All upcoming Popular Culture programs

Over the past half century, dwarves, hobbits, magic, dragons, runes, and other staples of fantastic realms have become entrenched in popular culture, from The Lord of the Rings to the Harry Potter series. There are substantive historical inspirations behind these phenomena. Historian Justin M. Jacobs discusses the evolving conceptions of fantastic elements in Eurasian history and lays bare the truth behind what he sees as four distorted myths of fantasy in our culture in this fall series. This session focuses on the history of magic.

Step behind the scenes and into the heart of “The West Wing,” where President Jed Bartlet's world was brought to life by an ensemble of actors like no other. Join cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack for a conversation, moderated by political commentator and strategist Kevin Walling, as they explore the essence of what made the show a cultural phenomenon and share on-set and off-camera anecdotes that even the most devoted “West Wing” aficionados have never heard.

Over the past half century, dwarves, hobbits, magic, dragons, runes, and other staples of fantastic realms have become entrenched in popular culture, from The Lord of the Rings to the Harry Potter series. There are substantive historical inspirations behind these phenomena. Historian Justin M. Jacobs discusses the evolving conceptions of fantastic elements in Eurasian history and lays bare the truth behind what he sees as four distorted myths of fantasy in our culture in this fall series. This session focuses on elves, dwarves, and hobbits.

The millions who watch Al Roker daily on “The Today Show” know that he’s a home chef who regularly posts his latest meals on social media and that his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga, is a chef by training. Together, they’ve gathered family recipes in Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By. In conversation with NBC News4 anchor Eun Yang, join dad and daughter as they discuss the food they enjoy as a family and what it was like to collaborate on a cookbook.

Actor Henry Winkler was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 31. Since then, he has written a series of lauded children’s books that offer a funny and realistic look at life for a child who struggles with dyslexia. For amplifying important discussions about dyslexia and other issues that touch American lives, Winkler will receive the John P. McGovern Award from Smithsonian Associates. The award presentation highlights an evening in which he discusses his career and his path to stardom and how the issues and causes for which he advocates connect to his roles as an actor, author, comedian, producer, and director.

Just in time for Halloween, indulge your senses in an exploration of the rich history of candy. Candy historian Beth Kimmerle reveals the sweet secrets behind much-loved confections, tracing their origins and explaining the techniques that have shaped the candy-making process over centuries. Learn how to discern flavors, textures, and aromas like an expert.

Over the past half century, dwarves, hobbits, magic, dragons, runes, and other staples of fantastic realms have become entrenched in popular culture, from The Lord of the Rings to the Harry Potter series. There are substantive historical inspirations behind these phenomena. Historian Justin M. Jacobs discusses the evolving conceptions of fantastic elements in Eurasian history and lays bare the truth behind what he sees as four distorted myths of fantasy in our culture in this fall series. This session focuses on old Norse runes.

Since its opening in 2002, the kitchen from Julia Child’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been a top destination for visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, where it is on display. Drawing from her new book, Julia Child’s Kitchen, Paula Johnson, one of the original collectors and keepers of the iconic space, offers an intimate portrait of Child at home, recalls what it’s like to cook beside her, and reveals how this kitchen has influenced the ways we cook today.

Film historian Max Alvarez leads a perfect pre-Halloween evening: a nerve-shattering romp through the history of “creature features” spotlighting the screen’s most memorable monsters, mummies, werewolves, oversized insects, outer-space invaders, and aquatic predators—and the behind-the-scenes masterminds who brought them to life from the 1930s to today. It’s a guaranteed treat for fans of the Monsterverse.

Over the past half century, dwarves, hobbits, magic, dragons, runes, and other staples of fantastic realms have become entrenched in popular culture, from The Lord of the Rings to the Harry Potter series. There are substantive historical inspirations behind these phenomena. Historian Justin M. Jacobs discusses the evolving conceptions of fantastic elements in Eurasian history and lays bare the truth behind what he sees as four distorted myths of fantasy in our culture in this fall series. This session focuses on medieval bestiaries.