Go behind the walls of the Rotunda into the “stacks and vaults” of the National Archives Museum. Encounter fascinating original records, including Abraham Lincoln’s telegrams to his generals and audio recordings from the Oval Office. See the original signed documents known as The Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building houses the main offices of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Renowned architect Paul Philippe Cret designed the building in the stripped classicism style and employed nationally recognized artists to complete the ornamentation and furnishings.

Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

On this guided behind-the-scenes tour, take a rare look at some of the treasures of the largest and most diverse museum library system in the world as you step into the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.

Monday, July 8, 2019 - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In artist-led tours and talks, Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts painting instructor Adrienne Wyman offers a “behind-the-easel” perspective of masterworks exhibited at the National Gallery of Art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Monday, July 8 to 22, 2019 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Both beginners and seasoned artists can learn to take advantage of the creative possibilities of this rich pigmented, vibrant, and versatile medium.

Monday, July 8 to 29, 2019 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In artist-led tours and talks, Smithsonian Associates Studio Arts painting instructor Adrienne Wyman offers a “behind-the-easel” perspective of masterworks exhibited at the National Gallery of Art. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Monday, July 8 to 22, 2019 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Whether you want work in digital or film, this course offers a solid foundation for new photographers ready to learn the basics. Two on-location shoots offer chances to put your new skills into practice.

Tuesday, July 9 to 30, 2019 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Enjoy this double feature tour that begins with Manifesto, a standard feature of modernist avant-garde movements created to profess social and political theories of artists, writers and philosophers. The second feature includes murals of the contemporary Thai artist Rikrit Triavanija that reference recent protest movements in Thailand.

Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - 11:00 a.m.

Spend a day behind the scenes at Wolf Trap, America’s only designated National Park for the Performing Arts. Highlights include a tour of Wolf Trap’s performances spaces, the nearby Barns of Wolf Trap, and an invite to a private rehearsal with singers from the Wolf Trap Opera Company.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Students are introduced to the materials, tools, and technologies used in collage and assemblage. They find inspiration in artists who worked in collage including Joseph Cornell, Romare Bearden, and Gertrude Green.

Wednesday, July 10 to 31, 2019 – 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In this class, students will be introduced to the basic steps of how to create a convincing portrait using charcoal or graphite. All levels of experience welcomed.

Friday, July 12 to 26, 2019 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

On this guided behind-the-scenes tour, take a rare look at some of the treasures of the largest and most diverse museum library system in the world as you step into the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 - 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

On this guided behind-the-scenes tour, take a rare look at some of the treasures of the largest and most diverse museum library system in the world as you step into the Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Library of Natural History.

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The photographs of David Levinthal are populated with iconic American ideals: Cowboys and cavalry, Barbie dolls and baseball players. Despite their playful veneer, Levinthal’s images provide a lens through which we can examine the myths and stereotypes lurking within our most beloved pastimes and enduring heroes. This exhibition encourages us, most of all, to consider what it means to be American.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 12:00 p.m.

Enrico David: Gradations of Slow Release is the largest US museum survey of this distringuished artist’s work. It includes sculpture, painting, installation, and works on paper that develop a unique vision of the human form. His work is both abstract and figurative, capturing many feelings of human emotion.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 - 11:00 a.m.

Take a rare opportunity to hear first-person stories from men and women whose careers are spent in diplomatic Washington when you spend a day at the American Foreign Service Association and the U.S. Department of State.

Thursday, August 15, 2019 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Portraiture is a time-honored and essential tradition in art. Hone your skills in observation, color, light and shadow, and other technical foundations of the form in this class designed for all levels of painters.

Friday, September 6 to 27, 2019 – 10:15 a.m­. to 1:15 p.m.

Spend a morning getting a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Supreme Court—including the courtroom where cases are argued. Then, a panel of top legal experts previews the issues that will come before the court when the new session begins in October.

Thursday, September 12, 2019 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Art historian and photographer Patricia Howard introduces the world of the photo surrealists and explores how they pushed the boundaries of photographic imagery in the 1920s to 1940s. Step into the darkroom to create your own version of one the movement’s distinctive photo forms, the rayogram. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate the art of food on a special museum tour with a culinary focus, then discover some edible masterworks at one of Philadelphia’s urban treasures, the historic South 9th Street Italian Market.

Friday, September 27, 2019 - 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Regional historian Hayden Mathews explores the rich heritage of this lovely Eastern Shore town, focusing on both land and sea. The day includes a cruise on a replica of an 18th century vessel, as well as an historic-district walking tour guided by Chestertown’s mayor.

Friday, September 27, 2019 - 7:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Art historian Karin Alexis places the Baroque and Rococo movements in their historical and cultural contexts and focuses on major creators and pivotal masterpieces. (World Art History Certificate core course, 1 credit)

Wednesday, October 2 to 23, 2019 - 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.