Smithsonian Associates January 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,

The cover photo of Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend is more than just a striking image: It’s a perfect way to announce Smithsonian Associates’ 60th anniversary year. The rainbow that arches over the sandstone formations created by the Colorado River millions of years ago evokes optimism and hope and the promise of the sun. The iconic graphic that identifies the Smithsonian across the globe inspired the 60th anniversary logo, a rising sun silhouetting the equally iconic Castle on the National Mall.

You’ll be seeing this design in many places during 2025, starting with the pages of this guide. Throughout the categorical listings, icons signal 60th-anniversary programs. A new section on pages 2 and 3 brings together offerings related to the celebration’s monthly themes.

While a birthday calls for a party, these celebrations will be a bit different. We’ve planned a year of festivities during which the gifts are for you, the community of lifelong learners who define and embody Smithsonian Associates. Whether you’ve been on this educational journey for decades or joined only recently, your support and deep commitment to learning has made reaching this milestone year possible.

Throughout it, you’ll be invited to gather online and in person for conversations with thought leaders and change-makers from around the world, making connections and sparking curiosity. Together, we’ll meet authors, historians, scholars, curators, and other specialists—opportunities to engage with experts in ways that only Smithsonian Associates can create.

With gratitude and joy, we thank you for your role in helping shape the past six decades of Smithsonian Associates.

Now, let’s start shaping our shared future—which begins today!

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 this month’s anniversary spotlight view the past and present through the lens of the Smithsonian. A documentary filmmaker reveals how a 19th-century staff member of the Institution helped save the bison from extinction. Curators bring an eventful year in the civil rights movement to life with three iconic objects from museum

collections. Meet horticulturists who keep the Smithsonian’s indoor gardens beautiful and learn how to ensure your own houseplants are happy and healthy. Create a collage inspired by a noted 20th-century artist whose works are in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. And join a Smithsonian Books author, a former astronaut, as he considers the legacy of the space shuttle though the experiences of fellow fliers.

Indoor Gardening: Houseplants Galore

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

The Last Bison

By the late 19th century, American bison (or buffalo, as they were erroneously referred to then) had been reduced from herds of tens of millions to a few hundred individual animals scattered over the most remote parts of the West. In 1888 William T. Hornaday, chief taxidermist at the Smithsonian Institution, set off to hunt some of the very last bison to create a display before they vanished forever. Yet far from hastening its extinction, Hornaday became integral to saving the species. For his 2017 documentary for the Smithsonian Channel, wildlife filmmaker Steve Nicholls travelled through the American West to discover how such an abundant creature could stand on the brink of extinction and how a few influential people helped save it. Focusing on figures like Hornaday, Nicholls explores both the history and future of the American bison. Wed., Jan. 15, 12 p.m.; CODE 1K0-540; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Talk + Tour

Smithsonian horticulturist Alexandra Thompson’s indoor garden

Romare Bearden

Works on Paper from the 1960s and Beyond

While Romare Bearden (1911–1988) worked in many mediums from oil and watercolor to printmaking, he is best known for his mixed-media collages and photomontages. His expressive compositions feature urban scenes, rural life, and the jazz scene.

After looking at Bearden’s works of art—some of which are at the Smithsonian American Art Museum—and the coded messages in his collages, students try their hand at creating Bearden-inspired mixed-media compositions using a variety of fabrics, papers, stencils, photographs, paint, and drawing materials on a variety of surfaces. Artist Sandra Warren Gobar covers elements of composition alongside technical components like adhesives and supports. Development of personal style and visual storytelling are encouraged.

NEW DATES 4-session course: Sun., Jan. 26–Feb. 16, 11 a.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SS; Members $140; Nonmembers $165; Additional Studio Arts 60th Anniversary programs on p. 47

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

1965: Moments of Change

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

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

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

Portrait of Congressman John Lewis by Michael Shane Neal

Empress of the Blues, 1974, by Romare Bearden

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

Cheese 101: A Guide from Cheesemonster

Sun., Feb. 9

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

Join Alice Bergen Phillips, founder of Washington, D.C.’s Cheesemonster, for an investigation that serves up all the answers—and a tasting, too. (see p. 23)

Sapporo-Style Ramen: A Regional Rage

Tues., Feb. 25

Ramen has been one of the most common foods in Japan for decades and it continues to surge in popularity in the United States. At Washington, D.C.’s Haikan restaurant, chef Katsuya Fukushima and owner Daisuke Utagawa break down the distinctive components and characteristics of Sapporo ramen, demonstrate its preparation, and then invite you to sit down for an authentic ramen lunch. (see p. 26)

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. 29)

Studio

Arts

Let your creative side shine in a wide variety of hands-on classes led by professional artists. (see pp. 45–47)

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. 28)

Smithsonian Chamber Music Society

The Axelrod String Quartet

Sat., Jan. 25, 3:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 26, 3:30 p.m.

Music by Schubert, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Bruckner (see p. 18)

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. 18)

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. 55–61)

2024–2025 Concert Season

Sat., Feb. 15

Claude Thornhill and the Subtle Side of Jazz (see p. 19)

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra

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

Operation Dynamo: The Miracle at Dunkirk

The 2017 film Dunkirk was a rousing success and presented an eager audience with the famous evacuation of British forces from France in May and June 1940. But absent in the film’s telling of the story is the historical context, argues Kevin J. Weddle, a distinguished fellow at the United States Army War College. There is much more to Dunkirk, and its lead-up and aftermath are just as exciting as the evacuation itself.

The full picture of Operation Dynamo is a mix of perseverance, hope, tragedy, chance, and deliverance. Weddle examines the planning and execution of the desperate boatlift—which saved most of the British Expeditionary Force to fight again—and analyzes its overall strategic impact on the continuing war effort.

Tues., Jan. 7, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-543; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Gen. George S. Patton

Patton Through the Eyes of His Adversaries

Gen. George S. Patton, “Old Blood and Guts,” is one of the most renowned leaders in American military history, known for both his expertise in mobile tank warfare and his brash behavior and mercurial temper. He is remembered as an officer with few equals and attained legendary status while commanding corps and armies during World War II.

But the judgments of Patton’s enemies—many of whom were also veteran masters of mobile warfare—were often markedly different than the conventional portrait. Harry Yeide, a national security adviser and the author of Fighting Patton, exposes the German perspective on how and why they lost their battles with Patton’s forces.

Thurs., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-847; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Churchill and Eisenhower: A Unique Friendship

From World War II through the Cold War, Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower maintained a friendship unlike any other in history. The alliance and camaraderie forged between the Lion and the General defeated Nazism and kept communism at bay. Although occasionally testy, their connection remained close until Churchill’s death in 1965.

Historian Mitchell Yockelson discusses the personal story of these heads of state and their lasting influence on the world.

Mon., Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-845; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Thomas Becket: A Martyr for All Seasons

On December 20, 1170, the most notorious murder of the Middle Ages took place in Canterbury Cathedral: Archbishop Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of King Henry II, who had (apocryphally) spurred them to act by exclaiming in exasperation, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?”

What was so troublesome about Thomas Becket? Historian Jennifer Paxton explores how the archbishop fell afoul of his king for both personal and political reasons and ignited a political dispute that convulsed church and state for almost a decade. She also looks at why Becket’s violent death turned him from a lightning rod for controversy into the most important saint in Europe, one whose cult led to the creation of the most famous pilgrimage in English literary history, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Wed., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-362; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

British troops line up on the beach at Dunkirk to await evacuation

Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill

Depiction of the murder of Thomas Becket, ca. 1390, in the De Grey Hours

The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

On April 18, 1906, San Francisco was nearly destroyed by a massive earthquake and ensuing devastating fires. What occurred during the catastrophe known as the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire was beyond the experience of the city’s residents. Violent shocks punctuated the strong shaking, which lasted nearly a minute. The earthquake’s immediate impact was disastrous, but what followed was even more horrific.

Historian John A. Martini brings stories of the disaster to life using seldom-seen photographs of the earthquake damage, the fires that followed, and the massive relief efforts led by the U.S. Army that aided the victims.

Wed., Jan. 8, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-115; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Warsaw Ghetto’s Secret Savior

Irena Sendler and the Fight for Innocent Lives

In October 1940, German officials decreed that all Jewish residents of Warsaw must move into a designated area, creating the Warsaw Ghetto. The grim and overcrowded enclave sealed off by a 10-foot wall topped with barbed wire was home to over 400,000 Jews crammed into just 1.3 square miles. The dire conditions, compounded by insufficient food allotments, led to the deaths of 83,000 individuals from starvation and disease by mid-1942.

Amidst this darkness, Irena Stanisława Sendler, a Polish social worker and nurse, emerged as a beacon of hope. Operating through a secret network, Sendler courageously rescued more than 2,000 Jewish children from the ghetto. Despite being arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death in the infamous Pawiak prison, she remained steadfast, never revealing the whereabouts of those she saved. Historian Ralph Nurnberger sheds light on the extraordinary bravery of Irena Sendler, who risked everything for the children of the Warsaw Ghetto.

Thurs., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-076; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Roads to Rome

Routes for Conquest, Trade, and Creativity

Over the 2,000 years since many European roads were built, they have been walked by crusaders, dictators, writers, refugees, and artists. Historian Catherine Fletcher reveals how these roads have functioned as channels of trade and travel and routes for conquest and creativity, transforming cultures across Europe.

Fletcher tells the stories of her travels from Scotland to Cádiz to Istanbul and Rome, sharing histories of nations and empires that have risen and fallen.

Her new book, The Roads to Rome: A History of Imperial Expansion (Simon & Schuster), is available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1CV-054; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

A Century of Tomorrows How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present

For millennia, predicting the future was the province of priests, prophets, astrologers, and seers. Then, in the 20th century, futurologists emerged, arguing that data and design could make such forecasting a certainty. Historian Glenn Adamson offers insight into how the world was transformed by such forecasts of the future—whether in the imagining of new cities, the projection of novel technologies, or the pervasive anticipation of economic and political risks.

His new book, A Century of Tomorrows: How Imagining the Future Shapes the Present (Bloomsbury), is available for purchase.

Wed., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-055; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Houses on Howard Street (now South Van Ness Avenue), damaged by the 1906 earthquake

Irena Stanisława Sendler

Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe

Unraveling the Mysteries of Humanity’s Earliest Monuments

Three decades ago, archaeologist Klaus Schmidt and his colleagues found a buried treasure trove of megaliths at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey, some dating back more than 11,000 years—far older than any similar structures found elsewhere. These intricately carved pillars were adorned with sophisticated animal reliefs and mysterious symbols that suggest a complexity of thought and artistry previously unimagined for the Neolithic era. Since then, surrounding sites including Karahan Tepe have begun to share their secrets.

Turkish tour guide Serif Yenen delves into the captivating stories of Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and neighboring stone hills.

Wed., Jan. 22, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-426; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Langley and Manly and Orville and Wilbur

Who Would Be the First To Fly?

In the fall and early winter of 1903, two highly gifted, motivated, innovative, and courageous engineering teams were pushing toward a once-unimaginable goal: to be the first to fly. One was a pair of brothers—Orville and Wilbur Wright. The other was composed of a mentor, Dr. Samuel Langley, secretary of the Smithsonian, and his brilliant assistant, Charles Matthews Manly.

While not officially a race, each team knew that the other was closing fast on solving the greatest engineering problem of the age. We know who won—but do we know why? Writer and filmmaker Paul Glenshaw tells the story of the epic competition.

Wed., Jan. 22, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-539; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Levittown

A Prototype Emerges

Early in 1947, hundreds of contiguous acres of Long Island, New York, were operating as potato farms. Before the end of that year, 350 new homes occupied part of the site. Four years later, Levittown was complete, with more than 17,000 homes, paved streets, utilities, schools, and shops.

Bill Keene, lecturer in urban studies and architecture, explores how developers such as the Levitts and other visionaries pioneered the creation of large-scale suburbs as he delves into this transformation that revolutionized residential and suburban planning.

Thurs., Jan. 23, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-056; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Your programs...your time

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

Göbekli Tepe archaeological site in Sanliurfa, Turkey

First successful flight of the Wright Flyer by the Wright brothers in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Levittown houses in 1958

LIFELONG LEARNING

Lincoln vs. Davis

Emancipation’s Roots in a Rivalry

Confronted with the most violent and challenging war ever waged on American soil, Abraham Lincoln appeared to be illsuited to the task of outwitting his formidable opponent, Jefferson Davis. But he ultimately summoned the courage to issue as a “military necessity” a proclamation freeing the 3.5 million enslaved Americans without whom the South could neither feed nor fund their armed insurrection. The new policy doomed Davis’s rebellion—which was in dire need of support from Europe, none of whose governments would dare to recognize rebel “independence” in a war openly fought over slavery.

Presidential chronicler Nigel Hamilton discusses an untold story of the Civil War: how two Americans faced off as the fate of the nation hung in the balance—and how Lincoln came to embrace emancipation as the last best chance to save the Union. Copies of Hamilton’s book Lincoln vs. Davis (Little, Brown and Company) are available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-613; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Hanoverians

The Germanic Invasion of the British Monarchy

When Queen Anne of Britain died in 1714, the question of royal succession became a matter of political drama. Her successor was George of Hanover—a distant relative who was unknown to the British people. Historian Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger follows the long and complicated reigns of the four kings named George, who overcame an uprising, navigated a Parliament seeking more power, and provided family drama equal to that of the Tudors. She also explores the long-term impact of the Hanoverians as their final monarch, Victoria, ushered the nation into the modern era.

How Horses Shaped Human

History

Horses altered the course of human history, says archaeologist William T. Taylor. He traces their origins and spread from the western Eurasian steppes and discusses their domestication, the invention of horse-drawn transportation, and the significant shift to mounted riding. Drawing on archaeozoology, Indigenous perspectives, ancient DNA, and other new research, Taylor highlights the discoveries that place the horse at the inception of globalization, trade, biological exchange, and social inequality.

His new book, Hoof Beats: How Horses Shaped Human History (University of California Press), is available for purchase.

Wed., Jan. 29, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-432; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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.

primigenius (Blumbach), National Museum of Natural History

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

Thurs., Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1M2-365; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Mammuthus

Arms of the Hanoverian kings of the United Kingdom (1816–1837)

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.”

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

Benedict Arnold by Thomas Hart

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

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

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

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima by Joe Rosenthal, 1945

LIFELONG LEARNING

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 and darker aspects 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

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

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

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

The Death of Julius Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini, 1805

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 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

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 “Afro-Latino 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

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

Irish step-dancing

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

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

Live from Scotland

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

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

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.

Andrew Lawler

Citizens of Tournai, Belgium, bury plague victims

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

Were the Fifties Actually Fabulous?

Golden Years

The Story of American Aging

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

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

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

Carnaby Street, 1960s London

The Battle of Salamis, 19th-century illustration

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Queen Eleanor by Frederick Sandys, 1858

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

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

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

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 United States 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 $85

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 1J0447; 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

Alaric entering Athens by Allan Stewart, ca. 1920

Hancock at Gettysburg by Thure de Thulstrup

Robert Watson

Battle of Springfield, New Jersey, 1780

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

Screamin’ and Hollerin’ in The Sound and the Fury

Faulkner’s Masterpiece and the Mississippi Delta Blues

In September 1929, four weeks before William Faulkner published The Sound and the Fury, the singer-songwriter Charley Patton released a record with the eerily parallel title “Screamin’ and Hollerin’ the Blues.” In radically different media—avant-garde Modernist fiction and popular African American folk song—Faulkner and Patton mobilized similar imagery, language, themes, and experimental formal devices to depict their shared Mississippi world.

Tim A. Ryan, author of Yoknapatawpha Blues: Faulkner’s Fiction and Southern Roots Music, explores the provocative and illuminating relationships between The Sound and the Fury and Patton’s Mississippi Delta blues—as well as Faulkner’s complicated and often-conflicted lifelong engagements with Black musical traditions.

Tues., Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-846; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Glory of Russian Masterworks

Your Medical Data, For Sale

Most people realize that Internet platforms such as Google and Facebook gather vast amounts of personal data to target advertising and products. Fewer know that the health care system also scoops up our most intimate medical secrets to sell commercially to companies that have nothing to do with our treatment or billing.

Adam Tanner, an associate at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science and author of Our Bodies, Our Data: How Companies Make Billions Selling Our Medical Records, examines how this lucrative international business extends to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and insurers—and even labs that test blood and conduct other deeply revealing tests. Tanner offers insights into how we can best balance the promise big data offers to advance medicine and improve lives while preserving the rights and interests of every patient.

Wed., Jan. 8, 12 p.m.; CODE 1NV-116; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev: Russia has provided us with some of the most exciting and original music in the repertoire today. Vibrant colors, explosive energy, and passionate emotional drive characterize the works of these composers. Yet this tradition seemed to spring from nowhere barely 150 years ago, expanding meteorically in breadth and national confidence over an amazingly short period.

As she explores the riches of Russian concert works, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin combines lecture and piano demonstrations to also trace the turbulent historical movements that acted both as backdrop and engine for this fascinating musical evolution.

6-session series: Thurs., Jan. 9–Feb. 13, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1K0-538; Members $150; Nonmembers $170

Hollywood’s Star System and How It Works

From Mary Pickford to Meryl Streep

For more than a century, Hollywood has relied on star power as the most reliable way to draw an audience. Media historian Brian Rose traces the history of movie stardom, from the days when film actors weren’t even identified by name to when Mary Pickford became the first real film star, and on to the Golden Age when Hollywood manufactured stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Lana Turner. He explains how actors like Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington ushered in a new definition of stardom during the last few decades.

Mon., Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-421; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Charley Patton, 1929

Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1910

Mary Pickford

Winter Wine Adventures

JAN 24 A Tour of America’s West Coast Wine Regions

Many consider the West Coast to be the epicenter of fine wine. Indeed Washington, Oregon, and California produce some of the world’s most highly coveted wines. This in-depth exploration includes tastings of some of the best wines from the upper Pacific Northwest to lower California and all points in between.

MAR 21 A Global Celebration of Women in Wine

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

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.

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.

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.

3-session series: Fri., Jan. 24, Fri., Feb. 21, and Fri., March 21, 6 p.m.; CODE WINE2025; Members $180; Nonmembers $210 Individual sessions: Fri., Jan. 24 (CODE 1L0-615); 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.

John Huston

The Director Who Would Be King

The memorable films of John Huston are difficult to categorize. There were noir-ish thrillers; rugged dramatic adventures; stylistic and stylized biographies; adaptations of challenging literary and theatrical works; and even occasional comedies. For 46 years he masterfully navigated the Hollywood system, offsetting conventional commercial assignments with uncompromising personal projects. Huston’s films are stories of triumph and suffering, of anti-heroes and sociopaths, alcoholics, adventurers, and lusty rebels.

Huston was a larger-than-life figure whose Hemingwayesque legend sometimes threatens to overshadow his cinematic achievements. Film historian Max Alvarez celebrates them in a tribute to one of cinema’s greatest directing artisans.

Tues., Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-541; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

John Huston as Noah Cross in 1974’s Chinatown

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., Jan. 25, 3:30 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 26, 3:30 p.m.

Schubert: Quartettsatz in C Minor, D703

Mozart: Quintet in D Major, K593

Bruckner: Quintet in F Major, WAB 112 with guest violist Steven Dann

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

New this season: Select concerts take place at 3:30 p.m. 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

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. The concert includes selections including “Jeru” by Gerry Mulligan; “Buster’s Last Stand” by Gil Evans; and “Snowfall” by Claude Thornhill.

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: Sat., Feb. 15 (CODE 1P0-870); 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

Further Explorations in Music Theory

With conductor Ernest Johnson

This advanced course builds on Introduction to Music Theory and is intended for individuals who read music and can visually and aurally identify the basic elements of pitch, rhythm, and form. Using audio and score examples from many musical genres, content includes an analysis of melody and harmony in greater depth and detail and includes weekly assignments in ear-training, sight-reading (singing with solfege), improvisation, and composition, as well as instructor-led musical dictation. Computer software is introduced to notate compositional assignments, including a subscription to the Noteflight Learn instructional software program. Limited to 25 participants. 8-session series: Wed., Jan. 15–March 12, 6:30 p.m. (no class March 5); detailed program information on website; CODE 1P0873; Members $235; Nonmembers $260

JACLYN NASH

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in concert

Conductor Ernest Johnson

LIFELONG LEARNING

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.

Paleolithic Cave Art

The prehistoric art painted on the walls and ceilings of the caves at Altamira in Spain and Lascaux and Chauvet in France offer tantalizing clues about the origins of humankind and the development of abstract thought. Jacobs analyzes recurring motifs and patterns in Paleolithic cave art, examines why and how such images were created, and revisits some of the leading theories about their meaning.

Thurs., Jan. 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-425; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Samarkand

Chinese Oracle Bones

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

Bison Magdalenian polychrome rock painting, the Altamira caves

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

Wed., April 16, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-449; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 60

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.

Oracle bone with inscription

Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt

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

Celebrating Robert Frost: An American Poet

More than 50 years after his death, Robert Frost remains one of the most beloved and critically respected poets of all time. Winner of four Pulitzer Prizes, Frost was a groundbreaking artist and cultural icon, a rural sage who became America’s “national poet.” His poetry suggested how small encounters between the individual and the natural world could often be construed as metaphors for the larger themes of the human condition.

Author Daniel Stashower delves into Frost’s life and legacy as he journeys down the road less traveled with one of America’s great originals, and actor Scott Sedar brings the poet’s words to life with readings from his most celebrated works.

Thurs., Jan. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-078; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady

The Great Anglo-American Novel

Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady from 1880–81 is considered one of the greatest works in American literature, though its American-born author, Henry James, lived for long stretches in Europe, particularly England. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, offers a fresh look at this enduring classic by examining James’ gorgeous use of language, his profound understanding of human psychology, and his keen insights into differences in national and cultural traditions. Luzzi also discusses James’ gift for literary characterization, especially with his protagonist, Isabel Archer, one of the most compelling personalities in literature.

Sat., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1J0-427; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

A Dinner at Moon Rabbit

Celebrating Lunar New Year

The nationally celebrated Moon Rabbit restaurant in Washington, D.C., features modern cuisine that salutes and reinterprets regional Vietnamese dishes. Chef Kevin Tien, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist, oversees a menu that features cutting-edge takes on classic favorites, with an homage to his mother’s and grandmother’s recipes.

Tien’s menu specially designed for Smithsonian Associates’ guests also has a family inspiration. It celebrates the Lunar New Year, a time when Vietnamese families gather over food to honor their ancestors, review the past year, and pray for health and prosperity in the coming one.

The ticket price includes a four-course dinner and nonalcoholic drinks. Wine, beer, and cocktails are not included but can be ordered separately.

Sun., Jan. 26, 6 p.m.; CODE 1L0-614; Moon Rabbit, 927 F St. NW; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

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

Masterworks of Chamber Music: Intimate Beauties

Chamber music, perhaps the most subtle and intimate form of musical expression, has inspired many great composers to create some of their most sublime works. Originally designed for the private enjoyment of its players in a drawing room, it is now heard in recital and concert halls throughout the world.

Classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein explores and analyzes some of the chamber repertoire’s greatest masterworks by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak, Bartok, and Shostakovich. Each weekly talk is highlighted by music and video recordings.

5-session series: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 25, 12 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-364; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

Buddha Daibutsu, Kamakura, Japan

Can Money Buy Happiness?

Buddhist and Western Perspectives

Modern critics of free-market capitalism have long complained that it promotes economic growth at the expense of virtue and happiness. But does the capitalist model for alleviating poverty force us to choose between the useful and the good? Is some measure of unhappiness simply the price we pay for human progress?

Though it may seem an unlikely source, the Buddhist tradition offers us a useful conceptual framework for thinking about this question, asserts Steven M. Emmanuel, chair of the philosophy department at Virginia Wesleyan University. He finds many places in the canonical literature where the Buddha speaks directly to the benefits and the dangers of wealth acquisition as it pertains to happiness. These texts describe an ennobling form of economic activity that is not only compatible with moral and spiritual growth but promotes the conditions for a peaceful, prosperous, and happy society.

Wed., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-557; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

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

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

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

RISA RYAN

Saul Lilienstein

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

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

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

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

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

Taylor Swift, Eras Tour concert

Frederick Douglass

The Love Potion by Evelyn de Morgan, 1903

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.

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

Orchestrating Greatness

Movies, Their Music, and the Oscars

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.

Mon., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-553; 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-thescenes 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 1J0-438; 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.

Audrey Hepburn on the set of My Fair Lady

LIFELONG LEARNING

Rachel Franklin

Fyodor Dostoevsky by Vasily Perov, 1872

In Person

Sapporo-Style Ramen: A Regional Rage

With Lunch

Ramen has been one of the most common foods in Japan for decades and it continues to surge in popularity in the United States. Japanese foodies take their ramen very seriously: There are approximately 32 distinct regional variations in the countr y, and just a few of those can be found stateside.

Sapporo is one of the most competitive ramen markets in Japan, with more than 1,000 ramen shops in the city. At Haikan restaurant, chef Katsuya Fukushima and owner Daisuke Utagawa cover the distinctive ingredients and characteristics of Sapporo ramen—including a rich Chintan stock; thick, chewy, and flavorful aged noodles; and preparation in a wok. They offer a demonstration of its preparation before inviting you to sit down for an authentic ramen lunch.

Tues., Feb. 25, 12 p.m.; Haikan, 805 V St., NW (U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro, Green/Yellow line); CODE 1L0-619; Members $85; Nonmembers $100

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

“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

Rehearsing for the Federal Theatre Project production of The Cradle Will Rock

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

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

Sleeping Beauty by Henry Meynell Rheam, 1899

LIFELONG LEARNING

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 50plus 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

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?

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

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

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

John Donne by Isaac Oliver

Container of conifers with a grouping of juniperus

Johannes Brahms

Ludwig van Beethoven

Frédéric Chopin

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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

James Baldwin, 1964

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

James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance

In 1948 at age 24, writer James Baldwin left New York for Paris to free himself from racism. Nine years later, a news photo compelled him to return: It depicted teenager Dorothy Counts facing a hostile white crowd as she made her way to integrate a high school in North Carolina. Back home, 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. Later in life, Baldwin talked more openly about his sexuality, but it was his commitment to bear witness during troubled times that inspired 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. 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

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 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 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

“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

Susan Bae Nycci Nellis

REY LOPEZ PHOTO

Julie Cortes Amy Brandwein

RACHEL PARAOAN

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

“Owl” Night Long

Exploring the Ultimate Nocturnal

Avian Predator

Much folklore surrounds owls. To some, they symbolize wisdom. To others, they are harbingers of death. To the naturalist, they are one of the most finely honed predators the world has ever known.

Why do owls fly silently? What exactly is an owl pellet? Can owls really turn their heads completely around? Find the answers to these intriguing questions as master falconer Robert Johnson delves into the evolutionary and behavioral adaptations that make owls so extraordinary in the animal kingdom.

Thurs., Jan. 9, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-423; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Geology of Georgia O’Keeffe’s New Mexico

The dramatic landscapes of northern New Mexico captivated Georgia O’Keeffe and were often depicted in her work. The artist had homes in Abiquiu, in the Rio Grande rift, and Ghost Ranch, situated on the edge of the scenic Colorado Plateau. Though separated by just 20 miles, they are worlds apart from a geologic perspective.

New Mexico geologist Kirt Kempter examines the history of the area, which spans more than 300 million years and includes rock layers from ancient rivers, oceans, and sand dunes. He also surveys the forces that shaped its modern landscape.

Mon., Jan. 13, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-117; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Recent Discoveries in the Deep Dark Oxygen, the Rare Biosphere, and a $17 Billion Shipwreck

Deep ocean exploration has come a long way since 1882, when Jules Verne published Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. As 2025 begins, we’ve moved far beyond science fiction when it comes to unraveling the secrets of the ocean’s depths.

Using an extraordinary suite of tools, marine scientists and explorers are returning with stunning knowledge about the universe beneath the waves: fantastical new species; astonishing insights into how Earth’s life-support systems work; and high-resolution seafloor maps that reveal hidden landscapes and buried treasures that even Verne could never have dreamed of—including a 17th-century Spanish galleon carrying a cargo some estimate to be worth more than $17 billion. Journalist and author Susan Casey dives into the latest discoveries in the deep ocean, offering a glimpse of the tantalizing mysteries that still lie on its floor.

Tues., Jan. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-537; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

programs are part of

Chimney Rock with Abiquiu Lake and Cerro Pedernal in the distance, New Mexico

Argus, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) used for deep-ocean exploration

Should We Go Extinct?

Should we bring new humans into the world? Or would it be better off without us? These days it’s harder than ever to watch TV or scroll social media without contemplating these questions, says philosopher Todd May

Drawing on his newest book, May, who served as an adviser to the TV series “The Good Place,” discusses reasons for and against the continuation of our species: whether the positive and negative tallies of the human ledger are comparable and what conclusions we might draw about ourselves and our future—or lack thereof.

Copies of Should We Go Extinct? A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Unbearable Times (Crown) are available for purchase.

Tues., Jan. 14, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-612; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

A vesper sparrow

Birding in a Winter Wonderland

We know that birds fly south for the winter, but while our neotropical summer breeders return to the tropics, many other species find their way to winter homes in temperate North America from their Arctic breeding grounds. Most are ducks, geese, and swans, but the seasonal visitors also include songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors. Winter is also a great time to observe rare vagrant birds that have flown out of range and need to refuel before continuing their journey.

Naturalist Matt Felperin shares valuable tips on how to make the most of winter birding in the mid-Atlantic region. Learn why so many species stay here for the winter instead of flying further south and discover some new locations to observe our winter snowbirds—complete with detailed photos. Get ready to put on your snow pants and parka and enjoy one of the most rewarding and magical times for birding.

Wed., Jan. 22, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-118; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

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

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

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

60

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

A Natural History Road Trip

Badlands to Yellowstone

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

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

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 14, 12 p.m.; CODE 1J0-443; $20; Nonmembers $25

John Whyte

Mount Erebus, Antarctica

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Glass in America: From Tiffany to Chihuly

From the late 19th century to the present, American glass has undergone remarkable transformations. Art historian Jennie Hirsh explores that dynamic history, from the Arts and Crafts movement’s artisanal glass to the streamlined designs of the Art Deco era, the mid-century modern movement’s minimalist and functional aesthetics to the innovative techniques and styles of contemporary glass art.

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

She considers the influential contributions and enduring legacies of key figures such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Harvey Littleton, Dominick Labino, and Dale Chihuly. Hirsh also explores various glassmaking techniques; traces the development of the American Studio Glass movement; and highlights top destinations for experiencing American glass art today.

Fri., Jan. 10, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-077; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Great Cathedrals and Basilicas of Italy II

Off the Beaten Path

Art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University follows up her 2023 exploration of Italian cathedrals and basilicas in several major cities by going off the beaten path. In a full-day seminar, she focuses on four sites of great importance located in the regions of Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and Le Marche: the churches of Assisi, Orvieto, Parma, and Loreto, which represent some of Italy’s greatest repositories of sacred art.

Built during the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, these majestic places of worship—several of which became major pilgrimage destinations—were adorned with complex fresco cycles and sculptural programs executed by some of the most renowned artists of their respective periods.

Sat., Jan. 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-363; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

You love art. Now go deeper.

Art is all around us. It excites us, enriches our lives, and enlivens our imaginations. To truly appreciate any work of art, we need to understand the context and culture in which it was created. That’s why Smithsonian Associates offers a World Art History Certificate Program.

The wide-ranging offerings are designed to provide a global perspective on art and architecture and draw on the Smithsonian’s world-class collections and the rich resources of other Washington institutions. They are selected from among Smithsonian Associates courses, seminars, study tours, and studio art classes. Look for World Art History Certificate throughout the program guide to see current listings. Get started today and complete the certificate requirements at your own pace. Registration is ongoing; for a limited time, new participants receive a World Art History Certificate tote bag. Credits are counted from day of registration and are not given retroactively.

SmithsonianAssociates.org/artcertificate

Peacock Vase by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company, 1901

Inverted glass sculpture at Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chapel of San Brizio, Duomo, Orvieto

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

Written Word, Painted Image

How Books Inspired Renaissance Art

At the heart of the Renaissance was the deep connection between literature and visual art, with the written word significantly shaping painting and sculpture. Epic poems, classical texts, humanist treatises, and folk stories provided the period’s artists with themes, narratives, and philosophical foundations. This interplay between literature and art fostered a cross-pollination of ideas, driving the transformative spirit of the era and accelerating the rebirth of visual and intellectual creativity. Ruffolo delves into these literary sources and uncovers the intricate connections between text and image.

Fri., Jan. 24, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-079; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

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

The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, 1485

Pitti Palace in Florence

Saint George by Donatello

Writing Workshops

Write Into 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.

Bridges of Light and Time

A Reflective Writing Workshop

Immerse yourself in the colors, light, and forms of Claude Monet’s exquisite The Japanese Footbridge to explore the bridge as a metaphor for the thresholds and journeys of our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop invites you to look outwardly at art and to look inwardly through writing. These reflections can become creative fertile ground for memoir, poetry, and more.

Tues., Jan. 14, 10 a.m.; CODE 1K0-550; Members $40; Nonmembers $45

Creative Writing Inspired by Visual Art

Discover how visual art can inspire creative writing and how writing can offer a powerful way to experience art. 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

Mary Hall Surface

The Japanese Footbridge by Claude Monet, 1899

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 Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) by Katsushika Hokusai

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Giotto and the Visual Vernacular

Giotto di Bondone revolutionized the field of Italian painting in the 14th century by breaking with the predominant Byzantine style, filling his paintings with expressive character types, landscapes, vibrant colors, and complex visual arrangements. In fact, Giotto’s naturalistic treatment of religious subjects might be defined as a sort of visual vernacular.

Italian Renaissance art expert

Rocky Ruggiero explores works such as the Ognissanti Madonna, the frescoes in Florence’s Church of Santa Croce that depict St. Francis’ life, and the extraordinary frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel.

Wed., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-424; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

Renaissance Florence and Venice

An Artistic Tale of Two Cities

Florence and Venice were both rich, confident, and magnificently beautiful cities—powerhouses of Renaissance creativity. Yet they were vastly different in their character and artistic, intellectual and political aspirations. Art historian Nigel McGilchrist explores the tale of these two cities and the artists they nurtured, particularly the contrasting geniuses of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian.

He examines why so much suddenly happened in the hitherto insignificant town of Florence; why, after three generations of achievements by Leonardo and Michelangelo, the city abruptly fell from artistic preeminence; and why the spirit of the Renaissance came to Venice much later and in such a different form.

Sat., Jan. 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; detailed program information on website; CODE 1M2-371; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Stealing the Mystic Lamb

The Story of the World’s Most Coveted Masterpiece

Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece is arguably the most influential painting ever. Often referred to by the subject of its central panel, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, it linked the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. A forerunner of Realism, it was the first major oil painting and the most famous artwork in Europe when it was completed in 1432.

Across the tumultuous centuries, this 12-panel work has been attacked by iconoclasts, used as a diplomatic tool, ransomed, hunted by the Nazis and Napoleon, rescued by Austrian double agents, and stolen a dozen times. Noah Charney, an author and art historian, highlights the extraordinary story of this altarpiece.

Wed., Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-844; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Ghent Altarpiece, 12 interior panels

Madonna Enthroned (Ognissanti Madonna) by Giotto

Venice, the Grand Canal, and Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

IMAGES COURTESY OF NIGEL MCGILCHRIST

LIFELONG LEARNING

Mary Magdalene; detail from Madonna and Child with Two Saints by Giovanni Bellini, 1490

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Saintly Guardians of Venice

The Virgin, the Evangelist, and the Gift-Giver Venice, with its shimmering canals, majestic palaces, and intricate mosaics, has long captivated the imagination of travelers and historians alike. But behind its architectural splendor and rich cultural tapestry lies a deeply spiritual heritage, embodied by the saints whom the Venetians have venerated for centuries. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, saints were regarded with profound reverence. Their physical remains and associated relics were believed to possess spiritual significance and to carry political, economic, and diplomatic influence. These items conveyed powerful messages, guiding the course of history in ways both seen and unseen. Historian Dennis Romano explores the crucial roles of the Virgin Mary, Saint Mark, and Saint Nicholas in shaping Venice’s identity, highlighting the magnificent churches, paintings, and sculptures commissioned in their honor.

Fri., Jan. 31, 12 p.m.; CODE 1D0-080; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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 ½ credit

Brutalism in Washington, D.C.

Amid the Cold War, urban renewal efforts ushered in a Brutalist phenomenon that reshaped Washington, D.C., in the mid-20th century. Many highprofile public buildings were designed and constructed with exposed structural elements and building materials, including concrete, brick, steel, and glass. They were viewed as cost-effective and efficient, but many haven’t aged well, and public reaction continues to debate their architectural significance.

Architecture professor Angela Person and photographer Ty Cole are curators of “Capital Brutalism,” currently on view at the National Building Museum. They provide an overview of the exhibition, which explores the history, current state, and future of seven polarizing buildings and the Metro system. Person and Cole highlight archival documents, drawings, construction photographs, architectural models, and contemporary photographs to provide context and shed light on the buildings’ stories. Mon., Feb. 3, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-618; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Presented in collaboration with the National Building Museum

Madonna dell'Orto by Giovanni de Santi, Chapel St. Mauro

Taj Mahal, completed in 1643, Agra, India

Hubert H. Humphrey Building

Kumara/Kartikeya with a Kushan devotee, 2nd century

LIFELONG LEARNING

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

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

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

Casa Batlló roof detail by Antoni Gaudí

The Last Judgment by Michelangelo, 16th century

PRADO, MADRID

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

The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, 1814

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

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 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 1M2-369; Members $110; Nonmembers $130

The Abduction of Europa by Jean François de Troy, 1716

Miss Lillian, 1977, by Andy Warhol

Jeff Koons’ sculpture “Puppy” in front of the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

Camille Claudel, 1881

Marble sculpture “Vertumnus and Pomona” by Camille Claudel, 1905

World

Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½

credit

The Miracle of Brunelleschi’s Dome

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

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

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.

Thurs., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-564; Members $30; Nonmembers $40

Niagara by Frederic Edwin Church, 1857

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

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

Lesser-Known Museums and Churches of Italy

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit for each

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

Santa Maria 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

World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit

Enduring Themes in Western Art (Part II)

Keep Connected with Smithsonian eAlerts!

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

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Santa Maria Novella

Virtual reconstruction of the front panel of Duccio's Maestà

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

Young Hare by Albrecht Dürer, 1502

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Two Glass Houses: An Entangled History

During the late 1940s, two glass-walled pavilions were designed by leading architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson. From their beginnings to the present, these houses have an intertwined history. In 1930, Johnson commissioned Mies to design his New York apartment and later began to promote the German-born architect in America. In 1944, Mies was commissioned to design a modern weekend house for Chicago nephrologist Edith Farnsworth. Johnson admired the concept of the glass, travertine, and steel residence, which inspired his own version, the Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut. These became perhaps the world’s most written about and photographed International Style homes.

Over the years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired both properties, opening them to the public in 2004. The executive directors of each site, Scott Mehaffey (the Edith Farnsworth House) and Kristin Reoch (the Glass House), discuss the fascinating shared history of these icons of the Modernist movement.

Sun., March 15, 2 p.m.; CODE 1L0-625; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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 SainteChapelle? 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

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LIFELONG LEARNING

Edith Farnsworth House

Madame X (detail) by John Singer Sargent, 1884

Philip Johnson's Glass House

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

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

Tutti-Frutti, 1966, by Helen Frankenthaler

LIFELONG LEARNING

The Gateway of India in Mumbai, India

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

Hotel de Hollande by Joseph Cornell, 1955

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

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.

SmithsonianAssociates.org/levels

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

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

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

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

Pablo Picasso, 1962

IN PERSON

In-person classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors

DRAWING

Beginning Drawing

This course teaches the basic skills needed for a strong foundation for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.

SOLD OUT

TWO IN-PERSON OPTIONS: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 10:30 a.m. (CODE 1E0-0QG); Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 6 p.m. (CODE 1E0-0QH); George Tkabladze; Ripley Center; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain

SOLD OUT

Take this drawing fundamentals class as your first step in learning to draw. You learn to translate that stunning image in your mind or what you see in front of you onto paper, building a strong foundation for your drawing or painting practice.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 11–March 8, 10:15 a.m.; no class Jan. 18; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SD; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

PAINTING

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Techniques in Modernist Painting

Experiment with a variety of Modernist painting styles such as Cubism, Suprematism, and Abstract Expressionism. Through a series of exercises, including still-life setups and model sessions, learn practical applications of the concepts and techniques of Modernism.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 11–March 8, 2:30 p.m.; no class Jan. 18; Shahin Talishkhan; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SE; Members $280; Nonmembers $315

By Shahin Talishkhan

Beginning Watercolor Magic Snow Days and Snowmen

Learn to understand color and simple techniques that help you use watercolor. The fun guided practice explains the methods used to arrange and paint still-life artworks. The culmination of the four sessions is a finished painting of a snowy day with your personal flair.

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

Beginning Watercolor Magic Winter Wonderlands

Begin your watercolor journey by coming to understand color and the simple techniques that help you use this magical art material. The fun guided practice explains the methods used to paint landscapes. The culmination of the four sessions is your finished painting of a winter wonderland.

MIXED MEDIA

Painting and Collage

SOLD OUT

IN PERSON: Tues., Feb. 11–March 4, 2 p.m.; Sharon McKittrick Boyle; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00TL; Members $150; Nonmembers $175

Combine traditional painting techniques with collage to produce pieces with texture and depth. Experiment with both collaging into painted surfaces and painting on collaged surfaces. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop unfinished watercolor or acrylic paintings.

IN PERSON: Sat., Jan. 11–Feb. 22, 1 p.m., no class Jan. 18; Sharon Robinson; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00SC; Members $185; Nonmembers $210

By Sharon Robinson

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

By Sharon McKittrick Boyle

FIBER ARTS

Knitting for Beginners

Learn the fundamentals of knitting, including casting on, basic knit and purl stitches, increasing, decreasing, and binding off. Students learn by practice and may start a knitting project during class.

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

OTHER MEDIA

Mosaic Jewelry

Learn the techniques needed to create fine mosaic jewelry as you make silver-plate mosaic pendants using mosaic gold, smalti, semiprecious stones, stained glass, millefiori, and more.

IN PERSON: Sat., Feb. 22, 10:15 a.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SF; Members $95; Nonmembers $110

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SCULPTURE

Figure Sculpture

By Bonnie Fitzgerald

Learn clay techniques and gain an understanding of the human body, gestures, and expressions as you sculpt a portrait, torso, or full-figure piece by working from life. Focus on tool use, armatures, anatomy, and proportion and explore individual style.

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 2 p.m.; George Tkabladze; Ripley Center; CODE 1E00QJ; Members $315; Nonmembers $350

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Introduction to Photography

Whether you want to work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Topics include camera functions, exposure, metering, working with natural and artificial light, and composition.

IN-PERSON: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 3 p.m.; Andargé Asfaw; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QL; Members $245; Nonmembers $280

NEW CLASSES

By Joe Yablonsky

By Andargé Asfaw

Indoor Macro Photography

Macro photography isn’t just for the summer. Discuss and practice the tips, tricks, and techniques to take incredible macro photos of cut flowers, houseplants, jewelry, abstracts, and kitchen utensils in the warmth of your home using light from your windows.

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 14 and 21, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QM; Members $90; Nonmembers $115

The Exposure Triangle

Learn to capture the depth of field, motion effects, and exposure you want by quickly making camera adjustments in the field. Topics covered include ISO, apertures, shutter speeds, exposure modes, metering modes, exposure compensation, and histograms. Also discussed is how to photograph highcontrast scenes.

By Joe Yablonsky

IN PERSON: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0QN; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

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.

By Joe Yablonsky

On-Location Photography

Learn to capture this vibrant capital city and sharpen your way of thinking about shooting outdoors in a course that focuses on deploying a minimal amount of equipment and a lot of fresh perspective. Emphasis is placed on what happens before the shutter release is pressed and on truly previsualizing the photograph.

IN PERSON: Sun., Feb. 2–March 9, 1:45 p.m.; Joe Yablonsky; Ripley Center; CODE 1E0-0SX; Members $195; Nonmembers $230

By George Tkabladze

Do you want to sharpen your technical and artistic abilities? Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts' new Coffee and Critiques can help. Prepare to share two or three of your artworks for feedback and technical advice from teachers who are professional artists.

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

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in 2-D Media

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join Smithsonian Studio Arts instructor Nick Cruz Velleman for a members-only small-group critique focusing on artwork in 2-D media. Be prepared to receive constructive feedback, ask questions, and discuss art theory and practice.

ONLINE: Sun., March 9, 10 a.m.; CODE 1E0-0TC; Members $45

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Watercolor

Join Smithsonian Studio Arts instructor Lubna Zahid for a members-only small-group critique focusing on artwork in watercolor. Coffee and light refreshments are provided for this special event.

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

Coffee and Critiques

Artworks in Oil Paint

Join Smithsonian Studio Arts instructor Shahin Talishkhan for a members-only small-group critique focusing on artwork in oil paint. Coffee and light refreshments are provided for this special event.

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

Online classes are taught by professional artists and teachers. View detailed class descriptions and supply lists at SmithsonianAssociates.org/studio. View portfolios of work by our instructors at SmithsonianAssociates.org/art instructors

ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Color Theory and Practice

Explore the basics of color theory including temperature, value, and harmony-creating color schemes. In three hands-on projects, learn to use a color wheel with tinting and toning, color charts, and color harmony studies.

By Theresa

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 13–Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., no class Jan. 20; Theresa Otteson; CODE 1E00QB; Member $165; Nonmember $190

Hues in Harmony

Color Mixing and Maximizing Your Palette

Refamiliarize yourself with the fundamentals of color theory while learning a new approach to mixing color. Gain a deeper understanding of complementary color relationships so that you can more intuitively mix colors and harness color harmonies to better express depth as well as the contrast between light and shadow.

By Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16–Feb. 13, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0RQ; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Otteson

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LIFELONG LEARNING

Visual Journaling: Creativity Workout

In an afternoon of artistic experimentation designed to strengthen creative muscles and deepen skills in visual expression, explore five modes of visual thinking: working from memory, observation, imagination, narrative, and experimental approaches.

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 1, 1 p.m.; Renee Sandell; CODE 1E0-0SL; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Renee Sandell

Color Theory and Chroma-psychology

Learn how to make color choices in your art to bring out a reaction from the viewer. Use a color wheel to clarify your understanding of color basics and then create color combinations with pencils for a practical understanding of color theory.

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 20, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E0-0RW; Members $55; Nonmembers $70

Developing Your Creative Practice

Drop the burden of creating a finished product and focus instead on developing your ideas. Begin to deal with procrastination, creative blocks, flow, problem solving, and finishing within the support of a stress-free environment and build confidence alongside other students on the same journey.

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

By Kate Lewis

DRAWING

Beginning Drawing

This course teaches the basic skills needed for a strong foundation for drawing. Working with a variety of materials and techniques, including charcoal and pencils, students explore the rendering of geometric forms, volume, and perspective, with an emphasis on personal gesture marks.

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 13–March 17, 6 p.m., no class Jan. 20 and Feb. 17; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0SY; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Drawing Light and How the Masters Did It

Learn the strategies Rembrandt, Daumier, Cézanne, and Vermeer used to harness light in their images. Participants investigate how these masters manipulated light to unify, intensify, and give dimension to their images. In-class exercises focus on using graphite to draw studies of masterworks.

By Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0QR; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

The Mark of van Gogh

This introduction to Vincent van Gogh’s accomplishments in drawing pays particular attention to his unique and instantly recognizable touch. Participants investigate how his imaginative mark making forms his images. In-class exercises revolve around drawing studies of his masterworks to develop students’ own mark making and vocabulary of stroke.

By Nick Cruz Velleman

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 11, 2:30 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0QQ; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

NEW CLASSES

Intermediate Drawing

Participants refine and expand their drawing skills through studio practice in traditional media. Sessions focus on classic subject areas such as landscape, portrait, and figure; warm-up exercises, critiques, and demonstrations are included.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 10 a.m.; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0QS; Members $205; Nonmembers $240

By Lori VanKirk Schue

All About Graphite

A simple graphite pencil offers a world of possibilities. Techniques are demonstrated and discussed through simple exercises using graphite materials ranging from soft to hard. Learn ways that graphite is used from being encased in a pencil to flexible putty.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16 and 23, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E0-0RN; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

Digital Drawing: Advanced Techniques

Procreate for iPad contains powerful features that can be intimidating. This 3-hour workshop guides students on how to use advanced techniques in the software to create an animated photo illustration.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m.; Mike O’Brien; CODE 1E0-0RH; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Drawing with Silverpoint

By Lori VanKirk Schue

Drawing Techniques

Line, Shape, and Shading

Learn how to create power and emotion in your drawings by manipulating line, shape, and value. These basic buildingblocks of art can change the meaning, mood, and tone of your work.

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6 and 13, 7 p.m.; Desarae Lee; CODE 1E0-0RV; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

Drawing Techniques

Composition and Abstraction

Rediscover your childlike joy of mark-making as you explore artistic composition—how to combine elements to create a pleasing whole. These lessons inform your continued art practice, whether toward or away from more realistic drawing.

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 20 and 27, 7 p.m.; Desarae Lee; CODE 1E0-0RX; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

By Mike O’Brien

Silverpoint drawing uses a silver stylus on specially prepared paper to produce delicate lines. Initially silver-gray, the drawing tarnishes when exposed to air, resulting in the characteristic warm brown tone. Learn the history of silverpoint, the materials required, and the process for this technique used by artists like Leonardo da Vinci.

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

Drawing Techniques

Perspective

Recreating what you see in three-dimensional space on paper can be a challenge. Learn how to use size, placement, detail, and value to create the illusion of depth. Then, using lines that recede to the horizon, explore linear perspective and create objects that visually jump off the page.

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Thurs., March 6 and 13, 7 p.m.; Desarae Lee; CODE 1E0-0SB; Members $85; Nonmembers $110

PAINTING

Elegant and Whimsical

Letters in Watercolor

The art of stylized lettering adds a distinctive element to journal pages, greeting cards, envelopes, and invitations. This class, suitable for all skill levels, offers an introduction to creating altered block letters, script letters, botanical borders, and illuminated initials with vines and flourishes.

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 5 p.m.; Lubna Zahid; CODE 1E0-0QW; Members $275; Nonmembers $310 By Lubna Zahid

By Desarae Lee

By Desarae Lee

By Desarae Lee

Painting Water in Landscapes and Seascapes

Learn simple techniques to create landscape and seascape paintings. Depict bodies of still and moving water, such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and oceans. Special emphasis is given to watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and masking.

SOLD OUT

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–March 4, 10:30 a.m.; Lubna Zahid; CODE 1E0-0QV; Members $275; Nonmembers $310

Simply Start Painting Watercolors

SOLD OUT

The limitless creative possibilities of watercolor can be a bit intimidating for beginning students. In this series, focus on the basics with methods that narrow parameters. Learn what supplies make all the difference and how to manipulate your brush to create flowing lines.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–29, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0RB; Members $190; Nonmembers $215

Abstract Watercolor for Beginners

SOLD OUT

Learn to embrace and celebrate the unpredictability, versatility, and beauty of watercolor. Class discussions cover supplies; color theory, palettes, and pigment control; and exercises and experiments to achieve different effects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 19, 12 p.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0RE; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit Drawing Light

How the Masters Did It in Color

Using watercolor, learn the strategies Delacroix, Turner, Monet, and Cézanne employed to manipulate the viewer’s experience of light in their images. In-class exercises focus on making studies of masterworks to create similar luminous effects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 19, 10 a.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E00RD; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

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

By Nick Cruz Velleman

This course is an introduction to J.M.W. Turner’s vast achievements in watercolor, with particular attention to his manner of expressing light and atmosphere. In-class exercises revolve around making studies of his masterworks with an emphasis on creating cohesive sketches, not replicas.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2:30 p.m.; Nick Cruz Velleman; CODE 1E0-0RC; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

Introduction to Watercolor

Beginning students explore watercolor techniques and learn new approaches to painting through demonstration, discussion, and experimentation.

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 19–March 9, 10:15 a.m.; Josh Highter; CODE 1E0-0QC; Members $260; Nonmembers $295

By Eric Westbrook

By Josh Highter

Portrait Painting in Oil and Acrylic

Students learn how to paint expressive portraits as they improve their observational skills, ability to see angles and shapes, and understanding of color and value. The class emphasizes how to define a subject’s unique features by determining shapes of light and shadow. Students may work from a bust or statue or copy a painting or photograph.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 29–March 5, 7 p.m.; Eric Westbrook; CODE 1E0-0RJ; Members $225; Nonmembers $260

Painting Vintage Flora

Before photography was available, botanical illustration was the only way of visually recording plant life. This class walks you through the process of capturing the essence of beautiful florals through the wet-in-wet method.

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

By Theresa Otteson

By Lubna Zahid

By Cindy Briggs

By Heather Kerley

By Nick Cruz Velleman

NEW CLASSES

Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

Historic McPolin Farm

Paint the McPolin Farm in Park City, Utah, alongside the instructor using a provided tracing. The barn on the historic property dates to 1922. Demonstrations show how to save the whites, create colorful shadows, paint fabrics, and mix a variety of greens.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 16 and 23, 6 p.m.; Cindy Briggs; CODE 1E0-0RP; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

Quick-Sketch for a Day

Iconic American Landmarks and Landscapes

Study the beauty of iconic American landscapes and landmarks as you practice your watercolor skills for travel, study sketches, and compositions. Learn to simplify a scene and to compose and draw more organically and confidently. Inject captivating, mingling watercolors into your sketch in just minutes.

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

MIXED MEDIA

Collage and Mixed Media

Students are introduced to the materials, tools, and technologies used in collage and assemblage. They explore the use of text, images, texture, and natural and found objects as they create collage, mixed-media, or assemblage projects.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–March 5, 1:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; CODE 1E0-0RF; Members $250; Nonmembers $285 By

Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

Collage and Mixed Media: Nature Themes

Learn to sketch animals and objects found in nature, then combine your drawings with painting and additional elements and textures to create whimsical or serious mixed-media art. Create your own story by experimenting with a range of materials and techniques.

ONLINE: Wed., Jan. 15–March 5, 6:30 p.m.; Marcie Wolf-Hubbard; CODE 1E0-0RG; Members $250; Nonmembers $285

By Marcie Wolf-Hubbard

The Opaque Watercolor Gouache is widely used by artists who want the ease of a water-soluble medium with the bonus of opacity. Either alone or married with other mediums, gouache plays along for exquisite results.

By Lori VanKirk Schue

ONLINE: Thurs., March 6 and 13, 1 p.m.; Lori VanKirk Schue; CODE 1E00RZ; Members $105; Nonmembers $130

By Sharon Robinson

Image Transfers and Altered Photos

Discover a variety of methods for making and using image transfers and expanding your creative horizons with photo alteration. Both techniques offer new dimensions and interest to your artwork.

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 18–March 11, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; CODE 1E00QZ; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

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.

By Cindy Briggs

By Cindy Briggs

Gouache

CLASSES

Handmade Cards for All Occasions

From Happy Birthday to Thinking of You

Delight all of the special people in your life with a handmade card from this whimsical class. Using a fun stamp set with varied sentiments, create your most-needed cards: happy birthday, thank you, and words of love.

ONLINE: Sat., Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.; Karen Cadogan; CODE 1E0-0SM; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

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Basic Weaving on the Rigid Heddle Loom

Poetry-Inspired Collage

As T.S. Eliot said, “genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood.” Transform words into a visual illustration combining imagery, color, and mark making as you manipulate the materials to draw out the emotion you feel.

By Karen Cadogan

The versatile, portable rigid heddle loom is a great entryway into weaving. Learn how to prepare (dress) the loom for weaving along with basic hand-control techniques including: flat tapestry; raised tapestry; open-lace work; pickup; plane weave; and several finishing techniques.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.; Tea Okropiridze; CODE 1E0-0QU; Members $190; Nonmembers $225

NEW CLASSES

OUT SOLD OUT

Craft a Quilted Coat

Choose to upcycle a vintage quilt or make your own quilted pieces, then follow a basic pattern to create your custom quilted coat. This intermediate class is best suited for students who have prior experience sewing or quilting.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 18–Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E0-0SG; Members $155; Nonmembers $180

Painted Embroidery Workshop

Create a simple but charming embroidered painting. First, paint fabric in the hoop with acrylic paint, then use a variety of stitches and beads to embellish your image.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 25, 11 a.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0SJ; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

By Heather Kerley

ONLINE: Tues., Feb. 4–18, 10:30 a.m.; Kate Lewis; CODE 1E0-0QY; Members $160; Nonmembers $185

By Kate Lewis

Hand Quiltmaking for the Non-perfectionist

This class is for those who feel utterly untalented at sewing yet want to make a quilt. Journey from not knowing to bold experiments, finding your sense of quiltmaking confidence as you learn strategies for piecing, appliqué, quilting, and finishing.

ONLINE: Mon., Jan. 27–Feb. 10, 1 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E0-0QD; Members $125; Nonmembers $150

By Heather Kerley

Slow Stitch Fabric Journal

Let your creativity flow as you slow stitch a fabric journal composed of your favorite embroidery stitches, embellishments, and fabric scraps. Build a repertoire of embroidery stitches combined with other textile-based elements to produce a finished, bound fabric book.

ONLINE: Thurs., Feb. 6–27, 12 p.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0RT; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Embroidered Owl Workshop

This workshop introduces beginners to freestyle hand embroidery, in which stitches are applied freely, disregarding the weave of the ground cloth. Students put their own spin on a provided template through color choice and stitch application.

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

By Heather Kerley

By Lauren Kingsland

By Lauren Kingsland

NEW CLASSES

Exploring Traditions and Techniques of Embroidery

Learn to use a variety of approaches to the medium of embroidery while taking inspiration from the Smithsonian collection. Explore the history of embroidery back to the Middle Ages and together analyze the art form while practicing in a series of guided exercises.

ONLINE: Wed., Feb. 26–March 12, 12 p.m.; Heather Kerley; CODE 1E0-0RL; Members $115; Nonmembers $140

OTHER MEDIA

By Sharon Robinson

Gel Plate Journey Part I

SOLD OUT

Printmaking using a gel plate offers many options for combining materials, tools, and techniques to achieve an array of effects on both paper and fabric. Explore the possibilities for layering with stamps, stencils, inks, and acrylic paint markers.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m.; Sharon Robinson; CODE 1E0-0QA; Members $140; Nonmembers $165

Gyotaku: The Japanese Art of Printing with Fish

Using direct printing and water-based printing inks, create realisticlooking schools of fish or a single artistic print simply by inking a whole fish and pressing it to paper. Learn how to paint realistic fish eyes to bring your print to life and cut masks to create realistic compositions.

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 18, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; CODE 1E0-0SH; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

By Sue Fierston

Advantages to providing your email to customer service:

• Receive a digital version of the member program guide so you can read it anywhere

• Receive important notices regarding your class along with other useful information

Embroidered Quilts: From 1865 Crazy to 2025 Modern

The use of embroidery on quilts between 1865 and 2025 waxed and waned alongside fashions, social changes, materials, and the roles of women in domestic life and the workplace. During class, practice stitching while diving into these topics.

By Lauren Kingsland

ONLINE: Wed., March 5 and 12, 12 p.m.; Lauren Kingsland; CODE 1E00RM; Members $95; Nonmembers $120

Introduction to White-Line Woodblock Printing

By Sue Fierston

Wirework Intensive: Rings

White-line woodcuts are multicolor images printed from a single block of wood. Learn to create your own by cutting a nature print or simple line drawing into a wood block, creating the “white lines” when printed.

ONLINE: Sun., Jan. 19, 10 a.m.; Sue Fierston; CODE 1E0-0SZ; Members $80; Nonmembers $95

Learn to create three ring designs using wire-working, forming, and riveting. Designs can be embellished with beads and easy texturing techniques to create a unique look that suits the wearer’s style. Students leave the class with several finished pieces.

ONLINE: Thurs., Jan. 30–Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Mïa Vollkommer; CODE 1E0-0RS; Members $195; Nonmembers $220 By Mïa Vollkommer

NEW CLASS

Jeweled-Glass-and-Bead Mosaic Mirror

This class guides you through the process of creating a jeweled-glassand-bead mosaic mirror. Lectures cover historical perspectives, material review, and snapshots of contemporary decorative mosaic art. All skill levels are welcome.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m.; Bonnie Fitzgerald; CODE 1E00QX; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

Image courtesy of Zetamari.com

Division of Home and Community Life, National Museum of American History

The Art of Floral Design

Explore the spectrum of floral design. Among the practical areas covered are sourcing (with a focus on sustainability), making the most of seasonal flowers, creating centerpieces, wiring techniques, and photographing your work. The class is designed for students of all levels.

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

By Arrin Sutliff

Jewelry Workshop: Open Studio

Are you unsure of how to start your next jewelry project? This workshop helps build your confidence in your jewelry-making skills.

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

Bead Weaving: On and Off the Loom

Bead weaving offers an endless possibility of stitches, designs, and color combinations to explore. The class focuses on how to start and finish wearable pieces, create patterns, and choose bead colors and finishes.

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

Everything Orchids

This workshop provides an overview of Orchidaceae, starting with how orchids evolved, how they grow in their native environments, and how you can raise them successfully. Fun facts and orchid-care tips are provided. Learn how to re-pot an orchid in a hands-on activity.

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

n n n n

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Joy of Photography

Designed for beginners who want to learn how to use their digital or mirrorless camera as a creative tool, this class gives students the opportunity to learn about technical aspects of photography so they can concentrate on composing beautiful images.

ONLINE: Tues., Jan. 14–Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.; Marty Kaplan; CODE 1E0-0QT; Members $185; Nonmembers $220

Photography Next Steps: The Personal Project

Look at the work of historical and contemporary photographers and fellow students with the goal of creating an effective photographic series. Through discussion and writing, the concepts of editing and sequencing are explored in terms of a personal project.

By Patricia Howard

NEW CLASSES

Lenses, Filters, and Optics

ONLINE: Sat., Jan. 25–Feb. 15, 12 p.m.; Patricia Howard; CODE 1E0-0SK; Members $135; Nonmembers $160

It’s easy to be overwhelmed with all the choices that are available for lenses and filters. Learn about the various options—plus everything from focal length to lens mounts to teleconverters—so you can make a better-informed decision for your next purchase.

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

Reflections and Refraction

By Joe Yablonsky

Reflections and refraction are all around us. Get inspiration, tips, and recommendations to create photos including these components, which are seen in many styles of photography.

By Joe Yablonsky

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

By Mïa Vollkommer

By Mïa Vollkommer

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.

A Cultural Symphony

The New York Philharmonic, the Met, and the Guggenheim Immerse yourself in Manhattan’s cultural splendors during a winter weekend getaway filled with a blend of the city’s finest music and art—and a Saturday night on the town to enjoy as you’d like. Art historian Ursula Rehn Wolfman leads the visit, discussing the interplay of the two artistic mediums.

The weekend begins with an afternoon performance at Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic’s “A Tribute to Boulez,” marking the centennial year of former music director Pierre Boulez, who died in 2016. The concert delves into connections among works by composers ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Schubert to Boulez. Afterward, a private presentation from a New York Philharmonic educator provides insight into the orchestra.

Shifting focus from music to art, Sunday begins at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with a guided look at the collection of musical instruments from around the world and related artworks featuring instruments. The exhibition reveals links between the musical traditions of different peoples, places, and time periods.

In the afternoon, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum offers a guided tour of the special exhibition “Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930,” which features over 90 artworks in the museum’s iconic rotunda. The exhibition examines the vibrant abstract art of Orphism, the international movement’s development in Paris, and the impact that dance, music, and poetry had on it.

Participants stay at the Even Hotel New York–Midtown East in the heart of the Theater District. The location is perfect for visiting the TKTS booth for discount tickets to a show on Saturday evening, which is open.

An early three-course supper is included before you head back to Washington on Sunday.

Sat., Jan. 25, 8 a.m.–Sun., Jan. 26, 10:30 p.m.; by bus; detailed tour information on website; CODE 1CN-ART; Members $605; Nonmembers $805

For more great overnight study tours, see p. 56

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn ½ credit

Egyptian Art and Culture at the Walters Art Museum

Statue of Tef-ib, a funerary object

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

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Red Eiffel Tower (La Tour Rouge), by Robert Delaunay, 1911–12, New York, Solomon R. Guggenheim Founding Collection

2-Day Tour

Bus Tour

Tomb painting of a woman holding a sistrum

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 (on sale Feb. 1)

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 Oct. 2025 (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

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

Abstract #1, by Elizabeth Talford Scott from the exhibit

“Material & Memories: Elizabeth Talford Scott and the Crazy Quilt Tradition”

AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM/PHOTOS BY DAN MEYERS

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

Behind the Scenes at Smithsonian Exhibits

It takes more than curators to put together the exhibitions of art and artifacts that fill the Smithsonian’s museums. There are also designers, editors, fabricators, model makers, and graphic specialists whose talents and skills play a key role in translating an exhibit’s concept into a physical reality.

Meet some of these unseen but essential professionals 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; and fabrication. See projects in progress, including ones destined for upcoming exhibitions at Smithsonian museums. You can’t get any more behind-the-scenes at the Smithsonian than this, and after the visit you’re guaranteed to view your next museum exhibition with a brand-new perspective.

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

Bus Tour

Walking Tour

The Pope-Leighey House

Woodlawn

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

Graphics specialist Caleb Menzies and Mike Reed, acting head of graphics production, create a Sun Ra graphic element for the “Afrofuturism” exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

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.

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

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

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Antelope Canyon

Horseshoe Bend

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 1CNCAV; Members $573; Nonmembers $765

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

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

Gazebo and sundial at the Colonial Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Hermitage Museum & Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia

Wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

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

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

World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1 credit

5-Day Tour

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-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.

Important note: 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

Horseshoe crabs, Delaware Bay

Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois

Taliesin and Hillside School, Spring Green, Wisconsin

Marshlands at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

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

Thurs., Jan. 9–Feb. 13

The Glory of Russian Masterworks ...........................................................16

Wed., Jan. 15–March 12

Further Explorations in Music Theory ......................................................19

Sat., Jan. 25 and Sun., Jan. 26

Axelrod String Quartet • 18

Tues., Jan. 28–Feb. 25

Masterworks of Chamber Music: Intimate Beauties 22 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 35

Wed., Feb. 5–26

Spanish Art and Architecture: A Treasury of Delights 38

Seeing History Through Artists’ Eyes 38 Sun., Feb. 9, 16, and 23

Botanical Gardens: A World Tour 23 Tues., Feb. 11–March 11

Understanding Contemporary Art: Pop to Pluralism 39

Thurs., Feb. 13 and 20

The Fine Art of Yogic Awareness

Lectures and Seminars—Single Session

Tues., Jan. 7

Dynamo: The Miracle at Dunkirk .................5

and Hollerin’ in The Sound and the Fury 16 Wed., Jan. 8

Thurs., Jan. 9

Jan. 13

Sat., Feb. 15, Sun., April 6, and Sat., June 14

March 13–June 5

Chorus: Legends of Song

March 16, Sat., March 29, and Sun., March 30

of Five

March 22 and 29

Oh Why, Do We Love Paris?

Tues., March 25–April 15

of Colonial India

Tues., April 8–22 Turning Points of the American Civil War................................................15

April 9–30

Sat., Jan. 25 A Cultural Symphony: The New York Philharmonic, the Met, and the Guggenheim ...................................55

Sat., Feb. 22 Egyptian Art and Culture at the Walters Art Museum 55

Tues., Feb. 25 Indoor Gardening: Houseplants Galore .........................2

Thurs., Feb. 27 Indoor Gardening: Houseplants Galore 2

March 2 The Philadelphia Flower Show 57

March 8 Diverse Threads 57

Please visit SmithsonianAssociates.org to view the FAQ

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

MEMBER NUMBER

Join Smithsonian Associates’ community of lifelong learners.

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.