It’s Not the Same Old Story: A Guide to Rational Aging

Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Do we really shrink as we grow older? When should I worry about Alzheimer's? Join Discovery Channel's Chief Medical Expert John Whyte for a lively discussion to sort through the questions you may ask as you reach your 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Betty White’s Animal Instincts

Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Award-winning actress and best-selling author Betty White takes center stage to discuss her world famous career; her love of animals; and the critical work zoos are doing to combat species extinction and educate the public.

Shade-Grown Coffee: It’s for the Birds

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Did you know that the cup of coffee you drink each morning can have a positive impact on sustaining habitats for songbirds? Bird-friendly coffee does just that. Today, learn about—and taste—some certified avian-friendly coffee.

Indonesia and Islam: Roots of Cultural Creativity

Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

Explore the vast archipelago nation of Indonesia and the rich Islamic culture infused in its art, architecture, performance, literature, and music. Archeologist and researcher Jared Koller examines travelogues, archeological sites, literature and textiles among others that demonstrate the arrival of Islam in the 11th century and its influence in creating the vibrant and diverse society of today.

The Search to Understand Our Human Origins

Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Paleoanthropologist Ian Tattersall discusses why homo sapiens became "masters of the planet" when other human species died out. How did our early ancestor acquire the physical traits and cognitive ability that ensured our success?

White House Social Secretaries: They Serve for the Pleasure of the President and First Lady

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 7 p.m.

A panel of White House Social Secretaries reflect on the grand and glorious occasions hosted by presidents and first ladies and share their remembrances of these special times, whether with foreign leaders or personal friends.

The Life and Legacy of Steve Jobs

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough interviews Walter Isaacson about his best-selling biography of Apple Inc. co-founder Steve Jobs. The program highlights a new exhibition of the patents and trademarks of Steve Jobs in the Ripley Center.

Exploring Angkor Wat: The Art and History of a Khmer God-King

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Robert DeCaroli discusses the sculptural reliefs, architectural plan, and religious focus of the 12th century temple complex of Angkor Wat. The origin of the royal temple mountain points to the innovative and agendas set by King Suryavarman II.

The Artist as Dissident: China’s Ai Weiwei

Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Ai Weiwei is a contemporary Chinese artist whose work challenges us to look at the world differently. An outspoken political activist, he has been imprisoned and placed under house arrest. Tonight, explore the universal themes found in his work.

The Art of Fantasy Coffins

Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Imagine heading into the afterlife inside a giant animal, automobile, fish, or vegetable. Nii Quarcoopome guides you through the history of these fantasy coffins that not only contain bodies, but society's unique vision of life, death and art.

Philosophy in the Middle Ages: Harmony of Faith and Reason

Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

Explore the philosophical thought of of notable Christian, Muslim, and Jewish thinkers from the medieval period and examine medieval views about the relationship between faith and reason, the nature of the human person, and the existence of God.

The Art of the Letter (Much More Than a Tweet)

Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

Through examples of some of the great historical letters, explore the elements and characteristics of a good and memorable letter. Actors bring correspondence to life through staged readings and inspire attendees to help resurrect a lost art.

Henry Fitz’s Telescopes and the Tangled History of Spider Silk

Monday, June 11, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Curator Steven Turner shows rarely seen telescopes, instruments, and scientific tools as he discusses the career of 19th-century telescope maker Henry Fitz. He also explains the little-known uses of spider silk in optical and precision instruments.

A Healthy Future in Renewable Energy

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Philippe Fauchet discusses global energy use, and the promises and potential of renewable energy. He focuses on successes and challenges with different alternative ways of producing energy from wind and solar to long term ones like fusion.

Judy Garland, America’s Sad Sweetheart

Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

American music specialist Robert Wyatt pays tribute to one of this country's most beloved singers and performers through lecture highlighted by film clips of some of Garland's most memorable roles and performances.

The Worlds of Benjamin Franklin

Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Benjamin Franklin's public achievements in business, science, philanthropy, policy and diplomacy are contrasted with his lesser-know side—one filled with many contradictions.

Developing Connoisseurship in American Glass

Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 10 a.m.

Learn about glass from the Colonial period to the present by examining work by some of America's most celebrated glass makers. Learn important details for assessing glass color, weight, form, function, technique, decoration, and more.

The Art of Political Advertising

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

From 30-second spots to 30-minute ads, presidential campaigns have relied on television to communicate with American viewers and voters since 1952. Tonight, join scholar and author Robert Mann; campaign strategist and political consultant Mark Putnam; and scholar Alicia Kolar Provost on an exploration into the past, present, and future of political advertising.

The “Skeletal Reference” for Forensic Anthropology

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12 p.m.

Smithsonian biological anthropologist David Hunt explores how the American History Museum's Terry Skeletal Collection is an invaluable reference in assisting forensic anthropologists with today's complex forensic cases.

Secret Societies: Ancient Roots, Enduring Human Needs

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Scholar Frederick Winter looks at secret societies from ancient Greece and Rome, and the transition from paganism to early Christianity. Why were secret societies founded and what did they do? What is the urge to separate "us" from "them?"

The Wyeth Dynasty: Generations of American Art

Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

They are an American dynasty: N.C, Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth. Three generations of artists and each has their own distinctive style. Learn why these artists are a part of the American story and why their work continues to attract such passion.

A New Look at the Art and Architecture of the Ancient Near East

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Freer & Sacker Galleries assistant curator Alex Nagel discusses archaeological fieldwork in Persepolis, Susa, and Babylon—empires that thrived more than a thousand years before Alexander the Great invaded the area. Learn about the cultures of these lost empires.

Illuminating Fossils

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Animals spend their lives using materials from the environment to construct their bodies, leaving chemical labels that show their origin and makeup. These bodies become vast libraries of information. New research even reveals fossil feather colors.

What Makes a Leader? Listening to Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Caesar

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Historian Barry Strauss looks at Alexander the Great, Hannibal, and Caesar and considers their leadership qualities. He examines what worked and what failed and how we can learn from them to think strategically at work or in our personal lives.

Jeff Shaara on the Battle of Shiloh

Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Author Jeff Shaara draws from meticulous research to take us inside one of the Civil War's bloodiest and most iconic engagements. He discusses the key actions of the battle's major players, as well as lesser-known brave participants.

Pearl Harbor: Bold Stroke or Senseless Strategy?

Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

The impact of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl harbor is still debated. Robert Love discusses whether it was a bold stroke or senseless tragedy. Afterward, stay for Q&A and examine a war gaming miniature battlefield of the Pacific Fleet.

Before There Was Jazz

Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.

Saul Lilienstein explores the broad musical landscape and changes in musical expression that accompanied the path of assimilation of African- Americans in the 19th century south and that paved the way for the musical genre of jazz.

Down Into the Hidden World of Caves

Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Let’s get to the bottom of caves! Deep down, they are wondrously shaped and filled with unusual flora and fauna. Tonight, "visit" some stunning caves and see what thrives there in total darkness and how we are pushing the cave's known limits.

Ancient Roman Gardens as Urban Pharmacopeia

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Scholar Alain Touwaide suggests that the Roman conquest of the Mediterranean area was to control medicinal plants. Unparalleled population growth had triggered a looming shortage of these vital plants and led to urban gardens as well.

Fred Astaire: Dancing With Genius

Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Using film clips, rare photographs, and original recordings, film scholar Christine Bamberger explores Astaire's life, influences, and multi-faceted career.

Nature’s Compass: The Secret Guide to Incredible Animal Journeys

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Explore the remarkable methods by which animals find their way both near home and around the globe. Noted biologist James Gould and popular science writer Carol Gould delve into the elegant strategies and fail-safe backup systems, the invisible sensitivities and mysterious forces, and incredible mental abilities used by familiar and rare species.

Understanding Climate Change

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

Climate Change is one of the greatest issues facing human kind in the 21st century. Geographer Doug Herman shares a basic overview of how the global climatic system works and how it all fits together and affects our global economy and culture.