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Culture Hi Story Cu Lture

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

Food from the Forest Shopping at Nature’s Grocery

Our native forests, meadows, and wetlands are nature’s grocery store, chock-full of enticing raw ingredients just ready for the picking. Join naturalist and educator at Maryland’s Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary Liana Vitali and Anne Arundel County Park Ranger Victor Jones as they explore the makings of foraged feasts that can be found in the mid-Atlantic region. From fresh, cucumber-like cattail shoots to spicy garlic-mustard pesto (Yes! Eat those invasive plants!), Vitali and Jones lead an evening that serves up video vignettes that include cooking demonstrations of their favorite natural edible treats as well as go-to recipes for noshing on nature—ethically and sustainably of course.

Wed., July 19, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-378; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Whole Hog

A Pitmaster’s Celebration of Tradition

African American barbeque has a rich and complex history that spans centuries and continents. Today, there are countless African American barbeque restaurants and festivals throughout the United States, each with their own unique spin on this traditional cooking technique.

In his first cookbook, North Carolina pitmaster Ed Mitchell explores the tradition that made him famous: whole-hog barbeque. It’s one passed down through generations over the course of 125 years and harkens back even further to Mitchell’s ancestors who were plantation sharecroppers and, before that, enslaved.

Barbeque historian and pitmaster Howard Conyers joins Mitchell and his cookbook collaborators, son Ryan Mitchell and food historian and writer Zella Palmer, in a fascinating conversation that surveys the delicious history of African American barbecue.

Ryan Mitchell and Ed Mitchell

Copies of Ed Mitchell’s Barbeque (Ecco) are available for purchase.

Thurs., July 20, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-521; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

An Introduction to Sake With Tasting

Sake, the national drink of Japan, is making its mark in the United States. Consisting of four key ingredients—rice, water, yeast, and koji (a fermentation agent)—the beverage is transforming the way culinary experts approach food pairings across the world.

Sake expert and professional kikizakeshi (sake sommelier) Jessica JolyCrane of Sake Discoveries discusses the basics behind this historic, yet revolutionary drink. Learn about sake’s history, how it’s made, and how it’s categorized. Joly-Crane analyzes three types of sake based on region, aroma, tasting notes, and pairing ideas. Use your new-found knowledge as you enjoy samples of sake following the presentation.

Thurs., Aug. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-527; Ripley Center; Members $50; Nonmembers $65

Spices 101: Garlic

In defiance of its unassuming stature, garlic is a culinary heavyweight. Few ingredients appear in as many recipes or skip across international cuisines so lightly. Its power isn’t limited to the kitchen: Garlic is reputed to repel vampires, snakes, and evil spirits and has through the ages been decried by various world religions. Cookbook author Eleanor Ford examines the botany, cultivation, history, and lore of garlic. She explores the flavor profiles of garlic in its many forms and how various cooking methods can adjust its effect. She also offers plenty of kitchen tips, tricks, and recipes along the way.

Wed., Sept. 13, 12–1:30 p.m.; CODE 1NV-047; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Naples and the Amalfi Coast: A Delicious Guide With Tasting

Food historian Francine Segan leads a delightful exploration of the most delicious foods and unforgettable sights of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Pompeii. Learn about distinctive Italian specialties including buffalo milk mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, limoncello, and the weird but wonderful chocolate eggplant dessert, melanzane al cioccolato. Throughout, Segan shares the most intriguing destinations to visit on your next trip to Italy. Then enjoy a reception featuring regional delights and take home recipes and recommendations for creating your own delicious Neapolitan specialties, both savory and sweet.

Tues., Sept. 26, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-025; Ripley Center; Members $45; Nonmembers $55

Jacques Pépin: Cooking My Way

All great chefs know not to waste ingredients, time, or effort—and for master chef Jacques Pépin, this means thinking efficiently about cooking, even at home. In his new book Jacques Pépin Cooking My Way, the legendary cooking teacher offers 150 recipes and illustrated menus for each season—as well as insights on cooking economically at home with techniques that save money, time, and cleanup effort.

For example: Shop for ingredients seasonally when they’re the most affordable, flavorful, and full of nutrition. Don’t overlook inexpensive cuts of meat and poultry. Use up as much of your ingredients up as possible, like saving your meat and vegetable trimmings for a stock, soup, or eventually, a sauce. Transform leftovers into an entirely new, pleasurable meal. Find more great tips when Pépin joins chef Carla Hall for a lively conversation about smart home-kitchen strategies that produce delicious results.

Copies of Jacques Pépin Cooking My Way (Harvest) are available for purchase. Thurs., Sept. 28, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-530; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Italian Summer Wine Adventures

A TOP SOMMELIER'S GUIDE TO WINE

Spend three fascinating Friday 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.

JUL 21 The ABCs of Italian Wine

From Amarone to Barbera, Brunello to Chianti, Chiavennasca, and everything in between, sommeliers know that if an Italian region or grape name starts with A, B, or C, it’s likely to be delicious. And there’s no question that the rest of the letters are well represented in Italian viticulture. Segelbaum explores its grapes and regions in a delightful adult version of Italian-wine ABCs, proving that the alphabet never tasted so good.

AUG 18 Drink Like an Italian Sommelier

Italian wines captivate the hearts, minds, and palates of many American wine lovers, but their consumption is largely limited to a few major varieties and appellations. Reflecting thousands of grape varieties, Italian wine is an immensely complex subject that can make even the most knowledgeable sommelier’s head spin. Segelbaum unravels the subject in a delicious, off-the beaten-path exploration of some wonderful yet lesser-known Italian wines. If you’ve ever wanted to drink like an Italian sommelier, this is the session for you!

SEPT 22 Piedmont Wines Explored

With September marking the start of the Piedmontese truffle season, it’s only fitting to explore the complementary wines of one of Italy’s most famed regions, home to more DOCGs than any other in Italy. While Barolo reigns supreme here, Piedmont’s wines have so much more to offer. Learn why Nebbiolo is named for the famed “nebbia” fog and how Piedmont’s semi-alpine wines belong at almost any dinner table.

Three-session series: CODE 3WINE2023; Members $175; Nonmembers $200

Individual sessions: Fri., July 21 (CODE 1L0-523); Fri., Aug. 18 (CODE 1L0-524); Fri., Sept. 22 (CODE 1L0-525), 6 p.m., Members $65; Nonmembers $75

Wine-tasting kit information: The cost includes curated personal tasting kits 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 series. Each session has separate kits available during two scheduled pick-up times the day before the program, 12–4 p.m. at Restaurant Chloe, 1331 4th St. SE, Washington, DC; Metro: Navy Yard-Ballpark station, Green line. Patrons receive additional wine tasting kit pick-up information by email prior to each session. 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.

Leonard Bernstein: The Man Who Could Do Anything

Anyone who encountered Leonard Bernstein never forgot the experience. Here was the great American maestro and composer of three symphonies, the Broadway tunesmith, the concert pianist and jazzy improviser, the teacher you wish you’d had in 7th grade, and the Jewish musician who wrote Mass for the Kennedy Center’s opening. He was the man who could do anything—and who was an enigma even to himself.

Popular Smithsonian music lecturer Saul Lilienstein, who studied conducting with Bernstein and frequently performed with him, explores the dimensions of his musical contributions. Savor the man’s charisma and learn about the complexities of his life in this engaging seminar highlighted with musical recordings and film clips. It’s the perfect prelude to the upcoming Maestro, a Bernstein biopic in which Bradley Cooper doubles as director and star.

10 a.m. Beginnings

11:15 a.m. In the Concert Hall

12:45 p.m. Break

1:15 p.m. On Broadway

3 p.m. A Personal View

Sat., July 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; CODE 1M2-270; Members $80; Nonmembers $90

Virginia Woolf’s Literary Genius

Why is Virginia Woolf considered one of the most important authors of all time? Join Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, as he explores Woolf’s remarkable literary contributions. Discover why her innovative writing style, extraordinary emotional insights, and profound level of learning continue to enchant readers worldwide and attract new audiences.

10 a.m. A Masterpiece: Mrs. Dalloway

11:15 a.m. Rethinking a Woman’s Place in the World: A Room of One’s Own

12:15 p.m. Break

12:45 p.m. Reinventing Stream of Consciousness: To the Lighthouse

2 p.m. Identity’s Many Masks: Orlando

Sat., July 15, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-276; Members $80; Nonmembers $90

1973: The Year in Film

The year 1973 was, to put it mildly, a very dramatic 12 months. But amid all the social change and political crises, from the perspective of 50 years it was a remarkable year of filmmaking throughout the world.

Hollywood was luring huge numbers of moviegoers back to the cinemas with such massive grossers as The Sting, The Exorcist, The Way We Were, and Paper Moon. The studios also released extremely risky, highly personal, director-driven projects such as Mean Streets, Badlands, Last Tango in Paris, and Scarecrow. Meanwhile in Europe, Federico Fellini immortalized his childhood in Amarcord, while François Truffaut paid loving homage to the cinema in Day for Night.

Grab your popcorn and join film historian Max Alvarez as he hosts a multimedia online celebration honoring a fantastic year at the movies.

Thurs., July 20, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-381; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

Ayn Rand: The Controversy Continues

Few people are neutral about Russian-American writer and philosopher Ayn Rand. She generated legions of fans—and detractors—through her bestselling books The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged and the philosophy she espoused. As the founder of Objectivism, Rand positioned herself as a defender of the individual who provided a philosophical base for the ideals of the Enlightenment and its greatest political achievement, the United States.

Why is Rand so controversial to this day? Onkar Ghate, a senior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute, explores some of the central ideas of Rand’s worldview and why they continue to draw both devoted adherents and impassioned rejection.

Tues., Aug. 8, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-778; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks: Grandmasters of Comedy

For more than seven decades, Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks made America laugh, through either their remarkable solo careers or their legendary partnership. Media historian Brian Rose takes a look at (and gives a listen to) their extraordinary achievements, from their work together on comedian Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows” and their creation of the classic 2,000-year-old man sketches to their accomplishments as writers, directors, and performers.

And no one will ever pull off sporting a cocked, broadbrimmed hat and flowing cape like Brooks, even if they live to be 2,000.

Wed., Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-279; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Kurt Weill: Romantic Satirist, Modern Populist

Throughout his career, whether shaping German modernism in Weimar or composing musical theater masterpieces in the United States, Kurt Weill never wavered from his belief that music was a democratic art and that America best embodied that democracy.

Pianist and popular lecturer Rachel Franklin explores the early works that led to Weill’s extraordinary partnership with Bertolt Brecht and traces his subsequent artistic evolution on Broadway working with lyricists including Ira Gershwin, Langston Hughes, and Maxwell Anderson—collaborations that produced such beloved songs as “Speak Low,” “September Song,” “Lost in the Stars,” and “My Ship.” Featured works include Mahagonny Songspiel, The Threepenny Opera, Knickerbocker Holiday, Lady in the Dark, and Street Scene.

Tues., Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-380; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

Reading Faulkner

Chronicler of the Deep South in Literature

He was an uncompromising modernist, a great chronicler of the American South, and an inspiration—as well as immovable obstacle—for the generations of writers who followed. William Faulkner stands as one of the greatest, and one of the most problematic, figures in American literature.

A reading series led by Michael Gorra, author of The Saddest Words: William Faulkner’s Civil War, focuses on a trio of Faulkner’s greatest novels: The Sound and the Fury, Light in August, and Absalom, Absalom!

3 sessions: Mon., Aug. 21, Sept. 18, and Oct. 23, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1D0-021; Members $60; Nonmembers $70

The Genius of Sergei Rachmaninoff

Utterly extraordinary as pianist, conductor, and composer, throughout his life Sergei Rachmaninoff bestrode the musical world like a colossus. In his 150th birthday year, popular speaker and concert pianist Rachel Franklin celebrates his prodigious mastery of all these fields through recordings, video clips, and live demonstrations at her piano.

British-born Franklin has been a featured speaker for organizations including the Library of Congress and NPR, exploring intersections among classical and jazz music, film scores, and the fine arts.

SEPT 6 Russian Roots

SEPT 13 Conquering a New World

2 sessions: Wed., Sept. 6 and 13, 12–2 p.m.; CODE 1K0-386; Members $50; Nonmembers $60

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, such as songs by the Beatles, Carole King, the Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, and others. Singers receive general instruction in vocal techniques that include exercises in healthy breath management and improving your singing tone and range, and rehearsals culminate in a free performance. No audition is required. However, it is important that participants be able to sing on pitch; have a basic understanding of musical notation; follow a choral score as music is rehearsed; and practice their vocal part by listening to rehearsal links that are provided.

9 sessions plus performance: Thurs., Sept. 7–Nov. 2, 6:30 p.m.; Thurs., Nov. 9 performance, 7 p.m.; Ripley Center; CODE 1P0-813; Members $120; Nonmembers $135

Over the Rainbow: The Hollywood Career of Judy Garland

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

Tues., Sept. 12, 12–1:15 p.m.; CODE 1J0-282; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

“One for My Baby”

The Hollywood Songbook of Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra had a voice that was mesmerizing in person and evocative in recordings. It was ideally suited for the big screen as well. His 100 musical performances in motion pictures reveal a vocalist who almost from the start recognized how the camera could enhance his artistry as much as the microphone did.

Media historian Brian Rose surveys Sinatra’s extraordinary Hollywood musical career, which began with uncredited appearances with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and continued through his celebrated days with the Rat Pack.

Mon., Oct. 16, 12–1:15 p.m.; CODE 1J0-294; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Taiwan’s Vibrant Cuisine

For generations, Taiwanese cuisine has been miscategorized under the broad umbrella term of Chinese food, says Clarissa Wei, a journalist based in Taipei. Her new cookbook, Made in Taiwan, makes a case for why it deserves its own spotlight. In it she offers an in-depth exploration of the vibrant food and culture of Taiwan, with over 100 recipes inspired by the people who live there today. Join Wei as she discusses the flavorful cuisine of Taiwan—and what makes it distinctive in Asian cooking.

Copies of Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation (Simon Element) are available for purchase.

Tues., Sept. 19, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1L0-528; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

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Chaucer’s European Life

Biographer Marion Turner offers a fresh account of the extraordinary story of how a wine merchant’s son became the poet of The Canterbury Tales. Geoffrey Chaucer is often called the father of English literature, but Turner reveals him as a great European writer and thinker. Drawing on new information about Chaucer’s travels, private life, and the circulation of his writings, she reconstructs in detail the cosmopolitan world of Chaucer’s adventurous life, focusing on the places and spaces that fired his imagination.

From the wharves of London to the frescoed chapels of Florence, Turner recounts Chaucer’s experiences as a prisoner of war in France, as a father visiting his daughter’s nunnery, as a member of a chaotic Parliament, and as a diplomat in Milan, interweaving the story of his life with the story of his writings.

Fri., Sept. 22, 12–1:30 p.m.; CODE 1K0-394; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov

Two Great Russian Novels

For more than a century, Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina and Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov have captivated readers with their spellbinding narratives, philosophical brilliance, and insights into human psychology and spirituality. Join Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, as he takes you inside two of the most consequential novels ever written and explores how their insights continue to illuminate our lives today.

10 a.m. A Tale of Two Novelists

11:15 a.m. Anna Karenina: The “Perfect” Novel?

12:15 p.m. Break

12:45 p.m. The Brothers Karamazov: Toward the “Theological” Novel

2 p.m. Anna Karenina and The Brothers Karamazov: In Dialogue

Sat., Sept. 23, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-290; Members $80; Nonmembers $90

Much Ado About Shakespeare Why Three Great Comedies Still Matter Today

Though Shakespeare is well-known for such tragedies as Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, he is also one of the greatest playwrights in the history of comedy. Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, explores how three of Shakespeare’s comedies—A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It—continue to enchant audiences with their brilliant psychological insights, profound meditations on human nature, and spellbinding lyricism.

10 a.m. Shakespeare’s Comedies: Elements of a Genre

11:15 a.m. A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Shakespearean Lyricism

12:15 p.m. Break

12:45 p.m. As You Like It: The Forest, the Court, and the Spaces of Comedy

2 p.m. Twelfth Night: Mistaken Identity and Misplaced Desire Sat., Oct. 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; CODE 1J0-296; Members $80; Nonmembers $90

High School Classics Revisited

In this series, Joseph Luzzi, a professor of literature at Bard College, revisits and provides new perspectives on novels that typically appear on high school reading lists

The Scarlet Letter

For many American high school students, reading Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic novel The Scarlet Letter from 1850 is a literary rite of passage, introducing them to the time’s moral codes and immersing them in the Puritans’ notions of gender, sexuality, and religion. Luzzi returns to this touchstone of American literature to see how and why it is still relevant and fresh today. Explore the nuances of Hawthorne’s language and style and the ways in which his vivid characters, especially the embattled protagonist Hester Prynne, and their plights relate to concerns in the modern world.

Thurs., Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-288; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

The Catcher in the Rye

Many young readers list reading J.D. Salinger’s blockbuster novel, The Catcher in the Rye, as one of their most formative and influential experiences with literature. Luzzi revisits this epochal work to see how it has aged since its publication in 1951, highlighting the ways in which readers throughout the world continue to see themselves reflected in the tormented character of its complex protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Luzzi discusses how Salinger’s novel connects with issues and concerns in postwar American life and their effects on generational struggles.

Thurs., Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-291; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

The Great Gatsby

Many people consider F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, a candidate for the Great American Novel. Why do its themes—especially Jay Gatsby’s quest for the American Dream through his vast wealth and lifelong love for Daisy—resonate so powerfully with readers? Luzzi revisits Fitzgerald’s iconic work to see how, almost 100 years after its publication in 1925, the work continues to cast a powerful spell with its piercing psychological insights and gorgeously lyrical language.

Thurs., Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-295; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck’s literary portraits of American life remain as captivating today as when they were written decades ago. Luzzi explores the themes, ideas, and style of Steinbeck’s brief 1937 masterpiece Of Mice and Men. This haunting tale of friendship and economic struggle continues to enchant readers today. Luzzi explores how Steinbeck’s depictions of those on the margins of American society present a powerful record of human psychology and the broader economic forces that can shape—and in some cases unmake—a life.

Thurs., Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1J0-297; Members $30; Nonmembers $35

A Grand Tour of the Solar System

A Grand Tour of the Solar System

Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory

Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory

This series treks to the sun and the four inner terrestrial planets before traveling outward to the asteroid belt, four Jovian planets, and beyond. At each session, a professional astronomer presents the latest research on a solar system body. Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, Peter Plavchan, a professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, brings that night’s sky right into participants’ living rooms via remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.

Our Moon, Lighting the Way

The moon, our closest solar system neighbor, is a familiar object in our night sky. Its seemingly serene appearance, however, is the product of a long history of violent bombardment. Planetary scientist Rebecca Ghent, co-investigator on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission, discusses impact cratering on the moon and examines its significance in understanding the evolution of the moon and other bodies in our solar system.

Tues., July 25, 8 p.m.; CODE 1J0-286; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Mars, Voted Most Likely

Mars is the most explored planet in our solar system besides Earth, and for good reason. Although its surface is cold and inhospitable, evidence from nearly 50 years of robotic exploration suggests that Mars was once much more Earth-like. Katie Stack Morgan, the deputy project scientist on the Perseverance rover mission and a mission scientist on the Curiosity rover mission, explains why Mars remains the best place in the solar system to look for signs of ancient life.

Tues., Aug. 29, 8 p.m.; CODE 1J0-284; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Geology of Western National Parks

Geologist Kirt Kempter explores the geology of Western National Parks over the course of 2023, with an in-depth look at one or more locations every month. Each program’s content is enhanced by geologic maps, photos, and Google Earth imagery.

JUL 10 Yosemite, California

AUG 7 Crater Lake, Oregon, and Lassen, California

SEPT 11 Yellowstone, Wyoming

3-part series: Mon., July 10, Aug. 7, and Sept. 11, 7 p.m;. CODE 1NV-GE3; Members $60; Nonmembers $75

Individual programs: Mon., July 10 (CODE 1NV-041); Mon., Aug. 7 (CODE 1NV-042); Mon., Sept. 11 (CODE 1NV-043); 7 p.m.; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

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

Exoplanets The Cutting-Edge Science Behind Recent Discoveries

For centuries, people have speculated about the possibility of planets orbiting distant stars, but only since the 1990s has technology allowed astronomers to detect them. More than 6,000 such exoplanets have already been identified, with the pace of discovery accelerating after the launch of NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and the Webb Space Telescope.

Princeton astrophysicist Joshua Winn provides an inside view of the detective work astronomers perform as they find and study exoplanets and describes the surprising— sometimes downright bizarre—planets and systems they have found. He explains how these discoveries are revolutionizing astronomy, explores the current status and possible future of the search for another Earth, and considers how the discovery of exoplanets and their faraway solar systems changes our perspectives on the universe and our place in it.

Winn’s book, The Little Book of Exoplanets (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Tues., July 11, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-377; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

California’s Channel Islands

The Galápagos of North America

Off the coast of southern California, the Channel Islands seem to float on the horizon like ribbons of dark rock. The 8 islands and their encircling waters are home to over 2,000 species of animals and plants—145 of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Today, five islands are protected as Channel Islands National Park.

Often referred to as the Galápagos of North America, isolation over thousands of years and the mingling of warm and cold ocean currents give rise to the rich biodiversity of the Channel Islands, which have attracted many explorers, scientists, and historians during the past few centuries. Jasmine Reinhardt, a National Park Service interpretation and education program manager, covers the diverse history, geography, and unique flora and fauna of these islands and the people who protect them today.

Thurs., July 13, 8 p.m.; CODE 1NV-039; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Why Do Predators Matter?

Sometimes scary but always intriguing, the world’s top predators are also quite necessary. Robert Johnson, a wildlife specialist and conservationist; Sharon Gilman, a biology professor specializing in vertebrates and science education; and Dan Abel, a marine science professor and shark specialist, share facts and tell stories about these fearsome and often misunderstood animals. Their book, Tooth and Claw: Top Predators of the World (Princeton University Press), is available for purchase.

Mon., July 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1J0-277; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 These programs are part of Smithsonian Associates

Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk

With WebMD’s John Whyte

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Although some causes are genetic, most heart disease is rooted in lifestyle. Physician John Whyte, chief medical officer of WebMD, separates heart-health fact from fiction and provides practical advice that can help reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Whyte offers tools and information to take control of your health. They include guidelines to assess your personal risk level; what you should and shouldn’t eat; an exercise guide to get your body moving without purchasing fancy equipment; and his thoughts on the value of various digital tools and apps. He also addresses the role our emotions—especially depression and anxiety—play in heart disease and stresses that it’s time we stop ignoring the mind–body connection when it comes to our heart.

Attendees receive a complimentary copy of Whyte’s book Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk (Harper Horizon).

Wed., July 26, 6:45 p.m; CODE 1K0-383; Ripley Center; Members $20; Nonmembers $25 (includes book)

Age-Proof Your Brain

There’s more to keeping your brain in tip-top shape and lowering your risk for dementia than crossword puzzles, brain games, and Sudoku, according to scientist and author Marc Milstein. Drawing on his book The Age-Proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia, he examines why serious mental decline may not be an inevitable part of aging—and how individuals can boost short- and long-term brain health.

Milstein covers daily practices to improve memory and productivity; increase energy and boost your mood; reduce the risk of anxiety and depression; form healthy habits to supercharge your brain; and prevent nongenetic Alzheimer’s and dementia. He also offers science-based guidance in identifying the difference between what’s real and what’s hype in the world of brain health.

Tues., Aug. 29, 7 p.m.; CODE 1NV-045; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

The Body Farm: What the Bones Reveal

To many people, a skeleton is just a hopeless pile of bones. But to a forensic anthropologist, skeletal remains are the key to identifying an individual and how and when they died. And nowhere else do they get a better understanding of decomposition than at the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, aka the body farm. Here donated bodies decompose under every imaginable circumstance in order to allow scientists to determine exactly how and when real-life murder victims died. Dawnie Wolfe Steadman, the director of the center, digs into how forensic anthropologists from around the world learn from these bodies.

Thurs., Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m.; CODE 1H0-781; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

From One Cell

Life’s Origins and the Future of Medicine

Each of us began life as a single cell, eventually emerging as a dazzlingly complex, exquisitely engineered assemblage of trillions. This metamorphosis constitutes one of nature’s most spectacular yet commonplace magic tricks—and one of its most coveted secrets. Physician and researcher Ben Stanger offers a glimpse into what scientists are discovering about how life and the body take shape and why these revelations might hold solutions to some of our most persistently confounding medical challenges, from cancer to cognitive decline to degenerative disease.

Stanger’s book, From One Cell: A Journey into Life’s Origins and the Future of Medicine (W. W. Norton & Company), is available for purchase.

Thurs., Aug. 10, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-391 Members $20; Nonmembers $25

The Deep Ocean

A Mysterious World Beneath the Waves

For centuries, people believed the deep was a sinister realm of fiendish creatures and deadly peril. But as cutting-edge technologies have allowed scientists and explorers to dive miles beneath the surface, we are beginning to understand this underworld: It’s a place of soaring mountains, smoldering volcanoes, pink gelatinous predators, and sharks that live for half a millennium.

Join award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Susan Casey for a dive into the deep ocean. Casey’s book The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean (Doubleday) is available for purchase.

Thurs., Aug. 17, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-379; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Bonsai: Small Wonders

Bonsai, tiny trees in pots or miniature landscapes on trays, have delighted and intrigued people for centuries, from their origins in China to their extraordinary refinement in Japan to their global popularity today. Join Michael James, the U.S. National Arboretum’s bonsai curator, and Ann McClellan, author of Bonsai and Penjing: Ambassadors of Peace and Beauty, for an illustrated talk about the arboretum’s National Bonsai & Penjing Museum and its unique collections. They share stories about how the diminutive trees were created and came to Washington, plus a few tips on how to care for these living works of art.

Wed., Aug. 23, 12-1:30 p.m.; CODE 1NV-046; Members $25; Nonmembers $30

Alien Worlds

Inside the Hidden Realm of Insects

Life on Earth depends on the busy activities of insects, but global populations of these teeming creatures are currently under threat, which, says wildlife documentary filmmaker Steve Nicholls, carries grave consequences

Nicholls offers a rare, up-close look at the alien realm of insects, discussing their origins and wondrous diversity as well as their extraordinary sensory world. He also explains the remarkable success of social insects, from termites and ants to bees and wasps, and reveals why their fate holds implications for our own.

Nicholls’ book Alien Worlds: How Insects Conquered the Earth & Why Their Fate Will Determine Our Future (Princeton University Press) is available for purchase.

Fri, Sept. 8, 12–1:15 p.m.; CODE 1K0-395; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Related tour: The Latest Buzz on Bees (see p. 50)

Interstellar Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars

In his 2021 book Extraterrestrial, theoretical physicist Avi Loeb of Harvard University presented a controversial theory: that Earth had likely been visited by a piece of advanced alien technology from a distant star. In his newest, Interstellar, he dismantles science-fiction fueled visions of a human and alien life encounter and suggests a blueprint for how such an interaction might occur.

From searches for extraterrestrial technology to the heated debate of the existence of unidentified aerial phenomena, Loeb discusses the current progress in science and technology he sees as preparing us for contact and lays out the implications of becoming—or not becoming—interstellar.

Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars (Mariner Books) is available for purchase.

Tues., Sept. 12, 6:45 p.m.; CODE 1K0-392; Members $20; Nonmembers $25

Losing Eden

Avi Loeb

An Environmental History of the American West

Far from being the wilderness described in early histories, the West was never an undiscovered Eden. Instead, it was an ancient homeland with landscapes that humans have inhabited, modified, and managed for thousands of years.

In her book Losing Eden: An Environmental History of the American West, historian Sara Dant draws on historic data and the latest scientific research to trace the environmental history and development of the American West and explain how the land has shaped and been shaped by the people who live there.

Mon., Sept. 25, 7 p.m.; CODE 1CV-021; Members $20; Nonmembers $25