When maize first sprouted around 4,000 years ago in the Southwest, the grain provided the basis for an astonishing and thriving Native American culture. Spend a fascinating day learning from a variety of experts how domesticated food production gave rise to the achievements of Pueblo technology, society, and architecture.

Colonists yearn for independence from a far-off empire. Loyalists see nothing but folly in the scheme. Can divisions be bridged and a new nation created? Get ready for some interactive time travelling to hear Thomas Paine and James Chalmers debate critical issues that faced 18th-century leaders—and then choose the winner.

The spring of 1863 found the strategic city of Vicksburg on the Mississippi under attack from Grant’s forces, leading to a six-week trial by siege, starvation, and devastation that led to its ultimate surrender. Author Jeff Shaara brings the stories of both soldiers and civilians to vivid life.

On Sept. 17, 1862, more than 23,000 soldiers met death in the Maryland farmland of Antietam. Civil War historian Ed Bearss leads a tour to sites connected with this bloodiest battle of the war.

On Sept. 17, 1862, more than 23,000 soldiers met death in the Maryland farmland of Antietam. Civil War historian Ed Bearss leads a tour to sites connected with this bloodiest battle of the war.

Jeb Stuart rides again in this day-long tour that follows his route through four states, leading up to his Chambersburg Raid in October 1862.

From May 8 to 21, 1864, a series of bloody conflicts near Virginia’s Spotsylvania Court House interrupted Grant’s advance on the Confederate capital. Civil War historian Ed Bearss covers a number of the area’s battle sites, including the aptly named Bloody Angle, which saw some of the war’s most ferocious sustained combat.

After 150 years, the legacy, lessons, and cultural wounds of the Civil War still resonate in our national life, says author Gregg Clemmer. Join him for a provocative discussion that explores how the war “that never goes away” has marked our identity as an often-divided people.

As Grant and his army made their way to Richmond in May 1864, they were brought up short by Lee’s “hog snout line” on the North Anna River. Historian Ed Bearss follows the 3-day confrontation there.

Grant’s late-May 1864 push toward the Confederate capital at Richmond stalled 10 miles short of its goal when encounters with Lee’s forces resulted in some 13,000 Union casualties. Civil War historian Ed Bearss leads a tour that interprets the 13 days of fighting that centered on the village of Old Cold Harbor.