Lectures

Hallmark Channel holiday movies garner an estimated $350 million in ad revenue annually, but they’ve been criticized for predictable content and a lack of racial, religious, and LGBTQ representation. Educator and lecturer Stef Woods explores why these movies have been hugely successful.

During the American Revolution, the British military took almost as many men prisoner at sea as they did on the battlefield. Most of those captured by Royal Navy were privateers—raiding crews licensed by the Continental Congress to torment British shipping and besiege Britain itself. Historian Richard Bell examines the untold history of America’s privateers and their lives both at sea and then behind bars, using their surviving diaries and journals to illuminate their ordeal.

From bridges to reservoirs, transformers to pipes, the infrastructural systems we rely on are breaking down in ways that range from the minor to the catastrophic, leaving no communities unaffected. Engineering professor and author Deb Chachra reveals how these essential utilities work, what it takes to keep them running, and how we can transform our shared infrastructure to be functional as well as equitable, resilient, and sustainable.

Join geologist Kirt Kempter as he explores the geology of Western National Parks over the course of 2023, with an in-depth look at one location every month. This program spotlights Capitol Reef as part of a fall series, focused on parks in Montana and Utah.

Experience the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. Explore new ways to contemplate the gifts of winter inspired by the vibrant Winter Landscape by Wassily Kandinsky, an artist who embraced the transcendent power of color. Designed for writers of all levels, and for the curious, the workshop invites you to look outwardly at art and to look inwardly through writing.

T.S. Eliot's best-known poem is The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, but his greatest is The Waste Land. The seminal, hundred-year-old work can intimidate anyone at first reading, even with excellent footnotes. It's worth the effort to come to terms with The Waste Land's stature, and public humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson is ready to serve as a guide. He covers its creation, its enormous debt to previous literature from Dante to John Donne, and walks you through the poem in a way that helps reveal its creative strategies—and meaning.

Tudor monarchs certainly knew how to make the most of a holiday. The Twelve Days of Christmas provided the royal court with opportunities for midwinter merrymaking on a grand scale fit for a king (or queen). Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger provides a colorful glimpse into how members of the Tudor dynasty and their courtiers marked the festive season—as well as how the rest of the country celebrated Christmas in their homes.

When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s, the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only male military test pilots had the right stuff. But in 1978 six elite women took their place as astronauts. Drawing on her book The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts, journalist Loren Grush discusses how these brilliant and courageous women made history as part of America’s space program.

Bologna is home to some of Italy’s most important art, including works by Michelangelo, Annibale Carracci, Lavinia Fontana, Domenichino, and Guercino. Rocky Ruggiero, an expert in Renaissance art, explores the city’s artistic treasures and great artists. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

When Charles Darwin wrote The Origin of Species, the oldest known fossils were trilobites preserved in rocks deposited during the Cambrian Period. Many decades and countless discoveries later, fossils from six continents now extend the animal record backward into the Ediacaran Period, some 50 million years before the first trilobites. Andrew H. Knoll of Harvard University traces the fossil record of Earth’s earliest known animals, asking how these remains illuminate the early evolution of our own kingdom.

Writer and cocktail expert Philip Greene wants you to celebrate each day with a cocktail and a toast. As we head into the holiday season, join Greene for a lively evening in which he shares an array of stories, recipes, and toasts from his new book, Cheers! Cocktails & Toasts to Celebrate Every Day of the Year and enjoy light snacks and cocktail samples to complete the celebration.

At Christmastime in 1914, months after World War I began, hundreds of soldiers in Flanders spontaneously stopped fighting one another, left their trenches, and shook hands in no man’s land. For a short time, British and German soldiers barely fired a shot, helped bury one another’s dead, and even played soccer together. Historian and battlefield guide Simon Jones tells the story of what happened in Flanders during the Christmas season in 1914.

While shooting for his book Working the Water, photographer Jay Fleming traveled up and down the Chesapeake documenting all facets of the region’s commercial fisheries and the people and businesses that depend on the harvest. Join him for a vividly illustrated program that brings the bay's iconic seafood industry into focus.

Coleen Christian Burke, a former White House design partner and author of Christmas with the First Ladies, examines how modern first ladies have combined the shimmer of holiday magic with meaningful reflection, creating a celebration narrative for all Americans.

The famous formulation that all Gaul was divided into three parts came from the self-serving pen of Caesar himself, whose conquest of Gaul served as the springboard for a quest for power that ended fatally on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E., five years after he had famously crossed the Rubicon River en route to Rome from Gaul. Historian Jennifer Paxton tells the complex and fascinating story of how Rome gradually acquired commercial and military interests in southern Gaul that provided the pretext for Roman intervention in the complicated politics of the region.

Media historian Brian Rose surveys the landscape of American TV comedy, examining how comedy evolved from the vaudeville shtick of Milton Berle and the slapstick artistry of Lucille Ball to relevant sitcoms like “M*A*S*H,” the social satire of “Saturday Night Live,” a twist on the sitcom with “The Jeffersons,” and the self-reflexive absurdities of “The Simpsons.”

The American Civil War was closely watched by other countries to see what its outcome might signal for personal liberty and what effect it could have on their own governments. Historian Paul Quigley explores international perspectives on the conflict, ranging from ideological affinities to economic calculations to strategic considerations.

Adorned with thousands of beautiful rings, Saturn is unique: Other planets also have rings made of chunks of ice and rock, but none are as spectacular or as complicated as Saturn's. Jonathan Fortney, director of the Other Worlds Laboratory, explores what is known about Saturn and what scientists are hoping to discover.

Captain Ulysses S. Grant resigned from the U.S. Army after facing charges of excessive drinking in 1854. In 1864, he became general-in-chief of the army. How did this turnaround happen? Historian John Reeves explains how Grant developed his latent skills to be a skilled commander while he was in the West at the beginning of the Civil War without the pressure faced by commanders in the East.

Brutalism, an architectural style emphasizing clarity in presentation of materials which emerged during the 1950s, played a key role in the rebuilding of devastated European cities in the wake of WWII, and remained influential globally into the 1970s. With hallmarks including raw, unpainted concrete; exposed brick and steel; and glass employed in new and unconventional ways, Brutalist buildings appeared striking and arresting to some but soulless monstrosities to others. Bill Keene traces the spread of the style and examines its many facets, including some surprising twists to stereotypical structures and a recent revival of interest in the style. (World History Art Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

In the history of Western civilization, few peoples are as important and yet as mysterious as the Huns. They were only powerful for some 100 years, yet they played a critical role in the collapse of the western Roman empire. Historian David Gwynn covers the full breadth of the Hun world from the Chinese steppe to Attila’s invasion of France and Italy.

Einstein's theory of relativity was both scientifically and politically controversial in his day, with political enemies creating a public furor to undermine it. The result was a combination of death threats at home and celebrity abroad that led Einstein into exile as the world's most recognizable figure. Steven Gimbel of Gettysburg College offers a unique look into a part of Einstein’s past that is rarely discussed.

Was ever a movie so loved? Rick and Ilsa. Sam at the piano. The Nazis, the nightclub, the goodbye at the airport. Casablanca is about life at its most fragile and meaningful, movie stars at their most beautiful and moving, and a supporting cast of real-life escapees from Nazi-held Europe. Documentary filmmaker and writer Sara Lukinson explores the making of the film, backstage dramas, and the times that turned what was just another film on the lot into an immortal love story of intrigue and transit papers.

In January 1939, Pablo Picasso was renowned in Europe but disdained by many in the United States. One year later, the public clamored to view the groundbreaking exhibition Picasso: Forty Years of His Art, which launched Picasso in America and defined the Museum of Modern Art as we know it. Author and senior editor at Foreign Affairs Hugh Eakin reveals how a single exhibition irrevocably changed American taste, and in doing so saved dozens of the 20th century’s most enduring artworks from the Nazis. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The Smithsonian Institution has shaped the character of the National Mall since 1855. Washington’s most beloved museums offer a panorama of American architecture, with each unique building a study all its own. Carolyn Muraskin of DC Design Tours investigates the style, design, controversy, construction, and fascinating backstory behind these celebrated museums. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Few works of Shakespeare are as instantly recognizable as Romeo and Juliet. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, takes a fresh look at one of the greatest love stories of all time, paying particular attention to Shakespeare’s original use of language and his ability to capture the inner lives of his characters.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of holiday treats and traditions with food historian and author Francine Segan. Join her for a delightful evening in which she explores the intriguing stories behind America's cherished Christmas sweets and spotlights scrumptious desserts from holidays celebrated worldwide. Following the program, enjoy a reception with an array of treats and take home recipes for baking your own holiday-inspired desserts.

Malcolm Evans, the Beatles’ long-time roadie, personal assistant, and devoted friend, was an invaluable member of the band’s inner circle during the group’s remarkable years of success and continued in their employ as each later embarked on solo careers. Evans’s memoirs of his life with the Beatles never saw print, and his diaries, manuscripts, and memorabilia were thought missing for decades after his tragic death. Beatles’ scholar and author Kenneth Womack reveals Mal’s unknown story at the heart of the Beatles’ legend and unseen photos and ephemera that supply the missing puzzle piece in the Fab Four’s incredible story. 

The Christmas story has inspired some of the most affectionate, gentle, and intimate images in the history of Western art. How the biblical narrative was portrayed in Renaissance art dramatically evolved over time, mirroring changes in society and shifts in religious attitude. Moving from a narrow, sacred vision of mother and child to a full-blown cast of humans and animals, Renaissance art historian Elaine Ruffolo offers a lavishly illustrated exploration of the Christmas story as told through painting. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

When winter looms with cold weather, it's only natural that thoughts turn to warmer climes and warmer wines. Discover some of the most exciting expressions of California wine through a delicious tasting designed to warm your soul with whites and reds that will wipe away the winter blues.

Once it was "discovered" by explorer and academic Hiram Bingham in the first decade of the of 20th century, Machu Picchu became attached to seemingly endless speculation about its origins, purpose, and meaning. Cultural historian George Scheper traces the travels of Bingham to see the archaeological ruins as he first beheld them, and then, guided by modern scholarship, he revisits the site as it is today.

During World War I, Britain made a series of conflicting promises to Arab leaders, French diplomats, and Zionist representatives regarding the future of the Middle East, pledging to help establish an Arab empire, then offering to divide the same land with the French. Historian Ralph Nurnberger examines the figures involved in the often-contradictory secret negotiations, as well as how the results contributed to more than a century of conflicts in the region and the establishment of the modern states of Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

Archaeologists and historians have struggled to answer questions about the Iliad, Homer's magnificent account of the Trojan War. Is there any historical truth in a face that launched a thousand ships or was there simply a 10-year struggle for political hegemony in the Aegean? Classicist Eric Cline examines the latest archaeological and textual discoveries that lead to the conclusion that a Trojan War, or several such wars, did indeed take place during the Late Bronze Age.

Among the most unique public lands in the country, North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier National Parks harbor a dazzling array of habitats and recreational opportunities. Journey to high volcanoes, ancient temperate rainforests, and big rivers in these geographically and topographically interrelated parks Naturalist Keith Tomlinson discusses the region’s geologic evolution, biological diversity, and unique hydrology from glaciers to the sea.

The Civil War mobilized hundreds of thousands of young men from the North and South and hurled them into some of the most vicious ground combat the world had ever seen. How did these volunteers and conscripts with no military training manage to endure the brutal fighting of the battlefield? Historian Christopher Hamner delves into the gripping stories of those who answered the call to arms.

Does free will propel us to make decisions or does something deeper—such as the subconscious­—guide us? Neuroscientist Moran Cerf leads an exploration of the brain to examine how behavior, emotion, and dreams underlie the process of decision-making ­and how the study of neural mechanisms may even help us predict future choices. 

We all know the Cinderella fairy tale, the story of the downtrodden but kind girl forced to toil for her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. But there’s a lot more to Cinderella: In some versions, there isn’t a fairy godmother but rather a magical tree, a fish, or even a flock of turkeys. Folklorists Sara Cleto and Brittany Warman discuss how versions differ, what we can learn from Cinderella, and why the story has had such a lasting impact on Western culture.

Just getting into birding and trying to figure out how to capture the feathered creatures with your camera? Learn the basics of bird photography for species identification as well as artistic expression from naturalist Matt Felperin. View beautiful photos of various species of birds and learn the stories and strategies behind each image.

By 1941, Franklin Roosevelt had molded his Supreme Court by appointing seven of the nine justices and handpicking the chief justice. But the wartime court had two faces: one bold and progressive, the other supine and abject, cowed by the revered president’s charisma. Cliff Sloan, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, examines how FDR forever altered America’s most powerful legal institution, with consequences that endure today.

Some 25 centuries after the historical Buddha traveled around what is now Northern India imparting his wisdom, Buddhism is flourishing in the Western world, speaking to a contemporary audience seeking inner peace, durable happiness, and meaning in a challenging world. Arnie Kozak, author of The Buddha Was a Psychologist, separates myth from fact, places the Buddha in a historical context, defines key terms, and offers an understanding of the purpose and scope of practices such as mindfulness.

The emergence of the first proto-humans a little more than 2 million years ago was made possible, ironically, by the same thing that now threatens us—climate change. Climate scientist Michael Mann examines the conditions on Earth that allowed humans to both exist and thrive, how they are imperiled if we veer off course, and how we can best understand the gravity of the unfolding climate crisis­—and find ways to meet it.

Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Central Intelligence Agency relied on women even as it attempted to keep them down and channel their talents, argues journalist and author Liza Mundy. She reveals how women at the CIA ushered in the modern intelligence age and how silencing them made the world more dangerous in her new book, The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA (Penguin Random House), which is available for purchase.

Art historian Elaine Ruffolo leads a virtual stroll through the streets, piazzas, and alleyways of Renaissance Florence that served as vibrant arenas for social encounters, business transactions, political discourse, and everyday interactions. Discover how ordinary Florentines lived, from the organization of their society to the intimate details of their homes­—and the ­connections between our lives today and theirs of over 500 years ago. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Christopher Skutela, author and tour guide, leads you on a visual journey to places in Poland that are off the beaten path. Among the sites he reveals are smaller cities and towns with intriguing stories, such as Kazimierz Dolny and Katowice; the Tatra mountains, whose heights attract skiers and climbers; and the extensive canals and rivers that connect more than 2,000 lakes in Masurian Lake Land.

Did you know that some Neanderthals ground their own flour and that others made cave art? Or that scientists have created mini Neandertal “brains” in their labs to see how they grow and develop? Paleolithic archaeologist April Nowell surveys the latest discoveries in the ever-changing field of research into our closest human cousins and outlines our current understanding of who they were both biologically and culturally.

Art historian Laura Morelli unfolds the remarkable story of how an ambitious 20-something sculptor turned a discarded chunk of marble into a masterpiece, singlehandedly transforming Florence and the history of art. She examines how Michelangelo merged a biblical hero and an ancient god to create an image custom-made for the aspirations of the Italian Renaissance. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

As the architectural designer and futurist best known for the geodesic dome, Buckminster Fuller enthralled a vast popular audience and inspired devotion from both the counterculture and the establishment. In his book Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller, author Alec Nevala-Lee reconstructs the origins of Fuller’s most famous inventions and designs; his fraught relationships with his students and collaborators; and his tumultuous private life.

Exacting. Demanding. Controlling. Obsessive. This was Stanley Kubrick, the reclusive mastermind whose approach to filmmaking was not for the weak of spirit. But the results spoke for themselves: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket, and many more groundbreaking classics. Film historian Max Alvarez leads a filmmaking odyssey through the life and career of one of the 20th century’s most provocative, maddening, and brilliant cinematic practitioners.

PBS television host Darley Newman and a panel of travel and history experts take you on a journey through American Revolution historic sites, battlefields, and great places for food and drinks as they share hidden gems and rarely told stories about the American Revolution. This road trip route that travelers can recreate goes from Charleston, South Carolina, to Trenton, New Jersey.

The illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Milan, married at 10 to a dissolute papal nephew, Caterina Sforza seemed destined to victimhood, yet she turned the tables on popes, princes, and the army of France alike. Art historian Liz Lev looks at how Caterina Sforza's contemporaries tried to capture the paradoxes of this virago, as she was dubbed, reconciling her courtly grace and seductive beauty with her fierce defense of family and property.

Over the course of the last century, the work of two architectural giants, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, responded to nature in very different ways influencing other architects as well as builders and clients. In a three-part series, architectural professionals examine how contemporary architecture draws on the legacies of these groundbreakers in structures that integrate nature and eco-friendly considerations into their designs. This session highlights Frank Lloyd Wright. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Essdras M. Suarez—a native of  Panama—leads a visual tour that explores the country’s interplay of commerce, culture, and biodiversity in images that capture the deep connection between its inhabitants and their environment. Whether a trip to Panama is on your wish list or you’re simply curious about one of the Western Hemisphere’s most culturally and geopolitically critical nations, Suarez offers a personal and powerful picture of his homeland.

Inspired by a profound experience swimming with wild dolphins, author Susan Casey set out on a quest to learn everything she could about dolphins—the other intelligent life on the planet. Drawing on her book Voices in the Ocean, Casey recounts the history of dolphin research and introduces the leading marine scientists and activists who are increasing our understanding and appreciation of the wonder of dolphins.

From 1890 to 1921, 2.5 million Jews, fleeing discrimination and violence in their Eastern European homelands, arrived in the United States. Many sailed on steamships from Hamburg, Germany. Historian Steven Ujifusa tells how this mass exodus was facilitated by three businessmen whose involvement has been largely forgotten.

In the mid-19th century, a rivalry dubbed the Bone Wars emerged in the fledgling field of paleontology between two young scientists, Othniel Charles Cope and Edward Drinker Marsh. Their long and bitter turf war was complete with theft, corruption, and sabotage. Hans Sues, a paleontologist at the National Museum of Natural History, discusses the struggle between Cope and Marsh, plus their contributions to the field of paleontology and to the Smithsonian.

Spinoza, one of the most important philosophers—and certainly the most radical—of the early modern period, is mistakenly considered to have been an atheist, although his work includes no arguments against the existence of God. To examine how and why atheism and modernism are associated with Spinoza’s philosophy, Ori Z. Soltes of Georgetown University explores what he thought and wrote; the Portuguese-Jewish community of Amsterdam in which he was raised; and his relationship with the people and the world around him.

In an introduction to the traditional arts of the Islamic world, museum consultant Sabiha Al Khemir provides an overview of objects across media including calligraphy, painting, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles. Her survey examines the essence of Islamic art from the 9th to 19th centuries in the context of the cultures that produced it, connecting the various aspects present throughout different forms and identifying artistic styles and their cultural significance. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Dance is everywhere in the arts of the Indian cultural world. The exhibition “Beyond Bollywood: 2000 Years of Dance in Art” at Seattle’s Asian Art Museum highlighted the rich meanings and ideas that dance has conveyed over the last two millennia. Co-curator Forrest McGill examines artworks from across the breadth of Southern Asia that reveal the enduring capacity of dance to inspire a diverse range of artists and audiences. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Octopuses and other cephalopods are jet-propelled rockets, instantaneous shapeshifters, and master tacticians. Their bodies seem nothing like our own (they have zero bones, nine brains, three hearts, and blue blood), but their minds seem strangely similar to ours. Dive deep with marine biologist Danna Staaf into cephalopods’ evolutionary history.

Bordeaux is all about the blend. Sommelier Erik Segelbaum explores the grapes of region and leads tastings through classic wines including white Bordeaux, reds from selected Left- and Right-Bank appellations, and even a few surprises. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

When Elizabeth I came to the English throne, her reign was challenged by all Catholic Europe—whose rulers infiltrated her court with spies in search of any weakness that could be exploited to topple her government. Tudor and Renaissance scholar Carol Ann Lloyd-Stanger examines how Elizabeth turned to William Cecil and Francis Walsingham, both devoted Protestants, who developed a network of spies across Europe willing to do whatever it took to preserve Elizabeth’s rule and her church.

Turmeric gets attention for its health-giving properties and is treasured as a culinary spice, lending a base of flavor and brilliant pop of yellow to dishes around the world. Writer and spice expert Eleanor Ford covers the facts, myths, stories, and properties of turmeric and offers guidance on how to use this spice to its best effect.

How did a single disease—its origins and diagnosis still a mystery—bring Rome to its knees at the height of its prosperity and power in the middle of the second century AD?  This fast-spreading disease, now known as the Antonine plague, may have been history’s first pandemic. Historian Colin Elliott examines how its arrival precipitated the Roman Empire’s downward trajectory toward decline and fall.

Although dinosaurs became extinct nearly 65 million years ago, their descendants live among us today, patrolling the skies, stalking prey, and perched outside our windows at night. Millions of years of evolution may have changed their form, but no other group of birds resembles the essence of their carnivorous ancestors like raptors. Master falconer Robert Johnson explores the vast diversity of birds of prey, from eagles and hawks to falcons, vultures, and owls.

The city of Lagos, Nigeria, is a key part of a larger conversation about West African cuisine and its global influence. Drawing from her new cookbook, My Everyday Lagos, Yewande Komolafe, discusses the hallmarks of Nigerian cuisine, the country’s regions and peoples, and her own journey of self-discovery through understanding her home country and its food. Afterward, enjoy a light reception featuring bites from a local West African restaurant.

Porgy and Bess premiered on Broadway in October of 1935, running for 124 performances and ending in financial ruin. The score by George and Ira Gershwin, however, has a stature unsurpassed in the American operatic repertoire. Explore this pivotal work with Gershwin scholar Robert Wyatt in a program highlighted by the composer’s film footage of a rehearsal and Wyatt’s interviews with the artists who first portrayed the title characters, Anne Brown and Todd Duncan.

How did the Miss America pageant survive for more than 100 years despite scandals, shifting cultural tastes. and changing expectations for women? Washington Post journalist Amy Argetsinger, author of There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America, explores the pageant’s story, beginning with its start in 1921. Following her lecture, attendees get to see objects from the National Museum of American History’s Miss America collection that are not on public display, hear from curators Ryan Lintelman and Jane Rogers about collecting the objects, and meet former Miss America titleholders, who tell stories about the pieces.

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural experts lead a series of three virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Morocco, New Zealand, Israel, Belgium, and the East Coast of the United States. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. This session focuses on gardens located in Morocco and Israel.

Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, is the only one in the solar system with a substantial atmosphere, and it is made mostly of nitrogen, like Earth’s. And Titan has water. Sarah Horst, associate professor in the earth and planetary sciences department at Johns Hopkins University, delves into the complex chemistry of this moon’s atmosphere and what it means for potential habitability.

Get those pin-hole projectors and proper viewing glasses ready: On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will occur across the United States, and amateur astronomers and eager “umbraphiles” are already planning to be positioned somewhere along its path from Mexico to Maine. Kelly Beatty, senior editor for Sky & Telescope magazine, presents an overview of the nature of solar eclipses and helpful advice for seeing the next event safely and successfully.

For all we know about Benjamin Franklin the icon, his many contradictions remain both puzzling and glaring. He was a proud British subject who embraced the role of American revolutionary; the owner of enslaved persons who later decried slavery; and a loving husband who flirted with an array of star-struck women. Historian Richard Bell argues that it’s Franklin’s many faces—ordinary and extraordinary, wonderfully flawed and familiar—that make him so compelling.

Do you know the stories behind delectable Chinese American dishes—such as the connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Drawing on her new book, Chinese Menu, Newberry and Caldecott honoree Grace Lin shares the tales behind favorite Chinese American food, from fried dumplings to fortune cookies. Rooted in history and folklore, the delightful stories are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. Journalist Lisa Ling joins Lin to uncover the rich histories of these dishes. Although Lin’s book is for young readers, this delicious conversation is for foodies of all ages.

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural experts lead a series of three virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Morocco, New Zealand, Israel, Belgium, and the East Coast of the United States. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. This session focuses on gardens located in Belgium and Pennsylvania.

Food historian Francine Segan gets to the scrumptious center of our love affair with chocolate as she traces the origins and colorful history of this beloved treat, exploring its remarkable transformation from a grainy, bitter brew to the irresistible delicacy we all adore today. Afterward, treat yourself to a sampling of chocolates by Venchi, Italy's artisan makers, and take home chocolate-infused recipes

The geologic time scale is fundamental to our understanding of how the face of our planet has changed over 4.5 billion years. Geologist Kirt Kempter offers a unique approach to making this complex topic approachable: He condenses billions of years into a single calendar year as he traces the evolution of life and land in North America beginning at the start of the Paleozoic Era.

Discover the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. Inspired by paintings of the visionary Belorussian-born French artist Marc Chagall and by poetry across time, take the opportunity to slow down, look closely, and reflect to explore love as an animating force in our lives. Designed for writers of all levels, the workshop invites you to look outward at paintings and poetry and to look inward through writing.

The life-size terracotta figures created for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, were buried in battle formation by the thousands to accompany him in the afterlife. Robert DeCaroli, art history professor at George Mason University, explores this ruler who founded an empire and profoundly shaped the visible expression of Chinese imperial power for centuries to come. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Who are the Crypto-Jews of the American Southwest? The answer may well surprise you as much as it did them: They are mostly Catholic Hispanics who only recently learned of their presumed Jewish ancestry. Ori Soltes, a professor of religion at George Washington University, explores how members of this population became aware of that ancestry in the 1990s and how the questions it raises are linked to larger issues of human identity today.

Few books have had as much impact on American culture as Harper Lee’s legendary To Kill a Mockingbird from 1960. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, explores how Lee’s novel probes racism and its pernicious effects, represents life in the South, and creates some of the most memorable characters in American literature.

Armed with rubber tanks, fake artillery, and more than a few artistic tricks up their sleeves, a handpicked group of young GIs created a traveling road show of deception on the battlefields of Europe, with the German Army as their audience. Author and documentary filmmaker Rick Beyer tells the story of the most curious and creative group of soldiers deployed in the Western theater of war.

Like a majestic ocean liner or a grand hotel, the Victorian-era Sutro Baths dazzled visitors with its over-the-top opulence and its many attractions: seven swimming pools, museum exhibits, restaurants, tropical plants, promenades, and seating for thousands of spectators, all covered by more than 100,000 square feet of glass. Historian John Martini dives into the fascinating story of a vanished but enduring piece of San Francisco history.

In the heart of the Renaissance, love and marriage were celebrated with unparalleled fervor, resulting in the creation of some of history's most iconic artworks. Bonds of love of another sort were represented during this period as well in erotic drawings and prints. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo illuminates the tradition of commemorating love and marriage through masterpieces by artists including Giulio Romano, Lorenzo Lotto, and Titian. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Indulge in a colorful midwinter escape as horticultural experts lead a series of three virtual visits that highlight the beauty of notable botanical gardens in settings as far-flung as Morocco, New Zealand, Israel, Belgium, and the East Coast of the United States. In vibrant visuals they explore how each garden has taken a unique approach to design and interpretation as they celebrate plant collections, conservation, education, and the distinctive environments and landscapes in which they bloom. This session focuses on gardens located in New Zealand and Virginia.

Weaving fascinating stories of what it was like to work on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos and the challenges the scientists encountered as they raced to get an atomic bomb before Hitler’s Germany did, historian Allen Pietrobon explores what made physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer famous. But not all Americans celebrated him or the devastating weapon he and his colleagues created.

As a painter, printmaker, draughtsman, caricaturist, and illustrator, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec found rich subjects in the colorful whirl of Paris during the Belle Époque. Its streets, theaters, and cabarets inspired a significant collection of provocative images of his modern­­—and often decadent­—times. Art historian Joseph Paul Cassar surveys Lautrec’s paintings and posters within the context of life in Montmartre which attracted Lautrec and many other artists for its bohemian freedom. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Over more than a century, three generations of Wyeths of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, have created a collective portrait of America. Art historian Bonita Billman traces the family tradition reflected in their disparate subjects and styles. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Did you know that your morning cup of coffee has the power to protect birds—or to destroy their habitat? Ruth Bennett, a Smithsonian research ecologist, journeys south to the coffee farms responsible for migratory songbird survival, exploring why some farmers are actively protecting bird habitats by growing coffee under native shade trees, while others are eliminating their winter habitat by cutting down cloud forest to grow more coffee. She also reports on how the Smithsonian is creating a market for coffee brands carrying its Bird Friendly certification.

The Rhône Valley is home to some of the world's most iconic appellations such as Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. As sommelier Erik Segelbaum leads tastings of multiple expressions from across the region, learn why wines from this beautiful area of France are food-friendly favorites of sommeliers the world over. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

Over the course of the last century, the work of two architectural giants, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, responded to nature in very different ways influencing other architects as well as builders and clients. In a three-part series, architectural professionals examine how contemporary architecture draws on the legacies of these groundbreakers in structures that integrate nature and eco-friendly considerations into their designs. This session highlights Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The disenchantment of modern times is often reflected in art that mires the spirit in darkness. But artists of other eras chose to confront the dark side of their world with the compelling force of wonder despite the inequality, poverty, and violence that surrounded them. Art historian Liz Lev highlights how creators like Giotto, Bernini, and Monet wrestled with their own catastrophic times to instill hope and spark amazement. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

As a framework for negotiations between Israel and Palestine, the 1993 Oslo Accords were intended to last five years. But grim conflicts have persisted for more than three decades, with genuine peace remaining elusive. Historian Ralph Nurnberger unravels the intricate web of secret diplomacy, alternating periods of hope and despair, and the conflicting goals and objectives among supporters and opponents of the Oslo Peace Process.

For nearly a century, Hollywood has been captivated by the allure of the Broadway musical. Most of the Great White Way’s biggest hits have made the transfer to the movie theater, though sometimes the journey has yielded damaged goods. Media historian Brian Rose looks at this colorful history, including glorious reinterpretations like Milos Forman’s Hair and Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story.

During the 1830s, many thousands of Native Americans were expelled from their homelands in the Southeast and forced to migrate to land west of the Mississippi. An estimated one-fourth of the 16,000 people on the 800-mile journey of the Cherokee Nation to Oklahoma died, one reason the Cherokees remember the “Trail of Tears.” Historian Rowena McClinton discusses the chain of events behind this forced removal.

The name Bloomsbury conjures up an image of early 20th-century bohemia whose literati included Virginia Woolf. But artists also were in the circle, and Woolf’s sister Vanessa Bell, critic and painter Roger Fry, Duncan Grant, and Dora Carrington formed the nucleus of visual Bloomsbury. Curator Nancy Green delves into this tight-knit group of artists and friends and their place in the pantheon of 20th-century Modernism. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Few novels have captured the American imagination as strongly as Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man from 1952, a searing account of a young Black man’s quest for identity as he moves from the segregated South to New York, where he becomes involved in the violent world and social upheaval of political activism. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, guides participants through a discussion of Invisible Man’s sophisticated literary techniques, memorable characters, and artful narrative elements.

During the Cold War, novels, essays, and poems could win the hearts and minds of those caught between the competing creeds of capitalism and communism. They could also lead to blacklisting, exile, imprisonment, or execution for their authors if they offended those in power. Cultural historian Duncan White introduces the key literary conflicts that animated the Cold War from the beginning of the Spanish Civil War to the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

The oeuvre of pioneering French Modernist Henri Matisse—created across more than five decades—includes a wide range of materials and styles, from exquisite tiny etchings to enormous cast-bronze sculpture to designs for religious vestments and stained-glass windows. Art historian Nancy G. Heller examines how all of Matisse’s diverse output shares certain critical elements of his aesthetic philosophy and why his work continues to fascinate today’s creative minds. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

The American victory over British forces at Saratoga in September 1777 stunned the world and changed the course of the War of Independence. Kevin J. Weddle of the U.S. Army War College analyzes the strategic underpinnings of the historic Saratoga campaign, considers why events unfolded as they did, and offers a new interpretation of George Washington’s role in the American success.

Astrophysicist and author Mario Livio examines the intimate link between Leonardo’s art and his scientific experiments and observations. As he explores how he used his science to advance his art, and his art to inspire and to present his science, Livio brings together all Leonardo’s facets to create a portrait of the quintessential Renaissance Man. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Two days before Academy Awards night, Washington City Paper film critic Noah Gittell focuses on all things Oscar, from Academy Awards history to this year’s nominations and behind-the-scenes stories. He sorts through the story lines, rumors, and gossip, so that when the telecast begins, you'll be the most knowledgeable guest at your Oscar party.

Did you know that there is a top-of-the-food-chain predator likely living in your neighborhood? This animal moves silently at speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour and eats animals twice its size. Not a bear or mountain lion or coyote, it’s a Great Horned Owl, found in every state except Hawaii and in almost every habitat you can imagine. Naturalist Mark H.X. Glenshaw takes a close look at these magnificent creatures.

The Bargello Museum houses what is arguably the world's greatest collection of Renaissance sculptures. Renaissance art expert Rocky Ruggiero delves into the history of the 13th-century building that houses the collection as well as the sculptural masterpieces that it contains. Among them are works by Michelangelo, Lorenzo Ghiberti, Filippo Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Verrocchio. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Since the beginning of motion pictures, making audiences laugh has been one of the film industry’s biggest box office attractions. Media historian Brian Rose looks at major highlights of screen comedy over the last 125 years, illustrated with more than 40 examples from Hollywood’s funniest films.

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is one of the most celebrated novels in 19th-century literature. Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, reveals the novel’s defining qualities and characteristics, with a focus on its Romantic elements, dazzling mix of the supernatural and natural, and construction of compelling characters such as Heathcliff and Catherine. Luzzi also discusses Brontë’s different modes of storytelling.

From the 8th through the 19th centuries, Shinto and Buddhist traditions and institutions intermingled in Japan. Buddhism used images to spread its teachings and assimilate with local religions. This practice affected the veneration of kami (broadly defined as spirits of nature) in Shinto, which originally did not use such depictions. Art historian Yui Suzuki describes the synthesis of kami veneration and Buddhist worship. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

In addition to producing incredible and complex wines, Languedoc is a leader in sustainable viticulture and forward-thinking responses to climate change. This delicious exploration of regional wines led by sommelier Erik Segelbaum explores the profound impact Languedoc has had in the global wine world. The immersive program includes a curated personal tasting kit to enhance the experience.

Over the course of the last century, the work of two architectural giants, Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, responded to nature in very different ways influencing other architects as well as builders and clients. In a three-part series, architectural professionals examine how contemporary architecture draws on the legacies of these groundbreakers in structures that integrate nature and eco-friendly considerations into their designs. This session highlights 21st-century architecture. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Working primarily in New York City in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, artists George Bellows, William Glackens, Robert Henri, George Luks, Everett Shinn, and John Sloan realistically depicted what they saw. Their paintings didn’t glamorize or prettify but captured the city with its gritty underbelly exposed. Art historian Bonita Billman explores the unvarnished truths they revealed about modern life. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)

Surprisingly, the last battle of the American Revolutionary War wasn’t fought at Saratoga or Yorktown or anywhere in the emergent United States. It took place on the other side of the globe, as British and French naval forces met at Cuddalore on the Bay of Bengal off the coast of modern-day India. Historian Richard Bell explores the causes, course, and consequences of this climactic encounter to examine India’s connection to the American Revolutionary War.