narrative context. He provides an overview of the story behind the text and its major themes and reveals how a work created around the 2nd century addresses the universal problems of the human condition today: the intrinsically conflicted soul and the mix of happiness and suffering, goodness and evil, and beauty and horror the world holds.

Tues., Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-366; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

JACLYN NASH

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

A 19th-century illustrated Sanskrit manuscript from the Bhagavad Gita, composed around the 2nd century

With a Song in My Heart A History of Singing in the Movies

From the moment movies learned to talk, they learned to sing. Audiences in 1927 were electrified when they heard Al Jolson belting out top tunes of the day in The Jazz Singer, and since then great vocalists have been star attractions in Hollywood musicals. The film industry showcased performers like Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, and Frank Sinatra with creative techniques ranging from elaborate production numbers to imaginative camerawork. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the ways Hollywood has captured its star vocalists and provided an invaluable record of indelible performances.

Wed., Feb. 5, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-430; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Botanical Gardens: A World Tour

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural expert and tour leader Keith Tomlinson leads a series of virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens around the world including sites in Germany, the East and West Coasts of the United States, and Morocco. Vibrant visuals explore how each garden takes a unique approach to design and interpretation as they all celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they all bloom.

FEB 9 Frankfurt’s Palmengarten and Washington, D.C.’s United States Botanical Garden FEB 16 South Carolina’s Brookgreen Gardens and Anima Garden in Morocco

FEB 23 The Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

3-session series: Sun., Feb. 9, 16, and 23, 4 p.m.; CODE 1NV-BOT; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Individual sessions: Sun., Feb. 9 (CODE 1NV-119); Sun., Feb. 16 (CODE 1NV-120); Sun., Feb. 23 (CODE 1NV-121); 4 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Swiftonomics: The Economics of Taylor Swift

In 2023, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time, with revenue exceeding $1 billion. While Swift clearly benefits the most, the tour also gave a financial boost to host cities around the world and a wide range of industries.

Economist Kara Reynolds, a self-described Swiftie, explores the unique economic issues associated with Swift and her impact on the music industry. Reynolds also examines the consequences of market power as she explains how the Eras Tour helped prompt the Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster/Live Nation.

Wed., Feb. 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-057; Members $25; 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.

Lena Horne singing "Why Was I Born?" in the film Till the Clouds Roll By (1946)

The Huntington Botanical Gardens

Anima Garden, Morocco Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens

GARDEN IMAGES COURTESY OF KEITH TOMLINSON

LIFELONG LEARNING

Taylor Swift, Eras Tour concert

In Person

Cheese 101 A Guide from Cheesemonster

With tasting

Have you ever found yourself pondering deeply cheesy thoughts: What makes certain cheeses smell, look, or taste the way that they do? How do I serve them? What do I look for when shopping for cheeses? And where are the best places to find them locally?

Join Alice Bergen Phillips, founder of Cheesemonster, a woman-owned mobile cheese catering and education business in Washington, D.C., for a lively investigation that serves up all the answers—and a tasting, too. Whether you’re interested in exploring a certain style or region, finding new favorites, or just want a great introduction, you’re certain to up your cheese knowledge and have a great time as you learn. Sun., Feb. 9, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-622; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The Fine Art of Yogic Awareness

The paintings and sculptures of yogic art reflect a worldview that is infinitely expansive. They capture a sense of life that is simultaneously human and divine, providing a glimpse of what it might feel like to merge with the infinite. This realm of spacious awareness is deeply rooted in the heart of all yogic practices.

Certified yoga therapist Linda Lang leads an immersive two-part exploration of some of the philosophical foundations of yogic awareness. Through lectures and guided meditation, participants investigate topics including the symbolism of the Sanskrit sacred syllable “om,” ideas of embodiment, and yoga’s paths to an enlightened and illuminated sense of self. (Sessions focus on contemplation and meditation and do not include physical postures.)

2-session series: Thurs., Feb. 13 and 20, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1NV-122; Members $50; Nonmembers $65

The Allure of Aphrodisiacs

A Sensual Culinary History

Throughout history, many cultures have attributed aphrodisiac qualities to a wide range of ingredients, often entwining culinary delights with sensual allure. Food historian Francine Segan delves into this intriguing topic, tracing the evolution of aphrodisiacs from ancient Egyptian times through the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and into contemporary society.

Discover the foods reported to have unleashed passion in figures such as Cleopatra, the Marquis de Sade, and Casanova, as well as the stories behind fascinating aphrodisiacs like frog saliva, believed to boost virility; rhinoceros horns, a symbol of potency in various cultures; and luxurious delicacies such as oysters, truffles, and caviar, each carrying a legacy of romance and desire. To enhance the experience, Segan provides registrants with classic aphrodisiac recipes to explore the world of food and passion in their own kitchen.

Thurs., Feb. 13, 6:45 p.m; CODE 1D0-084; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Voices of Abolition

From our country’s birth, slavery was a point of contention. Founding Fathers such as John Adams pointed out the contradiction of holding individuals in bondage in a society claiming “all men are created equal and endowed with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But despite the divisiveness of the issue, a full-scale abolitionist movement did not get underway until the 1830s.

When it did, African Americans were at the forefront. However, except for Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, their contributions are not widely known today. From debates over colonization to moral persuasion and outright violence, these voices of abolition helped shape and maintain the movement. Kelly Hancock of the National Civil War Museum examines several of the lesser-known activists and their efforts to end slavery and achieve equality under the law.

Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-123; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Love Potion by Evelyn de Morgan, 1903

Frederick Douglass

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. each one offering a glimpse into the evolution of complex civilizations, empires, and religions. In this monthly series, historian Justin M. Jacobs gives an in-depth overview of both well-known and lesser-known locations.

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

Samarkand

Chinese Oracle Bones

The oracle bones (ox bones and tortoise shells used for divination) found in Yinxu represent the earliest surviving records of Chinese script and have yielded unique insights into customs during the reign of the Shang dynasty. Jacobs recounts the history of the accidental discovery of what was once thought to be dragon bones and provides a new picture of Chinese civilization at the dawn of history—one filled with human sacrifice, communion with the supernatural world, and powerful women involved in military campaigns.

Wed., Feb. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-431; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Over the past 2,000 years, the city of Samarkand—located in what is now Uzbekistan—has absorbed the wealth and labors of Sogdian merchants, Manichean priests, Islamic astronomers, Mongol khans, Timurid emperors, Russian czars, and Soviet officials, all of whom attempted to use it as a base from which to conquer Central Asia. Jacobs analyzes the cultural achievements of each of these historical groups.

Wed., March 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-440; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Ancient Thebes

For approximately five centuries during the second millennium B.C.E., the Egyptian city of Thebes served as the backdrop for the construction of a bewildering array of religious temples, memorial complexes, and royal tombs. Jacobs introduces the chief cultural, religious, and political themes of the monuments of ancient Thebes: the Karnak and Luxor temples of the East Bank, the memorial temples of the West Bank, and the necropolis in the Valley of the Kings.

Wed., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-449; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Easter Island

The instantly recognizable moai statues of remote Easter Island pay silent tribute to the extraordinary seafaring skills of Polynesian migrants and their inventive stewardship of an ecologically fragile island. The rediscovery of Easter Island by Western explorers in the modern era has given rise to debates about how its original settlers reached such a distant location, how they were able to carve such large statues, and how the statues were transported. Jacobs draws on the latest scholarship and theories to explain how these giant statues came to dominate the most remote inhabited island in the world.

Wed., May 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-456; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Oracle bone with inscription

Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt

The Avenue of Mausoleums at Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Easter Island moai statues at Rano Raraku

LIFELONG LEARNING

Costume Design in Film: The First 60 Years

Film historian Max Alvarez leads a stylish journey through six decades of cinematic costume design, from the earliest days of Hollywood in the 1910s to groundbreaking work from the 1970s and beyond. Through rare archival material, including remarkable preliminary costume sketches from the hands of the greatest costume artists in history, film fashionistas can find a greater understanding of the process of designing clothes for actors from sketchpad to soundstage. Consider how costume artistry throughout movie history has enhanced our memories of unforgettable films: the gray suit designed by Edith Head for Kim Novak in Vertigo, Irene Sharaff’s massive hoop-skirted dress for Deborah Kerr in The King and I; William Travilla’s pink gown and gloves for a diamond-bedecked Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes; Cecil Beaton’s spectacular “Ascot Gavotte” fashion show in My Fair Lady; and the Montmartre chic of Walter Plunkett’s black-and-white outfits for the Beaux Arts Ball in An American in Paris. You know the costumes. Now get to know the creators behind them.

Thurs., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-552; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment

Exploring the Human Conscience

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment frequently makes the lists of greatest novels ever written. A masterful combination of philosophical and psychological inquiry, the novel explores the turmoil of the antihero Raskolnikov as he plots and commits a grotesque crime. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, discusses the storytelling techniques and historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts that inform Dostoevsky’s literary vision.

Orchestrating Greatness

Movies, Their Music, and the Oscars

Sat., Feb. 22, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-435; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Experiencing a great film score can have a lifelong impact. Composers such as Bernard Herrmann, Max Steiner, Ennio Morricone, and John Williams have engraved iconic scenes into our collective memory with their extraordinary music, even if the rest of the movie might have faded. Over the years the Oscars have seen some of the greatest moments in film music history. Just ahead of the latest presentation, concert pianist and film-music fanatic Rachel Franklin leads an immersive journey through 90 years of award-winning movie scores, accompanied by her grand piano and a wide collection of fascinating film clips.

Rachel Franklin

Mon., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-553; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

“Sleeping Beauty”: Once Upon a Dream

“Sleeping Beauty” is one of our most famous and most often retold fairy tales. It has a long, complicated past and can even be connected to the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, which tells of the beauty of nature undergoing a temporary death in the autumn and returning to life with the arrival of spring. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman explore “Sleeping Beauty,” delving into how people tell the story around the world, what changes it has undergone, and how it has been retold to tackle new ideas in recent times. The program includes the opportunity for participation by attendees.

Tues., Feb. 25, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-428; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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

Audrey Hepburn on the set of My Fair Lady

LIFELONG LEARNING

Fyodor Dostoevsky by Vasily Perov, 1872

Sleeping Beauty by Henry Meynell Rheam, 1899

Rehearsing for the

New York City in the 1930s

Overcoming the Great Depression

In many ways New York City was both a paradigm of the suffering of the Great Depression and an engine of recovery. As the mayoralty moved from playboy Jimmy Walker to “The Little Flower,” Fiorello LaGuardia, and the presidency from Herbert Hoover to FDR, the process of recuperation began, as the city reaped the benefits of New York-focused policies and projects of the New Deal.

The spectrum of popular culture ranged from films like Busby Berkeley’s backstage musical extravaganzas to hard-hitting social commentary in plays supported by the Federal Theatre Project such as The Cradle Will Rock, while the songs people heard on the radio ranged from “We’re in the Money” to “Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?” Cultural historian

George Scheper explores the moods of the times as reflected in the cultural crosscurrents of literature, music, stage, and screen, with escapist entertainment counterbalanced by strong currents of social realism and social engagement.

Thurs., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-372; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

A

Night

at the Oscars

The Academy Awards will be announced on March 2. Get ready by joining Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell for an evening that focuses on all things Oscar, from Academy Awards history and trivia to discussions of this year’s nominations and behind-the-scenes stories. He also sorts through all the story lines, rumors, and gossip.

Plus, cast your vote for the winners in several major categories. The most accurate predictions are eligible for prizes after the awards are presented.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m.; CODE 1J0438; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A History of Hollywood Censorship

From the Hays Code to X-Rated Movies

From the beginnings of motion pictures in the 1890s, some civic authorities have felt they needed to be regulated to protect innocent young minds and discourage immorality. To counter the growing establishment of film censorship boards by cities and states, Hollywood eventually created the 1934 Hays Code, which set up strict rules of language and conduct for films. In 1968, the code was replaced by a voluntary ratings system. Yet 50-plus years later, that system continues to have its own problems. Media historian Brian Rose looks at the long history of movie censorship.

Wed., March 5, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-439; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Rewards of Container Gardening

Karl Gercens, Longwood Gardens’ conservatory manager, explores the exciting possibilities of container garden design and display. He surveys the wide range of available container materials, including metal, wood, ceramics, and terracotta, and discusses the importance of carefully selecting the plantings that go into them. Gercens provides advice on plants that thrive in conditions of sun, shade, and wind (and even in the presence of animals), as well as tips on watering, fertilization, and pest and disease control. Photos of displays at Longwood Gardens offer inspiration for creating your own container garden.

Mon., March 10, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-126; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Container of conifers with a grouping of juniperus

Federal Theatre Project production of The Cradle Will Rock

Thou Shalt Not, protest photo by Whitey Schafer illustrating the Hays Code’s strictures

John Donne: Poet and Preacher

John Donne (1572–1631) was one of the greatest of English poets. A near contemporary of Shakespeare, he lived and wrote in the last years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and throughout that of her successor, James I. Donne is known as a metaphysical poet for his use of highly unusual similes and metaphors, often drawn from science, engineering, and cosmology. He produced erotic and often-cynical love poems; religious verse (the Holy Sonnets); and religious prose, including what are regarded as the greatest sermons of his era. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson discusses the life and achievements of Donne in the context of the 17th century and offers interpretations of several of his poetic and prose works.

Tues., March 11, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-560; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

In Person

Great Composer-Pianists

Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and Brahms

Popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin guides a unique look at the monumental keyboard talents of four great composer-pianists and how their performing virtuosity influenced the piano works we enjoy today. With a legacy of printed compositions but no recordings, how can we get closer to the moments of creation and performance when these artists poured out their genius for listeners?

Franklin offers a fascinating exploration into the creative minds—and hands—of a quartet of piano pioneers celebrated for their prowess as composers and performers. She concludes each lecture with a live performance of a work by the spotlighted composer.

4-session series: Mon., March 10–31, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-559; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Smithsonian Chorus: Legends of Song

Looking for a choral program that celebrates memorable music across the decades? This is the one for you. Ernest Johnson leads the ensemble in arrangements of the hits you know and love. Songs may include favorites by ABBA, Dolly Parton, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and others, selected by the conductor. (The final song list and musical arrangements are chosen to fit the specific vocal and musical abilities of the group.)

No audition is required. Singers receive general instruction in vocal techniques that include exercises in healthy breath management for singing and improving your singing tone and range. Rehearsals culminate in a free performance for invited guests (reservations are required).

12 sessions plus performance: Thurs., March 13–June 5, 6:30 p.m. (no rehearsal April 17); Thurs., June 12 performance, 7:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1P0-874; Members $150; Nonmembers $165

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The Psychology of Nostalgia

Derived from the Greek words “nostos” (return) and “algos” (pain), nostalgia is a central theme in The Odyssey as Odysseus longs for his day of return. Odysseus’ struggle to return to his homeland after the Trojan War is an early example of nostalgia in fiction.

Jeffrey Green, professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, dives into the psychology of nostalgia and similar forms of mental time travel. Green tackles questions such as what nostalgia is and whether it is a healthy emotion. Examining triggers—how foods, scents, and songs can transport us back to cherished memories—and the psychology behind these sensory experiences, Green also explores the connections between the senses and the emotional landscapes they evoke.

Thurs., March 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-059; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

John Donne by Isaac Oliver

Ancient Foods and Flavors

What can bits of burned seeds, bones, or invisible residues on cups and plates tell us about food and cooking in the past? Archaeologists can go beyond the basic information they get from ancient leftovers to rediscover the cuisines of past peoples. Their investigations combine paleontology, geochemistry, medicine, art history, and dozens of experiments to connect with the fields, kitchens, campfires, and banquet tables of history.

Archaeologist Katherine Moore discusses current culinary research undertaken by the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, where she studies and teaches about ancient food in its Center for Analysis of Ancient Materials. She unfolds the stories of important flavors like chili peppers and chocolate and illustrates how the spread of foods and flavors among cultures and regions tells stories that have been hidden or forgotten.

Wed., March 19, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-125; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Bright Circle

Five Remarkable Transcendentalist Women

In 1839, five young women in Boston formed a conversation society “to answer the great questions” of importance to women: “What are we born to do? How shall we do it?”

The women who discussed these questions were remarkable thinkers and artists who also played pathbreaking— but often-overlooked—roles in the birth of the transcendentalist movement.

Randall Fuller, a professor of 19th-century American literature at the University of Kansas, examines the philosophy as a more collaborative project between women and men than usually thought. He recounts the lives of writer and diarist Mary Moody Emerson; translator Elizabeth Palmer Peabody; her sister Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, a painter; essayist and poet Lydia Jackson Emerson; and Margaret Fuller, a prodigy in philosophy and German literature—and how together they helped form the foundations of American feminism.

Fuller’s book Bright Circle: Five Remarkable Women in the Age of Transcendentalism (Oxford University Press) is available for purchase.

Thurs., March 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-562; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

D.C.’s Trailblazing Women Chefs

Women chefs are leading the kitchens of some the most exciting restaurants in Washington, D.C., today. Following the path paved by culinary innovators including Julia Child, Alice Waters, and Washington’s own Nora Pouillon, today’s female trailblazers are making their distinctive mark on the capital’s dining scene.

In an evening of lively conversation, join several of these star chefs as they discuss what it’s like to work in the maledominated restaurant industry; how restaurant dining in Washington has evolved over the years; and what’s next on the region’s culinary horizon. Top things off with a bite from each of the chefs’ restaurants, along with cocktails provided by Thi Nguyen of the Vietnamese restaurant Moon Rabbit and Sara Chaudhuri of Bresca.

Panelists are Amy Brandwein, chef and owner of Centrolina and Piccolina da Centrolina and a six-time James Beard Award nominee; Julie Cortes, chef at Hiraya Café and its upstairs restaurant, Kayu; and Susan Bae, executive pastry chef of Moon Rabbit and a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist. Food, wine, and hospitality journalist Nycci Nellis, co-host of the Foodie & the Beast podcast, serves as moderator. Thurs., March 27, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-626; Members $40; Nonmembers $50

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Susan Bae Nycci Nellis

In Person

Julie Cortes

Amy Brandwein

RACHEL PARAOAN 60

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

REY LOPEZ PHOTO

Enough Is Enuf

Why Isn’t English Easier To Spell?

Everyone has struggled with writing the English language. But if our system of writing words is so inconsistent, we should have standardized it, phoneticized it, brought it into line, and declared “Enough is enuf.” Legions of rebel wordsmiths have already risked their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. Mark Twain, Ben Franklin, C. S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, and Charles Darwin are among others on both sides of the Atlantic who became fanatically occupied with writing thru instead of through, laf for laugh, and dawter for daughter (and tried futilely to get everyone around them to do it, too.)

Gabe Henry, author of Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell, traces 500 years of efforts to wrestle our language’s spelling into submission and why technology might now be naturally simplifying it thanks to texting, X (aka Twitter), and emojis. Copies of Enough Is Enuf (HarperCollins) are available for sale.

Tues., April 1, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-127 Members $25; Nonmembers $30

“And Now, a Word From Our Sponsor”

The Early Days of TV Advertising

As soon as television began in the late 1940s, advertising was a vital part of the picture. The medium’s first big star, Milton Berle, appeared on “Texaco Star Theater,” while “The Dinah Shore Chevy Show” and “The Bell Telephone Hour” drew large weekly audiences. Throughout the 1950s, advertisers controlled the content of a large part of prime time, selling their products through full program sponsorships. With the shift toward 30-second spots from a variety of companies in the 1960s, advertisers embraced new techniques. Media historian Brian Rose examines how advertising evolved during television’s first two decades and how it helped convince viewers that the key to happiness was to buy their way into the American dream.

Wed., April 2, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-446; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A Toast to the Cocktail’s Ultimate Guide

With Tasting

Anthropologists and historians have confirmed the central role alcohol has played in nearly every society since the dawn of civilization, but only recently has it become the subject of serious scholarly inquiry. The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, published in 2021, is the first major reference work to cover the subject from a global perspective and provides an authoritative and entertaining overview of this branch of the alcohol family. It covers drinks, processes, and techniques, as well as the history and culture of cocktail consumption. With entries ranging from the Manhattan to mixology, sloe gin to stills, it’s the ultimate guide to understanding what’s in your glass.

Assembling the massive compendium was no easy task. Editor in chief David Wondrich, associate editor Noah Rothbaum, and contributor Philip Greene serve up a lively and informative evening in which they discuss the challenges and rewards of creating this contribution to our understanding of civilized drinking. Four sample cocktails are served during the event, along with light snacks. Copies of The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails (Oxford University Press) are available for purchase and signing.

Wed., April 9, 6:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1L0-630; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Elements of Fiction Writing

In a course for both beginning and seasoned writers, author Judy Pomeranz examines the basic elements of fiction such as plot, character, setting, and point of view and explores how these tools are deployed in effective storytelling. Discussions include finding story ideas; turning ideas into short stories and novels; creating compelling beginnings and endings; the logistics of writing; and the life of a writer. Optional writing assignments are offered for participants interested in practicing what will be examined in theory, along with brief exercises to stimulate creativity.

Pomeranz is the author of the novel Love Without Asterisks and Love on a Small Island, a collection of short fiction. She has also written numerous non-fiction articles, art reviews, and short stories published in a variety of newspapers and magazines.

2-session series: Wed., April 9 and 16, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-569; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

How To Read a Poem

60

LIFELONG LEARNING

For many of us, poetry can be intimidating. Humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson marks National Poetry Month by offering ways for those who are new to the form to approach poetry with comfort, confidence, and joy. For those who know poetry well, he provides a reminder of why good poetry is so satisfying—and necessary to a healthy civilization.

This two-part program begins with a Monday lecture exploring a selection of relatively short poems by authors who span the centuries, first to tease out their “argument” (a paraphrase of what’s going on in the poem), then to notice the ways in which poetic language, meter, and tone deepen and enrich the verse. After learning how to approach poetry, lecture participants are invited to return on Thursday for a smaller-capacity, interactive group discussion.

2-session series: Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m. (lecture) and Thurs., April 17, 6:30 p.m. (group discussion); CODE 1K0-573; Members $65; Nonmembers $85

Lecture only: Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-574; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

“Take

the Cannoli”: Understanding the Godfather Films

The Godfather, parts 1 and 2, are often listed as among the greatest films of all time. Together with part 3, these films constitute a powerful cinematic trilogy that explores the myth of Italian American culture, the refashioning of the gangster film genre, and the influence of European auteur cinema on the Hollywood studio system.

Joseph Luzzi, a literature professor at Bard College who also teaches courses on film and Italian studies, examines the cinematic techniques and themes that give the Godfather films their enduring appeal. He also considers the role this trilogy played in the career of director Francis Ford Coppola.

Sat., April 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-448; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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

99% Perspiration

Does America’s Work Culture Still Work?

Americans work more hours, take fewer days off, move more for their jobs, and enjoy fewer benefits than everyone else in the Western working world. Nearly 40% of Americans say they’re failing to get ahead despite working hard. And Americans believe a good career is more impor tant to a fulfilling life than close friendships, marriage, or children. Drawing on his new book, 99% Perspiration, journalist Adam Chandler examines the realities of how work defines us and what work culture costs us.

Chandler discusses how this American dream and nightmare came to be and why success stories often have little to do with grit, hustle, or determination. He examines the history and modern story of work and showcases experiments from around the country and the world that offer blueprints for a better and more sustainable way forward, such as France’s “right to disconnect” and Denmark’s 37-hour work week.

Copies of 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life (Pantheon) are available for purchase.

Tues., April 15, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-628; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Where Harry Met Sally

The Cuisine and Culture of the Jewish Deli

For much of the 20th century, the deli was an iconic institution in both Jewish and American life, a kind of homeland for the soul—with pickles on the side. As a social space it rivaled, and in some ways surpassed, the synagogue as the primary gathering place for the Jewish community. Today, after a long period of being considered hopelessly old-fashioned, the Jewish deli is experiencing a nostalgic resurgence.

Ted Merwin, the National Jewish Book Award–winning author of Pastrami on Rye: An Overstuffed History of the Jewish Deli, discusses the past, present, and future of the deli in an age of ethnic nostalgia, sustainability, and artisanal food and drink. He traces the deli from its origins in Germany and Eastern Europe to its development in this country into a quintessential part of urban Jewish life. Wed., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-629; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Plato: His Life in Athens

Plato is a key figure from the beginnings of Western philosophy, yet the impact of his lived experience on his thought has rarely been explored. Born during a war that would lead to Athens’ decline, he lived in deeply unsettled times. Carol Atack, a fellow and director of studies in classics at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, explores how Plato’s life in Athens influenced his thinking; his development of the Socratic dialogue into a powerful philosophical tool; and how he used the institutions of Athenian society to create a compelling imaginative world. Looking through the lens of his turbulent life, Atack illustrates how Plato made Athens the place where diverse ideas were integrated into a new way of approaching the big questions about life, then and now. Her book Plato: A Civic Life (Reaktion Books) is available for purchase.

Fri., May 2, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-570; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Rethinking Mark Twain: From Huckleberry Finn to Percival Everett’s James

Percival Everett’s novel James from 2024 powerfully rewrites Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the runaway slave Jim. Literature professor Joseph Luzzi explores the issues and themes that drive both of these groundbreaking works. He considers how Everett’s modern re-imagining of one of the most canonical works in literature addresses major concerns in American life today, especially ones related to race and the legacy of slavery.

Sat., May 10, 10 a.m–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-454; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Early morning at Katz's Delicatessen, featured in the film When Harry Met Sally

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

Welcome to Mars

Why are we so fascinated with Mars, our neighbor in space? The Red Planet is so like Earth in some ways and so utterly different in others. Spacecraft from NASA and the European Space Agency are scrutinizing every bit of its globe from orbit to determine the planet’s geologic history. And two of NASA’s robotic rovers, Curiosity and Perseverance, continue their decade-long quest for evidence that Mars was once much warmer, wetter, and more hospitable to life than it is today.

J. Kelly Beatty, senior editor for Sky & Telescope magazine, leads an examination of Mars from afar and up close. Learn where to locate it in the night sky and get a sense of what can be seen of it through a backyard telescope. Hear the latest updates on our current and future exploration of Mars and delve into the real odds of finding life there.

Thurs., Feb. 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-620; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Space Shuttle’s Legacy

The space shuttle was America’s iconic spaceship for 30 years, lifting 355 astronauts into orbit and teaching NASA how to work expertly in space. The shuttles spent 1,323 days in orbit and deployed 180 satellites, payloads, and space station components. Thirty-seven shuttle missions built and supplied the International Space Station. NASA astronaut Tom Jones looks at the shuttle’s legacy through the eyes of the more than 130 fellow space fliers he interviewed for his book Space Shuttle Stories (Smithsonian Books). Signed copies of the book are available for purchase.

Wed., Feb. 26, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-058; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Advice on Living Longer from the Blue Zones

With WebMD’s John Whyte

In some areas of the world, called Blue Zones, the people who reside there live longer than the average person. Many of them have lower rates of cancer and heart disease, their stress levels are minimal, and their happiness levels rate high.

So what do these people living near or in several towns in California, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica, and Sardinia have in common? Find out what you can do to better align your lifestyle with those of Blue Zone inhabitants—without having to relocate. Should you drink a glass of wine with dinner every night or walk 10,000 steps daily? John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer, shares practical tips for longer lives—in your zone and beyond.

Mon., March 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-554; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Wild Wings Fascinating Pollinators and Their Stories

What do an annoying house fly, the nearly endangered Mexican long-tongued bat, and a poop-eating butterfly have in common? Each creature, respectively, is the reason we can enjoy a bite of chocolate, a nip of a tequila, or the calming scent of lavender.

Naturalist and educator Liana Vitali of Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary in Maryland tells fascinating stories about pollinators around the world. Surveying bees and bats and everything in between, her vignettes offer an entertaining, informative glimpse into the lives of these pollinating winged marvels—and how our lives depend largely on their unique and wild ways.

Thurs., March 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-556; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

programs are part of

Mars and its moon Phobos, captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope

John Whyte

Space shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

A Natural History Road Trip

Badlands to Yellowstone

Join naturalist Keith Tomlinson on a virtual Great Western adventure that spans from South Dakota to the mighty heights of Yellowstone. He highlights geology, wildlife, biogeography, wildlife, conservation initiatives, native peoples, and recreational opportunities along the way.

Begin at the colorful Badlands National Park, move on to Mount Rushmore, and then to the grand volcanic monolith of Wyoming’s Devils Tower. Adventuring farther west, take in the remote Cloud Peak Wilderness, crown jewel of the often-overlooked Big Horn Mountains, and conclude at Yellowstone National Park, with its extraordinary ecology balanced delicately atop one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas.

Wed., March 12, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-112; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Balanced Brain

The Science of Mental Health

Fire and Ice: Antarctica’s Volcanic History

Unlikely as it may seem, the icy continent of Antarctica has a fiery volcanic past—and future. Ever since explorers set foot on the continent, more has been learned about its rich geologic history and volcanic activity. Volcanologist Samuel Mitchell highlights Antarctica’s active volcanoes and how they are researched by scientists today, as well as how volcanoes have affected wildlife and were once home to the whaling industry. Mitchell explains how volcanic and magmatic activity shaped the continent and how tectonic plate movement doomed Antarctica to its icy fate.

Fri., March 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-443; $20; Nonmembers $25

The human brain is constantly adapting to life’s turbulence to maintain health. But what happens when balance falters? Neuroscientist Camilla Nord delves into how our brains strive for equilibrium. From the neurobiology of pleasure, pain, and desire to the role of mood-mediating chemicals, she examines the foundations of mental health in the brain.

Nord surveys the evolving landscape of mental health interventions, the groundbreaking scientific developments that are revolutionizing the way we think about mental health, and how the seemingly small things we use to lift our moods—a piece of chocolate, a walk, a chat with a friend—work on the same pathways in our brains as the latest treatments for mental health. Nord’s book, The Balanced Brain: The Science of Mental Health (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Fri., April 4, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-091; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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

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 Geologic Tour of Iceland

Explore spectacular scenery and a geologic overview of Iceland in a virtual field trip led by volcanologist Kirt Kempter, who has led more than 30 tours to the country for the Smithsonian since his first visit in 1995. Geologic highlights include the boundary between North American and Eurasian plates; unusual volcanoes that form beneath vast glaciers; famous volcanic eruptions including those of the small island of Heimaey in 1973 and ice-capped Eyjafjallajökul in 2010; and older historic eruptions that affected global climate and human populations. Kempter employs maps, photographs, diagrams, and Google Earth images to spotlight the key features that make Iceland a bucket-list destination for all geologists.

Mon., April 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-128; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Aerobiome: An Invisible Ecosystem

Every day the average person draws in 2,000 gallons of air—and with it, thousands of living things. The bacteria, fungi, algae, and other organisms that inhabit the air in an invisible ecosystem known as the aerobiome constitute one of the last great frontiers of science.

New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer draws on his new book, Air-Borne, to examine how its nature was discovered by aerobiology pioneers who were doubted for generations. He contextualizes the recent pandemic as part of a bigger, largely untold story and explores how the aerobiome is an essential part of a living world—a place where the oceans and forests loft trillions of cells into the air, where microbes eat clouds, and where life soars thousands of miles on the wind.

Copies of Air-Borne: The Hidden History of the Life We Breathe (Dutton) are available for purchase. Thurs., April 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-627; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Language of Symmetry

Linking Theoretical Physics and the Everyday World

What do the music of J.S. Bach, the fundamental forces of nature, Rubik’s Cube, and the selection of mates have in common? They are all characterized by certain symmetries. Symmetry is the concept that bridges science and art, between the world of theoretical physics and the everyday world that we see around us. Yet the language of symmetry—the mathematical branch of group theory—emerged from a most unlikely source: an equation that couldn’t be solved.

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio explains how symmetry underlies not only some of the most important phenomena in our lives and in the evolution of humans but also the laws governing our universe. Along the way, he tells the gripping story of several brilliant mathematicians who discovered the language of symmetry, including two geniuses who tragically died young.

Wed., April 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-381; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

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

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

Kvernufoss waterfall in Iceland

The NASA Landolt Space Mission

George Mason University will be home to the new NASA Landolt space mission, which aims to put an artificial star into orbit around Earth. The goal is to allow scientists to calibrate telescopes and more accurately measure the brightnesses of stars. The science associated with the project and what astronomers hope to learn from it are explained by Peter Plavchan, the mission’s principal investigator and associate professor of physics and astronomy at the university.

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

Tues., May 6, 7 p.m.; CODE 1J0-452; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory

The Hidden World of Baby Animals

Entire ecosystems rest on the shoulders (or tentacles or jointed exoskeletons) of animal babies. At any given moment, babies represent the majority of animal life on Earth. Biologist Danna Staaf invites you to explore these tiny lives and discover some of nature’s most ingenious workings. For example, a salamander embryo breathes with the help of algae inside its cells, the young grub of a Goliath beetle dwarfs its parents, and the spotted beak of a parasitic baby bird tricks adults of other species into feeding it. Our planet needs them all, the maggots as much as the kittens.

Wed., May 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-453; Members $20; Nonmember $25

Taking the Wild Out of the Animal

A Story of Siberian Silver Foxes

Tucked away in Siberia, there are furry, four-legged creatures with wagging tails and floppy ears that are as docile and friendly as any lapdog. But, despite appearances, these are not dogs but foxes. They are the result of one of the most astonishing experiments in breeding ever undertaken, intended to speed up thousands of years of evolution into a few decades. Evolutionary biologist Lee Alan Dugatkin takes you inside this groundbreaking experiment by Soviet biologists Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut, begun in 1959.

Mon., May 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-455; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Gouldian finch hatchling

Siberian silver fox

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 2024, 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.

Registration is ongoing; for a limited time, new participants receive a World Art History Certificate tote bag.

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 core course: Earn 1 credit

The Art of India: From the Indus Valley to Independence

Ever since its origins in an ancient civilization along the Indus River, the complex culture of South Asia has given rise to some of the world’s most remarkable artistic creations. Robert DeCaroli, professor in the department of history and art history at George Mason University, highlights the artistic traditions and historical changes in the Indian subcontinent from the earliest archaeological evidence to the onset of colonialism.

Sat., Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-429; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Spanish Art and Architecture: A Treasury of Delights

The art and architecture of Spain as seen in the works of El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Picasso, and Gaudi offer a window into the influences that define the country’s history and national identity. Art historian Joseph Cassar highlights artworks and structures that exemplify Spain’s distinctive cultural heritage.

His survey encompasses El Greco’s expressionistic and mystical altarpieces for churches in Toledo; the realistic portraiture of Velázquez and bold and powerful creations by Goya and Picasso; the magnificent Galician cathedral of Santiago de Compostela; the opulent Nasrid residences of the Alhambra at Granada; Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral, an inventive recasting of Gothic traditions; and other works.

4-session series: Wed., Feb. 5–26, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-542; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

Seeing History Through Artists’ Eyes

Artists such as Picasso, David, and Goya came to grips with the political upheavals of their day with heroic and searing images that elicit our admiration or moral outrage. Picasso’s Guernica is more than a fractured scene of the horror, pain, and chaos during the bombing of a Basque town. It is also an indelible political statement about the tragedies of modern technological warfare, especially the indiscriminate killing of civilians. Jacques-Louis David’s The Death of Marat and Napoleon Crossing the Alps paint the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars in heroic, mythic terms. But Francisco Goya’s The Third of May 1808 is a scathing indictment of those wars.

This interplay between artistic expression and social and political content is a complex one. Art historian Judy Scott Feldman looks at four historical turning points and the artists who responded to religious, social, and political upheaval with powerful artworks that continue to resonate today.

4-session series: Wed., Feb. 5–26, 6:45 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1L0-621; Members $105; Nonmembers $125

Read more about programs in this guide on our website. Search by code or date.

Expanded program descriptions, presenters’ information, and more at SmithsonianAssociates.org.

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Taj Mahal, completed in 1643, Agra, India

Casa Batlló roof detail by Antoni Gaudí

The Death of Marat, 1793, by Jacques-Louis David PRADO, MADRID

The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, 1814

Writing Workshops

Write Into Art

Mary Hall Surface

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more. The workshops have a limited enrollment to maximize interaction among the instructor and students.

Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. In a series of five online workshops, explore essential elements of writing and styles through close looking, word-sketching, and imaginative response to prompts. The sessions spotlight a diverse range of visual art chosen to inspire writers of all experience levels to deepen their process and practice.

FEB 4 Story: Imagine Possibilities

FEB 11 Character: Discover Dimensions

FEB 18 Place: Layers Unveiled

FEB 25 Time: Flashbacks, Fast-Forwards, and Foreshadows

MAR 4 View: From Above

5-session series: Tues., Feb. 4–March 4, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-544; Members $175; Nonmembers $185

Individual sessions: Tues., Feb. 4 (CODE 1K0-545); Tues., Feb. 11 (CODE 1K0-546); Tues., Feb 18 (CODE 1K0-547); Tues., Feb 25 (CODE 1K0-548); Tues., March 4 (CODE 1K0549); 10 a.m.; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Winds of Change

A Reflective Writing Workshop

Inspired by the masterful prints of one of Japan’s most innovative artists, Katsushika Hokusai, and by poetry across time, slow down, look closely, and reflect to explore the metaphor of wind in our world and in our lives.

Tues., March 25, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-563; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by Katsushika Hokusai

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Divine Drama: The Gods in Love

Through classical texts like Hesiod’s Theogony and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, along with artistic portrayals on vases and in marble, we can today piece together the romantic entanglements of Greco-Roman deities. Despite their divine status, the gods of these myths grappled with feelings remarkedly human in nature, such as desire, jealousy, and the quest for revenge.

Art historian Renee Gondek delves into Greco-Roman tales of love, lust, and woe as reflected in both ancient and contemporary artworks depicting passionate couples such as Zeus and Leda, Eros and Psyche, and Apollo and Daphne.

Thurs., Feb. 6, 12 p.m.; CODE 1T0-014; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Farm by Kenjiro Nomura, 1934

People in the Sun by Edward Hopper, 1960

Ejiri in Suruga Province (Sunshū Ejiri), from the series Thirty-six

The Abduction of Europa by Jean François de Troy, 1716

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

Florentine Splendor: The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

Florence’s imposing Pitti Palace was chosen by Cosimo I de’ Medici and his wife Eleanora of Toledo as the grand ducal residence in 1549 and it soon became the new symbol of the Medicis’ power over Tuscany. Its severe façade belied the riches found inside: More than a home, it was a repository for great art.

Today the palace is divided into several sections, including the Palatine Gallery, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, and the beloved Boboli Gardens. Ruffolo offers a virtual visit to the Palatine Gallery, where she highlights a selection of painting masterpieces and discusses the extraordinary objets d’art, followed by a stroll through the gardens.

Fri., Feb. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-085; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Donatello: Artist of the Florentine Renaissance

Working amid the vibrant creativity of Florence in the 15th century, Donatello created sculptural works that encompass emotions from unabashed joy and frivolity to formal grandeur to deeply personal religious conviction. A technical master, he broke new ground in the methods he used and the forms he chose to develop, leaving behind a legacy of works that seem startlingly modern.

Ruffolo highlights the life and work of this artist who embodied the ideas of the Renaissance in sculpture. Donatello’s creations—whether the elegant “David,” the dynamic “Saint George,” or the deeply moving “Penitent Magdalene”—speak to universal human experiences that continue to captivate viewers today. Fri., March 21, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-086; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Botticelli: Money, Beauty, and Repentance

Sandro Botticelli emerged from the vibrant and turbulent milieu of late 15thcentury Florence. His work exemplifies the rich tapestry of Italian Renaissance art, characterized by its revival of classical themes and exploration of humanism. Masterpieces such as The Birth of Venus and Primavera showcase his remarkable mastery of line, form, and mythological narrative.

Botticelli’s career flourished under the patronage of the Medici family, but his trajectory was significantly affected by the dramatic events of the day, notably the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497. Ignited by the sermons of Girolamo Savonarola, it saw countless artworks condemned as immoral and destroyed— and marked a turning point in Botticelli’s life and work. Ruffolo traces the artist’s journey from his early triumphs as a Medici favorite to his later years shaped by religious zeal and spiritual introspection. Fri., April 11, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-092; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Pitti Palace in Florence

Saint George by Donatello

Primavera by Sandro Botticelli, ca. 1482

The Last Judgment (detail) by Michelangelo, 16th century

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Preachers, Pyres, and Pants

Artistic Censorship, 1300–1600

Throughout the centuries, iconic works of art have been banned, destroyed, and altered in efforts to control what is seen and how it should be understood. The period between 1300 and 1600 was a particularly tumultuous time, with fierce debates over morality, beauty, and the role of art. In the Bonfire of the Vanities—stoked by preacher Girolamo Savonarola—artworks deemed morally suspect were cast into flames. The destruction of “idols” and whitewashing of church interiors during the Reformation also exemplify how religious and cultural shifts can obliterate centuries of artistic achievement.

Art historian Joseph Forte examines the historical roots, motivations, and consequences of censorship, highlighting the tensions surrounding both the rebellious Caravaggio and the “divine” Michelangelo. In Michelangelo’s case, the nudity in his The Last Judgment was so pervasive that a papal commission tasked his friend Daniele da Volterra with covering it—earning him the nickname “The Pantsmaker.” Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-083; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Camille Claudel: A New Look

Camille Claudel was recognized as a genius in her own time, and the details of her dramatic life—her relationship with Auguste Rodin and the 30 years she spent confined against her will in a mental institution—have inspired movies, plays, a novel, a musical, and a ballet.

An exhibition seen at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Los Angeles County Art Museum in 2023 and 2024 re-evaluated all aspects of Claudel’s career, from her early portraits to nature studies to her most important allegorical and mythological subjects, as well as the artistic emulation that flowed between Claudel and Rodin.

Art historian David Gariff discusses the extraordinary success that Claudel achieved despite the many barriers facing women artists, particularly sculptors, at the turn of the 20th century.

Fri., Feb. 7, 12 p.m.; CODE 1H0-848; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Miracle of Brunelleschi’s Dome

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Understanding Contemporary Art

From Pop to Pluralism and Beyond

Avant-garde American art of the 1960s was dominated by two contradictory impulses. One group of young artists returned to representational art with a cool and decidedly modern twist known as Pop. Concurrently, the so-called Minimalists created a new kind of abstraction, paring down their works to a few carefully considered colors and forms.

Beginning in the 1970s, artists explored an enormous range of new materials, techniques, and styles. That pluralistic experimentation encompassed forms from conceptual and Super-Realistic art to environmental and performance art, all of which still resonate today. Art historian Nancy G. Heller looks at the roots and later influences of radical American art from the last five decades.

5-session series: Tues., Feb. 11–March 11, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2369; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

The octagonal dome that was to crown Santa Maria del Fiore, the cathedral begun in Florence in 1294, presented the most daunting architectural puzzle of the age to architect Filippo Brunelleschi: how to raise the highest and widest vault ever attempted. The logistical problems were staggering. How could this enormous octagonal structure be made self-supporting? How could the tons of masonry be lifted more than 200 feet and laid into place with micrometric accuracy?

Ross King, author of Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture, examines the strategies developed by Brunelleschi as he worked from 1420 to 1436 to successfully execute what remains the world’s largest masonry dome.

Thurs., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-850; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Miss Lillian, 1977, by Andy Warhol

Marble sculpture

“Vertumnus and Pomona” by Camille Claudel, 1905

LIFELONG LEARNING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Dishing on Presidential China

As part of the most visible household in the nation, china used in the White House offers a comprehensive overview of the changing styles, tastes, and modes of entertaining across almost 250 years of American history. Philadelphia Museum of Art curator David Barquist explores the history of the porcelain tableware chosen by American presidents and their families for public and private dining. Barquist’s examples include Martha Washington’s “States” china, derived from Benjamin Franklin’s design for colonial Pennsylvania currency, and a Wedgwood state service chosen by Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt in 1903 to harmonize with the renovation of the White House during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency.

Wed., Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-434; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Introduction to American Art

From the glorious vistas of American landscape painting to the bold splashes and strokes of Abstract Expressionism, American artists have captured the nation’s enormous energy and tumultuous growth. Art historian Bonita Billman introduces major artists and movements in American painting from the late 18th century to the present, revealing the connection between historical changes and artistic choices.

5-session series: Thurs., Feb. 20–March 20, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-370; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

The Night Watch (detail) by Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Part II)

Over the centuries, major themes in art continue to appear and reappear. The nude, history, fantasy, and animals are a few notable examples that artists have interpreted in styles ranging from the naturalistic to the surreal. Art historian Joseph Cassar examines important masterworks within these genres and offers a new way to understand and appreciate the similarities among—and the uniqueness of—the artists and the cultural norms that influenced their choices.

4-session series: Wed., March 5–26, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-555; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

John Singer Sargent

No art better exemplifies the Belle Époque than the lavish portraits of the rich, famous, and fashionable from both sides of the Atlantic created by John Singer Sargent. The American-born artist who spent most of his life in Europe captured them in works characterized by loose, sensuous brushwork, rich colors, and astute psychological insights conveyed through facial features, hands, and posture.

He also created a unique body of watercolors that convey with simplicity and economy of brushstrokes the very essence of a place—often back alleys and byways that reveal urban life beyond the grand boulevards and depict very different lifestyles than those enjoyed by his portrait subjects. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz presents an overview of Sargent’s output in the context of his time, as well as an examination of the stylistic and formal elements that set his work apart from that of his contemporaries and even successors.

Thurs., March 13, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-561; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Niagara by Frederic Edwin Church, 1857

Ice cream plate from the Hayes presidential service, Haviland & Co., ca. 1880

Madame X (detail) by John Singer Sargent, 1884

Italy

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

Santa Maria Novella

The Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, completed in the 14th century in Florence, is the city’s principal Dominican church. Located next to the main railway station, the church, cloisters, and chapter house contain works by some of Italy’s most notable Gothic and early Renaissance artists, including Brunelleschi, Giotto, Giambologna, Ghiberti, Masaccio, and Ghirlandaio.

Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known church and museum and its treasures.

Mon., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-436; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Cathedral Museum) Siena

The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, or Cathedral Museum, in Siena, Italy, houses works of art and architectural fragments that were formerly in, or a part of, the Duomo of Siena (Siena Cathedral). These include a number of Italian Gothic sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and his school from the façade of the cathedral; the Maestà of Duccio di Buoninsegna, which was the altarpiece for about 200 years; and works by Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti. Ruggiero highlights this lesser-known museum and its treasures.

Wed., March 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-441; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze

The Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, or Gallery of the Academy of Florence, is best known as the home of Michelangelo’s sculpture “David.” However, the museum is also home to several other important sculptures by Michelangelo as well as a large collection of paintings by Florentine artists. Ruggiero highlights this small but mighty museum that owns four of Michelangelo’s “Slave” sculptures, Pontormo’s Venus and Cupid, Maestro della Maddalena’s St. Mary Magdalene and Eight Stories of Her Life, and several Man of Sorrows images.

Mon., April 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-450; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit Why,

Oh Why, Do We Love Paris?

The Timeless Charm of the City of Light

What’s behind the elusive je ne sais quoi that gives Paris its powerful appeal? A wealth of landmark churches from the great Gothic Notre-Dame de Paris to the delicate Sainte-Chapelle? Perhaps it’s the Art Nouveau entrances that frame the Paris Metro stations. Or the Centre Pompidou, with its inside-out industrial architecture. It might also be the city’s propensity to transform itself. For example, the Louvre—a medieval fortress, then royal residence, then world-class museum—was again reimagined with the addition of I.M. Pei’s controversial pyramid-shaped entrance. Art historian Janetta Rebold Benton unravels Paris's evolution into a global cultural icon, delving into its history of art and architecture shaped by remarkable creators. From the Middle Ages to today, she illuminates the enduring allure and timeless secrets of the City of Light. 2-session series: Sat., March 22 and 29, 1:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1D0-087; Members $90; Nonmembers $110

Santa Maria Novella

Virtual reconstruction of the front panel of Duccio's Maestà

Venus and Cupid by Pontormo ca. 1533

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

How the Ninth Street Women Conquered the Art World

The label Abstract Expressionists conjures up images of a rowdy boys’ club at the Cedar Tavern, but a group of long-overshadowed women artists made important contributions to this avant-garde movement—and are finally getting their due.

Most notable are five painters whose work was featured in the groundbreaking Ninth Street Art Exhibition of 1951 in Greenwich Village. Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler—the so-called “Ninth Street Women”—covered enormous canvases with energetic, slashing brushstrokes, emphasizing the raw and unrestrained process of artistic creation and revealing their emotions in an abstract, yet powerful, way. Art historian Nancy G. Heller examines their art and their lives, relationships with their male counterparts, and the obstacles they overcame to claim their place in a changing art world.

Tues., March 25, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-375; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Art of Colonial India

During India’s colonial period (1757–1947), the British imperial system sought out Indian resources for exploitation and had a dramatic impact on the traditional arts and crafts of the subcontinent. Robert DeCaroli, a professor in the department of history and art history at George Mason University, traces the rising influence of European powers in South Asia. He begins with the art of the late Mughal Empire and delves into the expansion of the British East India Company and development of the Raj. Topics include late art of the Mughal Empire, Company painting, Orientalism, photography, traditional crafts for domestic and foreign markets, Indo-Saracenic architecture, and colonial museums.

4-session course: Tues., March 25–April 15, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-445; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Reflections on Vermeer: From Whistler to Hopper

Though Johannes Vermeer was well regarded among artists and art lovers of his generation, after the end of the 17th century he was essentially forgotten. It was only in the 1860s that he was slowly rediscovered thanks to the French critic Théophile Thoré-Bürger, who encountered his works in different museums—often with incorrect attributions.

Within years, some of Vermeer’s most distinctive characteristics, including his taste for intimate, psychologically charged interiors and his sensitivity to light and color, found reflections in works by artists such as Whistler, Degas, and Vuillard—and later, Edward Hopper. Art historian Aneta Georgievska Shine looks at the facets of this “Vermeer effect” among European and American painters.

Mon., March 31, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-564; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Tutti-Frutti, 1966, by Helen Frankenthaler

The Gateway of India in Mumbai, India

Group of Courtesans, Company style, 19th century, northern India

Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 by James McNeill Whistler

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Joseph Cornell

The enigmatic boxes created by Joseph Cornell (1903–1972) have confounded, astonished, and entranced viewers for decades. The mysterious juxtapositions of ordinary objects that the artist purchased at bookshops and junk shops and otherwise casually acquired have been parsed, interpreted, speculated upon, and simply reveled in by art historians and average observers alike.

Cornell’s personal story is as fascinating as his art. Living nearly his entire life in his mother’s modest home in Queens, he never sought the limelight even as fame and honors came to him. Art critic and adviser Judy Pomeranz examines the artist’s fascinating life and why his iconic boxes continue to touch the hearts and souls of people around the world.

Thurs., March 27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-565; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit AI and Art Authentication

The Future of Forensics

Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of art authentication. Art historian Noah Charney and Carina Popovici, co-founder of Art Recognition, an AI-driven art verification company in Switzerland, examine how machine learning is revolutionizing the process of determining artwork authenticity.

They reveal how AI analyzes brushstrokes, patterns, and pigments with precision beyond human capability, offering groundbreaking solutions to combat art forgery and identify authorship. Charney and Popovici share images from Art Recognition projects as they discuss investigations into works thought to be by Raphael, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Thurs., March 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-852; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit Leonardo da Vinci and the

Idea of the Renaissance Man

It would be hard to challenge the claim that Leonardo da Vinci is the most diversely talented individual ever to have lived. Even to describe him as the prime example of the “Renaissance man” seems to fall short for an expert in invention, sculpture, architecture, painting, science, music, engineering, anatomy, and astronomy—a list that only scratches the surface of the famed polymath. Against the dynamic backdrop of Renaissance Italy, art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine highlights some of the most remarkable aspects of Leonardo’s life, work, and creative thinking. She discusses his artistic and intellectual development; his role as a painter of sacred objects; intimate works depicting the women in his life; and the unanswered questions raised by some of his paintings.

Fri., March 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-566; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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.

Portrait of Leonardo da Vinci (ca. 1515–1518), attributed to Francesco Melzi

COLLECTION, UNITED KINGDOM

Hotel de Hollande by Joseph Cornell, 1955

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Jean-Michel Basquiat

The

Los Angeles Years

American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat soared to great heights during the 1980s with his blending of graffiti, street art, and Neo-Expressionism. His works are immediately recognizable through his signature bold colors, expressive brushstrokes, and a distinctive combination of iconographic symbols and text.

Fred Hoffman came to know the young New York artist during his 1982-84 stay in Los Angeles, where they collaborated in the medium of silk screen. He later helped arrange the first museum survey of Basquiat’s work for the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh, Scottland, and has written four books on the artist. Hoffman offers reflections on Basquiat, focusing on highlights of their two-year collaborative period.

Thurs., April 3, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1T0-017; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

The Genius of Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) was one of the most influential artists of the Modern period. He reinvented himself every few years with groundbreaking developments that would change the course of art.

Art historian Joseph P. Cassar looks at Picasso’s early years, his Blue and Rose Periods, his masterpiece Guernica, and his lifetime of artistic experimentation and innovation. Throughout, he provides a critical analysis of the artist’s works and examples of how Picasso manifests his playfulness and genius.

4-session series: Wed., April 9–30, 10:30 a.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-567; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The

Artists

of the Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance (1918–1940) was a period of intense creative productivity and expression for Black culture in the United States. Black artists, writers, musicians, and intellectuals such as Augusta Savage, James Van Der Zee, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington used their work to demonstrate artistic genius and to advocate for racial equality and social change.

Art historian LaNitra Berger highlights the visual artists of the Harlem Renaissance, including Jacob Lawrence and Meta Warrick Fuller, to understand their creative process, how they approached their art, and how to interpret their work. More than 100 years after the movement began, its legacy continues to influence American art and culture.

Mon., April 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-856; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

All Smithsonian Associates online programs are closed captioned

Pablo Picasso, 1962

Fred by Jean-Michel Basquiat

This is Harlem by Jacob Lawrence, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Caravaggio Case

An Art History Whodunnit

Caravaggio’s Saint Matthew cycle—three paintings commissioned for Rome’s church of San Luigi dei Francesi—was the artist’s first major public work. Like many other of his paintings, they come with a backstory. And in this case, a mystery or two.

The series focuses on major characters in Saint Matthew’s story, but there are conflicting theories of who is represented and who might be missing. In The Calling of Saint Matthew which figure depicts the saint? How can we spot the killer in The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew among the red-herring suspects Caravaggio has planted to mislead viewers? Art historian and author Noah Charney deciphers a Baroque detective story centered on a complicated artist (with a murder in his history) that offers a novel way to approach and appreciate the genius behind the paintings.

Thurs., April 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-858; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Eve as Artist, Part II

Women

Artists From 1950 to Today

In 2025 it’s no longer surprising to see exhibitions of art made by women or books that focus on their lives and work. During the last few decades there has been a veritable explosion of interest in female painters, sculptors, architects, textile artists, and performance artists. This richly illustrated course examines the progress made by women artists in Europe and the U.S. since the end of the Second World War.

Nancy Heller, a professor emerita of art history at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, discusses the relationship of art made by late 20th and 21st-century women to the work of their male counterparts, placing it within a broader socioeconomic, political, and aesthetic context. She also considers the obstacles that remain for women artists. Initial sessions emphasize significant artistic developments from the 1950s and 1960s in which women figured prominently. Subsequent programs examine significant themes and issues tackled by pioneering women artists from the 1970s to the present.

5-session series: Thurs., April 17–May 15, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-382; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Changing Perspective on the Portrait From

the Renaissance to the Modern Era

As one of the most significant categories of painting in Western art, portraiture offers a window into both individual identities and broader social and cultural values. Whether formalized depictions of elites or more personal, introspective works, portraits communicate salient qualities of a particular era, as well as human psychology and character. Art historian Aneta Georgievska-Shine looks closely at a variety of aspects of portraiture in historical contexts, providing a deeper understanding of the significance of this pictorial genre. She offers an overview of the history of portraiture; contrasts portraiture created for public and private purposes; examines the enduring role of women as muses and objects of desire; and explores how artists have reflected themselves in self-portraiture.

4-session series: Wed., April 23–May 14, 6:30 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-571; Members $120; Nonmembers $140

LIFELONG LEARNING

Artemisia Gentileschi, Self-Portrait as the Allegory of Painting, 1638–39

The Calling of Saint Matthew

The Dinner Party, art installation by Judy Chicago

The Martyrdom of Saint Mathew

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Sacred Serenity: The Paintings of Giovanni Bellini

Born into a family of painters around 1430, Giovanni Bellini became the most prominent and sought-after painter in Venice during the later 15th century. His long career extended across a period that saw the introduction of new artistic mediums and technologies, including that of oil painting, which allowed Bellini to achieve extraordinary effects in the rendering of color and light.

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University offers an overview of Bellini’s extraordinary career, charting the development of his style through an analysis of works ranging from small devotional panels depicting the tender interactions of Mary and baby Jesus, to majestic multi-figure altarpieces rich with architectural decoration, to narrative works that showcase lush, verdant landscapes—all of which are characterized by an air of refinement and serenity.

Fri., April 25, 12 p.m.; CODE 1M2-388; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Painters in Provence: From Van Gogh to Matisse

The South of France, with its glorious light and varied vistas, has long been a magnet for plein-air painters. This is the world Vincent van Gogh described as his “high yellow note.” Art historian Bonita Billman investigates the inspiration that places like Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, St. Remy, St. Tropez, and Nice provided for the brilliantly colored works produced by 19th and early 20th-century painters.

She provides an overview of the artistic history of the South of France and examines Van Gogh’s time in Arles and St. Remy; Cezanne in Aix-en-Provence; and the work of Post-Impressionists Signac and Matisse in the seaside towns of the Mediterranean.

Sat., April 26, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-384; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

History of Western Architecture

Tracing the history of Western architecture is like looking back at a long trail of footprints in the sand. Each step marks a particular moment of the journey, just as architectural movements and styles mark distinct moments in Western history. By examining four historical periods in Western architecture, Rocky Ruggiero, an architectural historian, traces the development of architectural styles, traditions, trends, and forms beginning in the ancient world and continuing through to the present day.

2-session series: Thurs., May 15 and Fri., May 16, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; detailed information on website: CODE 1J0-457; Members $100; Nonmembers $120

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

Athenian Treasury at ancient Delphi

Roofs of Collioure by Henri Matisse, 1905

The Madonna and Child between Saints Catherine and Mary Magdalene by Giovanni Bellini, ca. 1490

Winter Classes

Last Chance to Register for these Classes

Studio Art classes are taught by professional artists and teachers | Read more about these classes at SmithsonianAssociates.org

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Developing Your Creative Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 24, and March 10, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0QE; Members $215; Nonmembers $240

Color Theory and Chroma-psychology

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 20, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E00RW; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

DRAWING

Drawing with Silverpoint

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6 and 13, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0RU; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

PAINTING

NEW | Beginning Watercolor Magic Snow Days and Snowmen

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

IN PERSON: Tues., Feb. 11–March 4, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TK; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

NEW | Beginning Watercolor Magic Winter Wonderlands

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle IN PERSON: Tues., Feb. 11–March 4, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TL; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

By

NEW | Quick-Sketch for a Day

Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 8, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0SN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Painting Vintage Flora

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Mon., Feb. 24–March 10, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0QF; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

FIBER ARTS

Knitting for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Ann Richards

IN PERSON: Tues., Feb. 4–March 11, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QP; Members $155; Nonmembers $190

Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6–27, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E00RT; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

NEW | Embroidered Owl Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 22, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0SP; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

NEW | Embroidered Quilts: From 1865 Crazy to 2025 Modern

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Wed., March 5 and 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0RM; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

OTHER MEDIA

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 5–March 12, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0RK; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

Jewelry Workshop: Open Studio

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TB; Members $75; Nonmembers $90

Bead Weaving: On and Off the Loom

INSTRUCTOR: Mïa Vollkommer

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 22–March 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0SQ; Members $195; Nonmembers $220

Everything

Orchids

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt

ONLINE: Sat., March 1, 2 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0SR; Members $30; Nonmembers $45

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lenses, Filters, and Optics

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0RY; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Reflections and Refraction

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., March 6 and 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0SA; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

MEMBERS ONLY

Coffee and Critiques are part of Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary offerings

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid IN PERSON: Sun., March 23, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TD; Members $45

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Oil Paint

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., March 23, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TE; Members $45

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in 2-D Media

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman ONLINE: Sun., March 9, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E00TC; Members $45

LIFELONG LEARNING

Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Heather Kerley

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Seeing More: Visual Fitness Workouts

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 3:30 p.m., no class April 16 and May 14; CODE 1E0-0VM; Members $235; Nonmembers $270

Artful Mind, Tranquil Mind

INSTRUCTOR: Sushmita Mazumdar ONLINE: Mon., April 7–May 12, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WE; Members $105; Nonmembers $140

Color Theory and Practice

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Thurs., April 10–May 1, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WL; Member $165; Nonmember $190

By Theresa Otteson

SPRING NEW CLASSES

The Art of Journaling

Whether you are traveling, exploring, or just adventuring through your daily life, draw the things that are important to you and start noticing the wonderful small details around you.

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UV; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

By Lubna Zahid

DRAWING

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TV; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 2 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TW; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit Composition Studies

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $150

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 21, 1:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VE; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

60 Ways to Look at Color

Dissecting the Impressionists

LIFELONG LEARNING

Students find out why we see and communicate color differently, how light affects color perception, what the Impressionist color palette was, and how the artists painted. Learn how color schemes add interest to your work.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

By Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., April 10 and 17, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UR; Members $110; Nonmembers $125

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sat., April 5–May 17, 10:30 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VR; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Museum Discoveries

Drawing Sculptures at the Hirshhorn

INSTRUCTOR: Renee Sandell

IN PERSON: Sat., April 12, 10 a.m.; Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; CODE 1E0-0VN; Members $110; Nonmembers $125

NEW CLASS

Figure Drawing

In this intermediate-level class, students revisit fundamentals of human anatomy and experiment with techniques and approaches.

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan IN PERSON: Sun., April. 27–May 18, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00VT; Members $145; Nonmembers $170 Student work

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

SPRING

Digital Drawing Fundamentals

INSTRUCTOR: Mike O’Brien

TWO ONLINE OPTIONS: Wed., April 2 (CODE 1E0-0VB); Wed., May 7 (CODE 1E0-0VC); 6:15 p.m.; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Intermediate Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Thurs., April 3–May 22, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UF; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

NEW CLASSES

Beginning Drawing

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Sun., April 6–May 18, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UG; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

The Mark of van Gogh

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 24–May 22, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VF; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Drawing Birds from Around the World

Draw birds from around the world in creative ways using a variety of mediums, including ink, watercolor, and charcoal.

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–23, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Shadows First

An Alternative Approach to Drawing Portraits

Explore a fresh approach to drawing portraits by prioritizing the shadows of the face instead of fussing over details right from the start.

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Sun., April 27–May 18, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VJ; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

n n n n IN PERSON

PAINTING

Beginning Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sat., April 5–May 17, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VS; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

NEW CLASS

LIFELONG

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., April 24–May 22, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VG; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Make Your Mark

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

ONLINE: Tues., May 5–19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VX; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

A Journey in Artistic Practice

Explore your world and record what interests you by discovering many ways to communicate through art. Then create 60 sketches in your sketchbook, choosing just the right medium for each.

INSTRUCTOR: Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., May 15 and 22, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0US; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

An Introduction to Watercolor: Loose and Beautiful

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

IN PERSON: Sat., April 26 and Sun., April 27, 10:15 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UW; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Springtime Sketching in the Smithsonian Gardens

April and May are magical in the Enid A. Haupt Garden. Sketch there using watercolors to capture the changing light of the season.

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

IN PERSON: Sat., April 19 and May 17, 10 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WB; Members $130; Nonmembers $155

Intermediate Oil Painting

INSTRUCTOR: Shahin Talishkhan

IN PERSON: Sun., April 27–May 18, 2:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VU; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

By Sue Fierston

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Lori VanKirk Schue

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

LEARNING

NEW CLASS

Georgia O’Keeffe’s Artistic Vision

Artwork

Inspired by the Environment

LIFELONG LEARNING

SPRING

This 3-session workshop invites participants to delve into the wonders of nature through the artistic vision of Georgia O'Keeffe. Each session emphasizes a different facet of O'Keeffe's life and artistry, intertwining art, environmental consciousness, and culinary experiences.

INSTRUCTOR: Sandra Gobar

IN PERSON: Sun., May 4–18, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VP; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

Introduction to Watercolor

INSTRUCTOR: Josh Highter

ONLINE: Mon., March 31–May 19, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UH; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

Botanicals in Watercolor I

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UT; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

NEW CLASSES

Painting Flowers in Watercolor

Paint for enjoyment and appreciate nature’s beauty as you study depicting flowers with watercolor.

INSTRUCTOR: Lubna Zahid

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 5 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UU; Members $270; Nonmembers $305

Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

INSTRUCTOR: Eric Westbrook

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 7, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00TU; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Thurs., May 1–22, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gargoyles, Grotesques, and Caryatids

Portrait Painting without Angst

Take the angst out of learning how to paint a portrait by creating monochromatic images of gargoyles, grotesques, and caryatids.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–29, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VW; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

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

Watercolor: A Ticket for Time Travel

After looking through objects in the collection of the National Museum of American History, design a still-life composition and paint your own arrangement of historic artifacts.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon McKittrick Boyle

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–30, 1 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VV; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Beginning Oil Painting

In this four-week class, students are introduced to materials and techniques for oil painting while laying a strong foundation for further artistic growth.

INSTRUCTOR: Theresa Otteson

ONLINE: Mon., April 7–28, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E00WJ; Members $165; Nonmembers $190

Essence Over Detail

Expression and Sketching Watercolor

Discover how to capture your subject with expressive, sketch-like painting that emphasizes the most essential elements over excessive detail.

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Tues., April 29–May 20, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VD; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

Special No. 32 by Georgia O'Keeffe, 1915

By Nick Cruz Velleman

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Lubna Zahid

By Eric Westbrook

By Lubna Zahid

By Josh Highter

CLASSES

Depicting the Jefferson Memorial and Cherry Blossoms in Watercolor

With brushwork of soft pinks and gentle lavender, explore techniques to portray the cherry blossoms’ ethereal quality, while adding colorful dimension to the Jefferson Memorial’s stately architecture.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Tues., April 29 and Wed., April 30, 6:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TR; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

MIXED MEDIA

Exploring Artist Icons

Study the styles and methods of collage art favorites including Henri Matisse and Hannah Hőch and then interpret them in your own work.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–22, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VY; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gel Print Journal and More

Revamp your gel plate prints into new art projects. Make simple books, journals, print organizers, or boxes using bookmaking and other construction techniques.

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

IN PERSON: Sat., April 12–May 3, 1 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Playing with Pulp

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Robinson

Quick-Sketch for a Day Celebrating America

Discover how to draw with fluid lines and paint with flowing watercolors as you capture scenes from coast to coast.

INSTRUCTOR: Cindy Briggs

ONLINE: Sat., May 3, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0TS; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

ONLINE

Collage and Mixed Media

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 21, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UZ; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

Exploring Abstraction

INSTRUCTOR: Delna Dastur

ONLINE: Thurs., April 3–May 22, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TT; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

Birds and Nature in Collage

INSTRUCTOR: Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

ONLINE: Wed., April 30–May 21, 1:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UY; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

NEW CLASS

Crepe Paper Flower Posy

Learn to fashion a hypericum (St. John’s wort) and roses in several stages of bloom, constructing petals and leaves with and without wire, using spun cotton and foam balls to turn paper into a beautiful posy.

INSTRUCTOR: Karen Cadogan

IN PERSON: Tues., April 29–May 20, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0VZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Wool Embroidery from the Andes

INSTRUCTOR: Susana Romero IN PERSON: Sat., April 26–May 17, 1:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0WD; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

ONLINE: Sat., May 3–17, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UJ; Members $210; Nonmembers $235

Beginning Tapestry Weaving

INSTRUCTOR: Tea Okropiridze ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 20, 6 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0WH; Members $195; Nonmembers $230

Color Theory for Embroidery Artists

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley ONLINE: Wed., April 2–23, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TY; Members $120; Nonmembers $145

Botanical Illustration in Redwork

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Wed., April 30–May 14, 12:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TZ; Members $110; Nonmembers $135

Painted Embroidery Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Sat., May 17, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UB; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

By Sharon Robinson

By Karen Cadogan

By Sharon Robinson

By Cindy Briggs

By Cindy Briggs

NEW CLASSES

Hand and Machine Manipulated Textiles

Explore classic textile manipulation techniques including smocking, pleating, and origami. Apply your newfound skills to projects from quilting and garment construction to interior and home decor.

INSTRUCTOR: Kate Lewis

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–15, 10:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UL; Members $185; Nonmembers $205

Making Quilts with Your Sewing Machine

Learn to make a pieced quilt in days by using a rotary cutter and sewing machine.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., April 5–May 3, 11 a.m., no class April 19; CODE 1E0-0UN; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

Meet our Instructors

View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers.

OTHER MEDIA

The Art of Floral Design

INSTRUCTOR: Arrin Sutliff

ONLINE: Wed., April 2–May 7, 7:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TP; Members $160; Nonmembers $195

White-Line Woodblock Printing II

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston

ONLINE: Sat., April 26, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0WC; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Sue Fierston

Embroidery on Paper and Photographs

Learn how to add distinctive patterns, color, and texture to photographs using embroidery.

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard

ONLINE: Sat., April 12, 11:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VK; Members $65; Nonmembers $80

Color and Illusion in Modern Quilts

Learn how to use color and design to create the illusion of depth and take your quilting to the next level.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Mon., May 5–19, 12 p.m.; CODE 1E00UM; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

Handwork and Mindfulness

Explore handwork as a tool for mindful living. Find out how and why it is that making something with your hands can bring about a sense of peace, connection, satisfaction, wellness, and joy.

INSTRUCTOR: Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Sat., May 10, 11 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0UP; Members $35; Nonmembers $50

The Lure of Orchids

Orchids have been a focus of human attention since 500 B.C.E. Learn about their evolution plus trivia, fun facts, uses, and basic orchid care.

INSTRUCTOR: Barbara Schmidt

ONLINE: Tues., April 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0TQ; Members $40; Nonmembers $55

By Lauren Kingsland

By Lauren Kingsland

By Lauren Kingsland

By Barbara Schmidt

By Patricia Howard

By Arrin Sutliff

By Kate Lewis

On-Location Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Sun., April 27–May 18, 1:45 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UE; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Introduction to Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Andargé Asfaw

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., April 1–May 20, 3 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0TM); Tues., April 1–May 20, 6:30 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0TN); Ripley Center; Members $245; Nonmembers $280

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

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SCULPTURE n n n

Figure Sculpture

INSTRUCTOR: George Tkabladze

IN PERSON: Tues., April 1–May 20, 6 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0TX; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

By George Tkabladze

On-Location Photography with Neutral Density

Filters

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Tues., May 6–20, 6:30 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0UC; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

The Joy of Photography

INSTRUCTOR: Marty Kaplan

ONLINE: Tues., April 1–May 6, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0VA; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

By Joe Yablonsky

Photographing People

Fundamentals of Digital Printing

INSTRUCTOR: Lewis Katz

ONLINE: Wed., April 23–May 14, 7:15 p.m.; CODE 1E0-0UQ; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Photography 101

Take command of your photographic vision as you learn the basics of your camera’s functions.

INSTRUCTOR: Joe Yablonsky

ONLINE: Thurs., April 3–May 8, 6:30 p.m., no class May 1; CODE 1E0-0UD; Members $170; Nonmembers $205

Explore the possibilities of portraiture in photography by creating self-portraits, then moving on to photograph friends or acquaintances and finally people on the street or just those you don’t know.

INSTRUCTOR: Patricia Howard ONLINE: Sat., April 19–May 10, 11:30 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0VL; Members $145; Nonmembers $170

By Patricia Howard

Support Smithsonian Associates’ lifelong learning programs

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.

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Egyptian Art and Culture at the Walters Art Museum

Visit the world of ancient Egypt during a day at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore with Egyptologist Jacquelyn Williamson. A guided tour explores the museum’s collection of statuary, reliefs, stelae (commemorative stone slabs), funerary objects, jewelry, and objects from daily life that date from prehistoric to Roman Egypt (5th millennium B.C.E. to the 4th century). Among the most impressive pieces are two 3,000-pound statues of the lionheaded goddess Sekhmet; sarcophagi; an intact mummy still in its elaborate wrappings; images of private individuals and kings; and distinctive jewelry.

After a catered lunch of Egyptian street food from Koshary Corner, Williamson gives a lesson on the basic hieroglyphic offering formula, which appears on memorial statuary and is designed to provide the dead with essential goods in the afterlife. Participants then return to the collection and practice recognizing and translating hieroglyphics. Williamson also lectures en route to the museum.

Sat., Feb. 22, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-051; Members $158; Nonmembers $218 Related programs: See pages 6 and 16

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Talk + Tour

Indoor Gardening: Houseplants Galore

LIFELONG LEARNING

The pandemic-spurred houseplant craze shows no sign of weakening. Neither does the demand for reliable information on how best to care for the plants that enhance our daily life.

Staff members of the Interiors team of Smithsonian Gardens are ready to take on the topic. The pros help sift through the overwhelming amount of available houseplant care information to determine what is right for you and your plants by covering everything from plant selection to design, ongoing care, and the newest varieties on the scene.

The program also includes a tour of the Smithsonian Gardens exhibit “Human/Nature: Why People Are Drawn to Living Things” in the S. Dillon Ripley Center’s concourse. Get insights into our innate need to be surrounded by nature and learn why adding plants to your living space—and taking good care of them—can make you smile.

TWO OPTIONS: Tues., Feb. 25 (CODE 1NS-A02); Thurs., Feb. 27 (CODE 1NS-B02); 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; Members $50; Nonmembers $65

Images from the “Human/Nature: Why People Are Drawn to Living Things” exhibit (courtesy of Smithsonian Gardens)

Bus Tour

Statue of Tef-ib, a funerary object

Tomb painting of a woman holding a sistrum

Smithsonian horticulturist Alexandra Thompson’s indoor garden

Overnight Tours 2025

More

Great Destinations

from Smithsonian Associates

Smithsonian Associates' Study Tours offer more than just a getaway: They combine one-of-a-kind experiences with opportunities to gain new insights into the topics that fascinate you. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, theater, nature, or architecture—or simply love exploring new places—these expert-led excursions will enrich your year with tempting travels. We’ve added many new adventures, and several of our most popular sold-out tours return to the schedule for 2025.

All tour dates, content, and on-sale dates are subject to change

The Bronx in Bloom Sun., June 1–Mon., June 2 (see p. 61)

Spring is the perfect time to discover the beauty and the history of New York City’s northernmost borough, from the stunning gardens of Wave Hill along the Hudson to Edgar Allan Poe’s cottage.

Leader: Richard Selden

Presidential Virginia Sun., June 22–Mon., June 23 (on sale March 1)

Virginia’s presidential connections outnumber those of any other state. From Jefferson’s Monticello and Madison’s Montpelier to Theodore Roosevelt’s Pine Knot and beyond, this tour covers both public and private locations that trace this fascinating aspect of the state’s legacy.

Leader: Gregg Clemmer

Wonders by Wright: Buffalo and Beyond

Thurs., Aug. 21–Sun., Aug. 24 (on sale April 1)

In the early 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries turned Buffalo into a showcase for some of the most dazzling and innovative public and private architecture. A 4-day tour surveys this rich heritage.

Leader: Bill Keene

NEW

Explore Lancaster, Pennsylvania Fall 2025 (on sale May 1)

Discover a rich tapestry of American history and culture on a 2-day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country. Explore the vibrant Amish community and gain insights into their unique way of life through guided tours and authentic culinary experiences.

The Hamptons for Art Lovers

Sat., Oct. 4–Wed., Oct. 8 (on sale May 1)

New York’s fabled Hamptons are more than an elite summer resort. The stark natural beauty of Long Island’s South Fork has long inspired painters. Traveling from Washington, D.C., spend time in Brooklyn, the Hamptons, New Haven, and the Long Island Sound area exploring art, artists, and the landscape that inspired them.

Leader: Richard Selden

Theodore Roosevelt’s North Dakota

NEW DATES: Fri., Oct. 10–Tues., Oct. 14 (on sale April 1)

Fly west and experience the wild beauty of the Dakota Territory that shaped young Theodore Roosevelt’s course as a conservationist and naturalist.

Leader: Melanie Choukas-Bradley

Scenic Shenandoah: Staunton, Shakespeare, and Steam

Sat., Oct. 18–Sun., Oct. 19 (on sale June 1)

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

Leader: Lynn O’Connell

PHOTO: THE PARRISH ART MUSEUM, WATER MILL, NEW YORK, LITTLEJOHN COLLECTION | THE BIG BAYBERRY BUSH BY WILLIAM MERRITT CHASE

2-Day Tour

The Philadelphia Flower Show

Gardens of Tomorrow

There’s no better way to sweep away winter than with an overnight escape to the horticultural paradise that’s the Philadelphia Flower Show. With a theme of “Gardens of Tomorrow,” the 2025 edition is sure to provide a world of boundless inspiration. Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads the tour.

Start with a visit to nearby Winterthur, where a guided tram tour of the grounds and mansion give a taste of what used to be the du Pont family’s luxurious estate. After a boxed lunch, discover horticultural secrets on a docent-led garden walk. Dinner is at the festive Victor Café.

You begin your Monday visit to the flower show 2 hours before it opens to the public, then enjoy a full day to explore the world’s largest annual floral exhibition. Experience the beautiful creatures in the Butterflies Live! immersive habitat while learning how to attract them to your garden, plus lectures by Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) educators.

Step into the Designer’s Studio and Gardener’s Studio, which feature top flower designers in competitions and lively gardening demos; explore the plants, flowers, and gifts at the Marketplace; and celebrate the beauty of container-grown plants in the PHS Horticourt.

Grab lunch at the show or across the street at Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia staple since 1893.

Sun., March 2, 8 a.m–Mon., March 3, 6 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-PFS; Members $648; Nonmembers $864

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Diverse Threads

Quilting and Embroidery in Baltimore

Quilting and embroidery are deeply personal crafts that weave individual stories, emotions, and memories into every stitch. Often imbued with heartfelt intentions and symbolism, each work reflects the artist’s unique journey. Led by textile historian Alden O’Brien, visit two exhibitions in Baltimore that showcase the power of local artistry.

The intricate beauty of crazy quilts, contemporary works by the African American Quilters of Baltimore, and the antique collection are on display at the Maryland Center for History and Culture. A focal point of the visit, “Material & Memories: Elizabeth Talford Scott and the Crazy Quilt Tradition,” was crafted from scraps of family clothing and decorative fabric. These quilts serve as intimate “landscapes of memory,” with narratives embedded in each piece, the museum says. Curators discuss the exhibition and share other textile objects from the archives.

At the American Visionary Art Museum, the exhibition “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family” presents 36 embroideries by Holocaust survivor Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. These intricate needlework and fabric collages poignantly recount how 15-year-old Esther and her sister survived the Nazi invasion of Poland, posing as Polish Catholic farm girls after separating from their observant Jewish family on their harrowing journey. A guided tour offers insight into Krinitz’s story and the creation of her panels, which she began while working in Frederick, Maryland, as a designer and seamstress.

Explore Baltimore’s Lexington Market—one of the oldest public markets in the country—as you get lunch on your own. Sat., March 8, 9 a.m.–6:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-052; Members $145; Nonmembers $205

Bus Tour

Views of the “Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family” exhibit

Bus Tour

Heritage and Innovation

Historic Homes from the 19th and 20th Centuries

Just south of Washington, D.C., two distinctive historic homes stand on the same property, showcasing contrasting architectural styles. One is a 19th-century Federal-style mansion, once part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, while the other is a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Join Bill Keene, a lecturer in architecture and urban studies, for an exclusive tour of these architectural gems—the only public Wright house in the Washington, D.C., area and its elegant neighbor, Woodlawn.

Begin the day at the Pope-Leighey House. This modest 1,200-square-foot home turned historic site is one of the earliest Usonian homes designed by Wright. On the same property sits Woodlawn, a 126-acre estate and former plantation whose main house was designed by the architect who also designed the U.S. Capitol. Enjoy private tours of each of the storied homes before a boxed lunch onsite.

Continue the exploration of historic homes with a walking and bus tour of Hollin Hills led by a member of the Hollin Hills Civic Association who discusses the community’s history and architecture and the challenges faced by homeowners in historic areas. Known for its Modernist architecture, this community is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The day concludes at the National Building Museum for a look at “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania.” This special exhibition features both realized and unrealized projects designed by Wright for the region in the 1930s to the 1950s, presented through 3D models, architectural models and drawings, and historical photographs that bring his visionary concepts to life.

Sun., March 9, 8:15 a.m.–4:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-053; Members $186; Nonmembers $250

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Walking Tour

Blooms on the Tidal Basin

Take a spring walk among Washington, D.C.’s cherry trees and see three landmarks set among the trees, dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson, along with several lesser-known statues and monuments. Join your guide, Carolyn Muraskin, founder of DC Design Tours, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The design is based on quotes from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered to a crowd of over 250,000 on the nearby Lincoln Memorial steps. Stroll along the basin, exploring the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the largest memorial in the city by land area, appropriately dedicated to the country’s longest-serving president. After passing over a short bridge with a bizarre story (and views of the Pentagon), conclude at the imposing Thomas Jefferson Memorial, based on the design of the ancient Roman Pantheon. Along the way, hear how the cherry trees came to be an essential part of the identity of the District of Columbia.

THREE OPTIONS: Fri., March 28, 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (CODE 1CW-A03); Sat., March 29, 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (CODE 1CW-B03); Sat., March 29, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. (CODE 1CW-C03); detailed tour information on website; Members $45; Nonmembers $55

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

The Pope-Leighey House

Woodlawn

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

A Day at SERC

The 2,650-acre campus of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland, encompasses forests, farmland, wetlands, and shoreline and is home to some of the world’s most enduring environmental research projects. Spend the day with SERC’s expert staff as you explore this environmental research hub and learn about its cutting-edge ecological studies.

A morning hike on the Discovery Trail, a 1.3-mile path that winds through lush landscapes, offers the chance to explore the types of ecosystems that SERC works to protect. At the Woodlawn History Center, built in 1735, uncover stories of the area’s rich history— from Native American settlement to the present day—through artifacts found by volunteer scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Archaeology Lab. Researchers explain the ways human activity has shaped the land and its ecosystems over time.

A tour of SERC’s core research center looks at research that tackles global environmental challenges, from climate change to habitat loss, while providing insight into how SERC’s work contributes to a more sustainable future. SERC’s physical campus is also a model of sustainability, including geothermal and solar renewable energy installations and a wastewater treatment center.

After lunch, visit the South Campus for a look at the BiodiversiTREE research project, where scientists are studying how tree diversity can shape the health of a forest and the life within it. Wrap up your day at the Global Change Research Wetland. Here, researchers run futuristic experiments to simulate how climate change could affect wetlands over the next century.

Fri., April 18, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-051; Members $110; Nonmembers $170

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

Two of Virginia’s Historic Gardens

Little Oak Spring and Blandy Experimental Farm

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

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

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

Horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads this tour and lectures en route. Members of the Middleburg Garden Club offer interpretation throughout Oak Spring. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, and tastings are available during the visit. A boxed lunch is included.

Fri., April 25, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CD-055; Members $221; Nonmembers $285

Bus Tour

Bus Tour

Experiments at the Global Change Research Wetland

Woodlawn History Center

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

6-Day Tour

Outdoor Arizona

Geology, Architecture, and Natural Beauty

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

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

DAY 2: Start your explorations in Phoenix with a visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, set in a beautiful natural environment along Queen Creek Canyon in the Sonoran desert. Uncover the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West as a guided tour covers the innovative designs and philosophies that define this architectural masterpiece set against a desert backdrop.

DAY 3: Travel to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and set off on a 3-mile walk along the scenic Rim Trail with your study leader. Learn about the canyon’s formation and the unique ecosystems that thrive here and spend free time at the visitor’s center. Then, move on to Flagstaff, your home base for the next 3 nights.

DAY 4: Delve into geology and history in Sedona, where red-rock formations and vibrant landscapes inspire awe. Take a Jeep tour into the canyons; view a hilltop chapel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright; hike along canyon-walled Oak Creek; travel scenic Route 89A; and enjoy a meal in the culinary mecca of Sedona.

DAY 5: Visit iconic Antelope Canyon, known for its breathtaking light beams and swirling sandstone formations. Stop at Horseshoe Bend, formed over thousands of years through erosion by the Colorado River, highlighting both natural beauty and geological processes at work.

DAY 6: After a visit to Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, share your memorable tour experiences over a farewell meal at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the Phoenix airport for your flight home. Sat., April 26, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 1, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-ARZ; Members $2,491; Nonmembers $3,200

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

2-Day Tour

Chincoteague and Assateague

Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are home to natural splendor, cultural treasures, and coastal charm. Spend two days with naturalist and educator Liana Vitali immersed in island life, exploring the natural wonders the barrier islands have to offer—and hear the lore of the Chincoteague ponies’ origin.

Upon arriving on Assateague, enjoy an orientation and talk at the visitors center with a park ranger, followed by a guided hike on one of the island’s many trails to explore the extraordinary seashore ecosystem. Don’t forget your binoculars: The barrier island is home to over 320 species of birds during the year and is a vital stopover for migratory shorebirds. At sunset, a pontoon boat ride takes you to see Assateague’s topography, herds of wild horses, and other wildlife—plus dolphins. After dinner, settle in for a lecture on historic shipwrecks near Assateague.

After your overnight stay at the Refuge Inn on Chincoteague, a day filled with exploration awaits. A visit to the Museum of Chincoteague Island includes a tour led by the museum’s assistant director, Cindy Faith. She discusses the history and culture of the island, including how pony penning came about. After lunch, take a leisurely guided hike on one of Chincoteague’s nature trails, watching for ponies, deer, and spring blossoms before returning to Washington.

Sun., April 27, 7 a.m.–Mon., April 28, 9:15 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-CAV; Members $573; Nonmembers $765

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend

Wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

2-Day Tour

Spring Gardens of Norfolk

While Norfolk is known as a city on the water, gardens and greenery are the focus as horticulturist Chelsea Mahaffey leads a tour to a botanical oasis and a historic estate.

On Friday, begin your visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden with a private garden walk and talk with conservatory curators. With over 60 themed gardens to explore on 175 acres, each corner offers a distinctive sensory experience, from the Japanese Garden to the Margaret Moore Hall Bicentennial Rose Garden bursting with the fragrance and color of more than 300 rose varieties.

After a boxed lunch on-site, a guided tram tour provides an overview of the property before free time to stroll along the winding paths. Seasonal blooms include the bonsai collection, mountain laurel, star jasmine, and rhododendron. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the Bristow Butterfly Garden’s 2 acres of butterfly habitat.

On Saturday morning, visit nearby Hermitage Museum & Gardens, a historic estate nestled along the picturesque Lafayette River. Lush gardens are landscaped in the tradition of an early 20th-century country estate, featuring footpaths, tranquil waterways, and gazebos. A guided walking tour of the grounds introduces the history of the gardens and touches on the many varieties of plants and the Hermitage’s conservation efforts. Highlights include the Sunken Garden and the Hermitage Wetlands, a safe habitat for many species of fish and wildlife.

A docent-led tour of the museum takes you inside the former home of the Sloane family, a 42-room Arts and Crafts mansion featuring an art collection spanning 5,000 years.

Fri., May 9, 7 a.m.–Sat., May 10, 7:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-NGO; Members $535; Nonmembers $715

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

2-Day Tour

Delaware Bay: Shorebirds and Horseshoe Crabs

A beach full of horseshoe crabs illuminated by the light of the full moon is a sight to behold. A spring visit to the Delaware Bay is perfectly timed to view the amazing spectacle of these crustaceans arriving ashore in large numbers to breed. Naturalist Matt Felperin leads an adventure for nature lovers that explores the Delaware Bay and its environs, where the diverse life of a tidal marsh and the expanse of the bay come together.

Visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, where tidal impoundments host a myriad of migratory shorebirds including Red Knots and a variety of terns, raptors, and songbirds. At the Dupont Nature Center, learn the connection between horseshoe crab breeding and shorebird migration. Stops at the shore communities of Broadkill Beach and Slaughter Beach offer excellent opportunities for viewing both crabs and birds, and an optional sunrise excursion to Bennett’s Pier Beach Road provides a chance to spy the near-endangered Saltmarsh Sparrow, a species in decline due to habitat loss and sea-level rise.

Mon., May 12, 7 a.m.–Tues., May 13, 7:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-DEL; Members $476; Nonmembers $630

Gazebo and sundial at the Colonial Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Hermitage Museum & Gardens

Horseshoe crabs, Delaware Bay

Marshlands at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Frank Lloyd Wright Masterworks in the Midwest

Frank Lloyd Wright left an indelible signature on the American Midwest: a legacy of buildings that trace the arc of his career as one of world’s most significant and innovative architects. This 5-day tour led by Bill Keene, a lecturer in urban studies and architecture, offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a close-up look at a wide range of Wright’s designs in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as visits to seminal works by other architects of the early and mid-20th century.

Highlights of the tour are visits to four of the eight Wright masterworks on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Unity Temple, his first religious structure; the Frederick C. Robie House, a gem in Wright’s signature Prairie style; Taliesin, Wright’s home, studio, school, and estate in Wisconsin; and the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House, his first work of Usonian domestic architecture.

In addition to site visits, an architectural boat tour of Chicago places Wright’s designs in the context of the history-making works by the myriad architects who defined its urban identity. And even the tour’s hotel in Wisconsin has a Wright connection—literally. The Hilton Madison Monona Terrace is linked by skywalk to the waterfront civic center designed by Wright in 1938, a project that took 59 years to become a reality.

Travel information: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Chicago. Sun., May 18, 6 p.m.–Thurs., May 22, 4 p.m.; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1NN-MID; Members $2,310; Nonmembers $2,710 5-Day Tour

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ on Health & Safety guidelines for in-person programs

The Bronx in Bloom Gardens, Art, and Local Culture

The series of visits to New York City’s outer boroughs led by arts journalist Richard Selden continues with a two-day tour to the northernmost one, the Bronx—the perfect destination for a late spring getaway.

The fragrance of spring flowers greets you as you step into the urban oasis of Wave Hill in the borough’s Riverdale section, featuring 28 acres of gardens overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades. A guided visit focuses on seasonal highlights and the extensive collection of rare and unusual plants, plus a history of the picturesque property. At the New York Botanical Garden, revel in the beauty of the flowers that inspired a Dutch master’s iconic paintings with a guided tour of the “Van Gogh: Painting with Flowers” exhibition to see van Gogh masterpieces bloom in re-creations made of living flowers.

A Sunday morning walking tour with your study leader explores the 84-year-old Arthur Avenue Retail Market in the Belmont neighborhood, the center of the Bronx’s Little Italy. See the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the early 19th-century farmhouse where the writer spent the last years of his life.

A visit to any of New York’s boroughs calls for eating at favorite local spots: Savor Albanian and Kosovan cuisine at a dinner at Cka Ka Qellu (a New York Times Critic’s Pick) and dig into lunch at the venerable City Island seafood eatery Sammy’s Fish Box. Sun., June 1, 7:30 a.m.–Mon., June 2, 11 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-BRX; Members $630; Nonmembers $840

Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois

Taliesin and Hillside School, Spring Green, Wisconsin

2-Day Tour

The Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the Bronx

The New York Botanical Garden

Join a Community of Lifelong Learners

Learning has always been synonymous with the Smithsonian. And if the joy of learning enriches your life, we invite you to join Smithsonian Associates and be among the first to know about outstanding programs every month. You’ll appreciate the stimulating and entertaining range of offerings inspired by the wonders of the Smithsonian and covering the full scope of the humanities, sciences, and arts. Join experts in everything from archaeology to literature and history to high-tech espionage and zoology as they share insights, discoveries, and innovative ideas.

Unlike the Smithsonian’s museums, Smithsonian Associates receives no federal funding and relies on individual contributions to help bridge the gap between program expenses and registration revenues. That vital support ensures we’re able to continue what we do best: creating engaging learning experiences that open the Smithsonian’s world of knowledge to audiences across the country.

Please consider becoming part of that community of lifelong learners at: SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

Levels of Support

Your support expands your learning, and the current benefits listed here are designed to enhance your experience.

Associate ($50) Priority registration and discounts, invitations to selected no-fee programs, the print edition of Smithsonian Associates’ informative and lively monthly program guide.

Champion ($80) All the above and:

Up to four discounted registrations per program, priority consideration for waitlisted programs.

Promoter ($100) All the above and:

A subscription to the award-winning Smithsonian magazine, special rates for the purchase of limited-edition fine-art prints created for Smithsonian Associates’ Art Collectors Program.

Advocate ($175) All the above and:

An advance digital copy of the monthly program guide, two complimentary program registrations.

Contributor ($300) All the above and:

Advance registration opportunity for Smithsonian Summer Camp, recognition in the Smithsonian Associates program guide’s annual donor listing

Patron ($600) All the above and:

Four complimentary registrations to a headliner program, a copy of the Smithsonian Annual Report.

Sponsor ($1,000) All the above and:

Reserved seating at in-person programs, dedicated concierge phone line for inquiries and registration.

Partner ($2,500) All the above and:

Invitation for two to attend the prestigious annual Smithsonian Weekend, recognition in the Smithsonian Annual Report.

Benefactor ($5,000) All the above and:

Recognition as a sponsor of a selected program, priority seating at all in-person programs.

Bonus: Contributions at the Advocate level and higher include membership in Smithsonian Associates’ Circle of Support.

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

Courses, Performances, and Lectures—Multi-Session

Mon., Feb. 3, 10, 24, and March 3

Writing the Family Story

Tues., Feb. 4–March 4

Write Into Art: Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art.......................37 Wed., Feb. 5–26

Spanish Art and Architecture: A Treasury of Delights

Seeing History Through Artists’ Eyes

Sun., Feb. 9, 16, and 23

Botanical Gardens: A World Tour

Tues., Feb. 11–March 11

Understanding Contemporary Art: Pop to Pluralism

Thurs., Feb. 13 and 20

The Fine Art of Yogic Awareness

Sat., Feb. 15, Sun., April 6, and Sat., June 14 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra •

Thurs., Feb. 20–March 20

Introduction to American Art

Wed., March 5–26

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Part II)

Mon., March 10–31

Great Composer-Pianists

Thurs., March 13–June 5 Smithsonian Chorus: Legends

March 25–April 15

April 8–22

April 9–30

April 9 and 16

of Fiction Writing

Thurs., April 17–May 15

as Artist, Part II: Women Artists From 1950 to Today

April 23–May 14

Perspective on the Portrait

April 28–May 19

Historic Royal Palaces: A Step Inside ...................................15

May 3 and Sun., May 4

SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org for more details

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

REGISTRATION FOR PROGRAMS

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

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

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

CONTACT US

Email CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org

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

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

ZOOM PROGRAM LINKS

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

PROCESSING FEES

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

CREDIT TO YOUR SM ITHSON IAN ASSOCIATES ACCOUNT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C. 20560-0701

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Smithsonian Associates members receive the digital program guide via email before the print guide arrives in the mail.

Smithsonian Associates members also receive early email announcements of new programs, free events, and special offerings—ahead of the general public.

Visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to join or renew your support; register for programs; sign up for eAlerts tailored to your program interests; and access the popular Digital Digest e-newsletter.