Month

Programs listed below are in chronological order.

Fin de Siecle Vienna: Glories of Art and Music Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Scholars George Scheper and Saul Lilienstein look at the explosion of creativity in music, art, literature, philosophy, and science in late 19th- and early 20th-century Vienna. Included are Klimt, Schiele, Brahms, Strauss, Wagner, and others.
The Civil War’s Generals: The Best of the Blue and Gray Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 10 a.m. Historian Edward Bonekemper examines his selections of the best Union and Confederate generals of the Civil War—looking at their strategies, tactics, audacity, and impacts on the war's outcome and discusses the campaigns and battles of each.
How Madeleine Albright Pinned Down Diplomacy Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 12 p.m. Madeleine Albright shares compelling stories linking political events and her diplomatic arsenal of decorative pins. In conversation with Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough, Dr. Albright shares her unique approach to merging personal expression and serious statecraft.
Our Asymmetrical, Imperfect, and Gloriously Messy Universe Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. In this seminar, astrophysicist Marcelo Gleiser challenges the quest for a unified theory of everything. Evidence suggests, he believes, in an emergence of life from imperfections, asymmetries, and accidents.
Spying for Hitler: German Military Intelligence in World War II Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Historian David Kahn takes you behind the scenes of Germany's military intelligence during World War II. The Third Reich's spies failed at every critical juncture. Find out how this happened.
Ancient Petra and the Spice Trade through Arabia Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Archaeologist Andrew Smith discusses the spice route that linked the Mediterranean world with goods from the east and Africa, such as myrrh, frankincense, silk, and gold. He focuses on the site of Bir Madhkur near Petra and its role along the route.
Beethoven’s Ninth: A Seminal Creation in the History of the World Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 7 p.m. Writer and music historian Harvey Sachs looks at the world in which Beethoven composed his Ninth Symphony—a decade characterized by repression and ultra-conservative nationalism, and the burgeoning Romantic movement.
Entrepreneur Ted Leonsis Shares His Life List Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Enjoy an evening with internet pioneer, entrepreneur, and Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis. Tonight, he shares what he considers the most valuable life habits he has achieved from creating—and completing—items from his life list.
From 42nd Street to Singin’ in the Rain: Celebrating the Hollywood Musical Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Through lectures highlighted by CD recordings and film clips, learn about the legendary songwriters, producers, and performers of films musicals—from The Jazz Singer to West Side Story and listen to the songs that have become classics.
An Introduction to Food Writing Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Through lectures and exercises, learn about the different kinds of food writing, the skills of good food writing, how to find markets for your ideas, and how to turn your love of food and passion for writing into a marketable skill.
In Illuminated Manuscripts, Praising God Is an Art Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Come take a look at the sumptuous illustrated books that are filled with interlaced patterns, fanciful animals, and astonishing detail and color. These medieval texts not only illustrated the Gospel, but offered a glimpse into medieval culture.
A Lowcountry Evening With a Tasting of Lowcountry Fare Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Culinary historian “Hoppin’ John” Taylor shares the history, geography, culture, and flavors of Lowcountry cooking in this lecture with tastings. This early Creole cuisine combines African, European, West Indian, and Mediterranean traditions.
President Jimmy Carter Reflects on His White House Years Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 7 p.m. Member Pricing Only (no book) In this special evening, President Jimmy Carter reflects on the entries of the personal diary he kept during his White House years and offers an intimate view of the people and events that shaped his presidency, and on the many lessons learned.
President Jimmy Carter Reflects on His White House Years Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 7 p.m. General Admission Pricing (no book): In this special evening, President Jimmy Carter reflects on the entries of the personal diary he kept during his White House years and offers an intimate view of the people and events that shaped his presidency, and on the many lessons learned.
President Jimmy Carter Reflects on His White House Years Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 7 p.m. Member Pricing Only (includes book): In this special evening, President Jimmy Carter reflects on the entries of the personal diary he kept during his White House years and offers an intimate view of the people and events that shaped his presidency, and on the many lessons learned.
The Art of Fragrance In Collaboration with the Embassy of France Friday, October 1, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Cut through the millions in marketing and discover the truth about perfumes. In an aromatic lecture, Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez share three intertwined topics: enjoyment of fragrance, discoveries that made modern perfumery, and how our noses figure it all out.
Perfumes: An Exquisite Exploration In Collaboration with the Embassy of France Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. Rare, extraordinary and intimate—experience the great masterworks of perfume from the Osmotheque, International Conservatory of Perfumes. Perfumer Patricia de Nicolaï and authors Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez offer a scent-infused story of perfume.
Awakening the Buddha Within: Meditation as a Path to Joy and Inner Peace Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. Find out how the Buddha's core teachings on meditation are still relevant today and what they might do for you. Join Hugh Byrne in a day of learning and practice. No prior experience necessary.
Treasures of Peru: Tantalizing Culture, Incomparable Nature Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Peru has an impressive wealth of archaeological, cultural, scenic, and natural treasures. Journeys leader Jeffrey Cole and Smithsonian biologist Sulema Castro team up to present Peru's range of cultural highlights and tremendous wildlife.
Presidential Speechwriters: Making History One Word at a Time Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Behind every great president is a creative wordsmith who writes the memorable speeches we all remember. Who are these industrious, hard working writers, and what can they tell us about their behind-the-scenes experiences? Join us and find out!
Ancient Mendes and the Mysterious Cult of the Ram-God Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Scholar Donald Redford gives an overview of Egyptian religion and cultic rituals, and then examines the city of Mendes in the Nile Delta, once the capital of Egypt. He looks at the great temple and the cult of the lascivious ram-god worshipped there.
Northern Lights: A Message from the Sun Monday, October 18, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Solar physicist Paal Brekke gives a multimedia presentation on the myths and the modern science behind the northern lights. Solar particles are captured by Earth's magnetic field and guided to the magnetic poles, creating the aurora borealis.
The Musical Genius of Sergei Prokofiev With Live Music Performance and Buffet Luncheon Friday, October 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. Learn about the life and works of Sergei Prokofiev, a master of numerous musical genres and one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, in this seminar held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation and featuring live music performance.
Chocolate: From Mayan Worship to Modern Wonder Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Chocolate, introduced to Europeans by native cultures, has won a prized place in Western culture and cuisine. Tour the past and present of the chocolate universe, tasting along the way, with a historian, archaeologist, chef, and two chocoscenti.
Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Journey of the Heart Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. This seminar lays out a road map that enables participants to travel through Dante's Divine Comedy as Dante himself intended—as a journey of self-reference and personal discovery.
A Day at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. Learn about one of the world's greatest museums and its magnificent collection of cultural and art masterpieces in this vicarious tour of The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
America’s Funniest Home Videos Comes to the Smithsonian Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the donation of footage and artifacts from America's Funniest Home Videos with Vin Di Bona, the 39-year entertainment industry veteran and Emmy Award-winning executive producer in comedic reality TV shows.
New Orleans: Legendary Jazz and Cocktail Mecca With Tastings Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Famous for its jazz and cocktails, enjoy a night in old New Orleans with John Edward Hesse, Phil Greene, and David Wondrich who swap tales, tunes, and insights about the city's legendary nightlife culture while sipping some Big Easy cocktails.
Living on an Active Planet 101: Volcanoes and Earthquakes Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. From the earthquake disasters in Haiti and Chile to the eruption of an obscure volcano in Iceland, our planet has been beset by geologic hazards. Is this business as usual for our planet or something more? Join USGS experts and find out.
Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Cutting-Edge Findings Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. Astrophysicist Mario Livio reveals the latest findings on dark matter and dark energy from both space observatories and large particle accelerators. He discusses the nature of dark matter and dark energy with what we understand about it today.
Identifying and Preserving Your Photographs Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10 a.m. With an inside look at the Smithsonian's conservation efforts, this seminar offers expert advice on photograph identification, common deterioration problems and solutions, techniques for preserving personal collections, and digital preservation.
Journey Through Vietnam: A Tale of Two Kingdoms Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Vietnam was once two states, with very different histories, governance, and cultural practices. Art historian Robert DeCaroli and ceramics expert David Rehfuss trace imperial histories through sites, architecture, monuments, and far-reaching trade.
The Ambassadors: New Diplomacy in a New World Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. How can ambassadors be agents of future change in an ever shrinking, high-tech world? Ambassador Walter Cutler discusses this role with U.S. and foreign ambassadors.
Truck Farm! Movie Sneak Peek and Discussion Friday, November 5, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Kick off the Lemelson Center and National Museum of American History's "Food for Tomorrow" weekend with Peabody Award-winning filmmakers Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis sharing their new project "Truck Farm!" A special reception featuring garden-inspired libations and local bites follows.
First Course: In the Field Producing Food for Tomorrow Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 9 a.m. Free Program, Tickets Required: Food is a source of pleasure and anxiety, a lucrative market for big business, and a social and political indicator. Experts discuss change, innovation, and invention in global and local food sources, food science, new research, systems, and more.
Victory in the Balance: How Presidents Wage War Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. "Poli-Sci" professor Andrew J. Polsky presents the ways and means of the Commander in Chief. Consider the presidential capacity to wage war, puzzles of wartime power, lasting effects of Lincoln, options in a stalemate, and differing war approaches.
Topkapi Palace: The Luxe Life, Sultan Style With Reception Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. Peek behind the gates of Topkapi palace when it was the seat of power for the Ottomans. From the courtyard of the eunuchs to the sultan's private rooms, it is filled with priceless objects, much intrigue, and intricately tiled rooms and corridors.
The Pursuit of Hoppiness Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 1 p.m. In this lively program at the Brickskeller, Ralph Olson, a 32-year veteran of the hop business, fills you in on the lore and legend of the bitter herbs as you sample an array of beers that showcase the flavor characteristics of different hop strains.
Wine Tasting: Innovative East Coast Winemakers Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 6 p.m. Washington Post wine columnist, Dave McIntyre, leads conversation and wine tasting with innovative wine makers from East Coast vineyards.
Mickey Mantle: America Incarnate Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 7 p.m. Mickey Mantle is a perennial All-Star, and three-time MVP who played in the World Series in 12 of his first 14 seasons. Get an insider’s look at “Number 7” with author Jane Leavy, former teammates Jim Bouton and Phil Linz, and DC slugger Frank Howard.
Versions of Modernism: From Picasso to Pollock Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. The visual arts of Modernism had a great variety of stylistic and conceptual forms from Picasso's cubist breakthrough to Pollock's abstractions. Aneta Georgievska-Shine discusses these, including works in the Hirshhorn Museum.
Tracking Hitler’s Stolen Treasures Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Hitler's Nazis amassed a vast art collection, mostly by illegal means. Five decades later, we are still sorting and returning works of art to their rightful owners. Tonight, experts discuss the ongoing issues surrounding this sensitive process.
Decoding St. Peter’s Square Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. In this evening seminar, the hidden symbolism and messages embedded in the design of St. Peter's Square are revealed and demonstrate that St. Peter's Square and Basilica are much more than architectural masterpieces.
Supreme Court Preview Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 10 a.m. Spend the morning at the Supreme Court and then in the afternoon, hear experts discuss the upcoming year's docket. This is your chance to hear how and why cases get discussed and decisions are made.
It’s Not True? Media Myths and the Stories that Spawned Them Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Professor W. Joseph Campbell highlights some of the most prominent media-driven myths in American journalism. One of his apocryphal tales includes the claim that Walter Cronkite's on-air editorializing altered the course of the Vietnam War.
Creative Writing from Art Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. A Grecian Urn inspired Keats to write an ode, and Chevalier used a painting as inspiration for her novel Girl With a Pearl Earring. Today, author Judy Pomeranz shares how to use art as your muse in writing your own story, memoir, poem, or book.
Bringing Wagner’s Vision to Life Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. Explore the many technical complexities and challenges of producing and singing Wagner's operas, deconstruct the elements of his operas, and see how scenography, orchestra, and singing are as important as the action in telling the drama.
Mark Twain’s Autobiography: A Wide-Ranging Gift to Posterity Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Robert Hirst of the Mark Twain Project, presents never-before-seen photos of Mark Twain and his family and reveals Twain's real thoughts on friends, foes, and society. Twain's autobiography, published 100 years after his death, is available.
Our Intoxicating Quest for the Perfect Drink: It’s Just Human Nature With Selected Tastings Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Scholar Patrick McGovern tells the compelling story of the ancient quest for the perfect alcoholic beverages as he follows a trail of archaeological, chemical, artistic, and textual clues. A tasting of recreated ancient beverages is included.
Into the Wild: Saving the Heart of Africa Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 6:45 p.m. Travel across Africa with Smithsonian Curator of Mammals Don Wilson, and Research Zoologist Kris Helgen. Find thundering herds of big game on the savanna, mountain gorillas in dense forests, and unbelievably new mammal discoveries.
Bach: A Life All-Day Seminar Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 10 a.m. In this seminar, scholar/performer Kenneth Slowik examines Bach’s life and the glorious vocal and instrumental masterpieces he produced. The seminar concludes with a live performance of the Goldberg Variations, BWV 988.

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