Transportation Week: Bicycles
At the National Museum of American History, Transportation Week spotlights bicycles as part of American mobility, history, and culture. The day features docent-led tours (10:30–noon), Wheelwoman performances, and conversations that explore how cycling shapes the past and future.
Russian Espionage and Intelligence Tradecraft: Hybrid War and Dirty Tricks
Join a focused lecture at the International Spy Museum on Russian espionage and intelligence tradecraft, including hybrid warfare tactics and 'dirty tricks' shaping modern conflicts. Led by security and intelligence experts, the session blends history with contemporary analysis in a museum setting in Washington. Perfect for adults with an interest in geopolitics and cryptic warfare.
Future Fridays: Detroit
Join Future Fridays for a virtual session featuring personal stories shaping Detroit's transformation. Explore how identity, memory, and belonging influence what it means for a city to evolve, in a thoughtful dialogue hosted by the National Building Museum.
Basically Jewish
An evening lecture in the Basically Jewish series at Sixth & I, exploring Jewish history, culture, and identity in an intimate Washington, DC venue. Thoughtful, engaging discussion suited for adults.
Spotlight on Design: GGN
Shannon Nichol, co-founder of GGN, discusses the firm's holistic approach to landscape architecture, weaving urban planning, landscape design, restoration ecology, architecture, engineering, and art. The National Building Museum talk offers insight into innovative, cross-disciplinary design for cities and public spaces.
Return to Venus
Join a science lecture at the National Air and Space Museum (also online) on May 7, 2026, from 8–9pm, to explore future missions to Venus, Earth's twin. The talk outlines NASM's plans and current Venus research, offering a space-history setting in Washington, DC.
World Migratory Bird Day ›
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at the Smithsonian National Zoo with family-friendly activities, guided bird-watching, and short conservation talks. Learn how birds migrate, spot local species, and discover simple habitat-protection steps in a lively outdoor setting. The event is free and outdoors on the zoo grounds.
The Queen and Her Presidents: Hidden Hand in History
National Archives hosts a virtual and live lecture with Susan Page exploring how Queen Elizabeth II met with multiple U.S. presidents and what that hidden influence reveals about modern diplomacy. A history-rich, archival deep-dive that highlights key encounters and their broader impact.
Senator Chris Murphy
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy discusses current national issues in an insightful evening talk at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C. The candid conversation covers governance and public policy, inviting audience engagement in a prominent, intimate setting.
Stars, Stripes and Spies: Teaching the Secret History of America
Explore the secret history of America at the International Spy Museum in this curator-led lecture. Learn how espionage, symbols, and covert operations helped shape the nation, with fresh insights into the Stars and Stripes era.
Past And Future Cities
A thought-provoking lecture examining how urban form has evolved and what cities may become, drawing on urban theory, architectural practice, and planning case studies. It maps past milestones and future scenarios shaping housing, mobility, and public spaces.