Organ Harvesting in China: A Policy Brief
A Heritage Foundation briefing examining organ harvesting allegations in China, exploring ethical, legal, and policy implications. The talk analyzes state practices, international responses, and human-rights concerns, with a focus on accountability and reform.
"Don’t Tell the President" with Jean Becker and Tom Collamore
Two historians from the National Archives discuss their new book, Don’t Tell the President, revealing untold stories from presidential advance and the teamwork behind major White House events. A timely, archival-driven talk that blends history, politics, and behind-the-scenes perspectives.
Tiny Gardens Everywhere
Kate Brown presents Tiny Gardens Everywhere, a traveling archives-backed lecture exploring the rise of tiny gardens across communities. Drawing on archival sources and real-world examples, the talk highlights cultural and design stories behind miniature green spaces.
Expert Is In: Orchid Collections and Care
Join an expert-led session at the National Museum of African American History and Culture to explore orchid collections and learn practical care and display tips. This science-focused lecture blends museum context with hands-on guidance for casual plant lovers and serious collectors.
Spotlight on Design: WXY
Claire Weisz, founding principal of WXY architecture + urban design, discusses the firm’s design approach for an era of climate adaptation at the National Building Museum. This insightful lecture explores resilient urban design and climate-ready architecture.
THE SLANG SERIES – Lecture One
An engaging lecture in The Slang Series at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center, exploring how slang evolves, its cultural roots, and how it shapes everyday language. A thoughtful talk for students and adults curious about language and identity in contemporary culture.
Conversations at The Kreeger Museum
Join Conversations at The Kreeger Museum for a thoughtful, gallery-side discussion led by curators and guest speakers. The talk explores selected artworks from the collection, blending art history with contemporary curatorial insights in an intimate museum setting.
An Evening with General Stanley McChrystal
General Stanley McChrystal discusses leadership and character in a conversation about his book On Character: Choices That Define a Life. The talk, hosted by the National Archives, offers insights from his military and public service career.
Founding Friends, Founding Foes
Delve into the complex relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in this National Archives lecture. Explore how their competing visions and enduring debates helped shape the founding era, illustrated with archival documents and contextual analysis. A thoughtful session for history lovers and students.
Inside the FBI: On the Front Lines of Cybersecurity
Senior leaders from the FBI’s Cyber Division discuss current threats, including ransomware, nation-state attacks, and cybercrime, and share perspectives on defending critical infrastructure. This informative session covers defense strategies, incident response, and public-private collaboration in a high-profile cybersecurity brief hosted by NVTC at Refraction.
Heath Lee - From Poise to Purpose: Pat Nixon, Betty Ford, and the Changing Role of First Lady
Archivist Heath Lee explores how Pat Nixon and Betty Ford reshaped the First Lady's role, framed as a birthday tribute to Betty Ford. Drawing on archival material, the talk traces evolving public expectations and the enlarging scope of influence for presidential spouses.
The Spy in the Hanoi Hilton
Join the International Spy Museum for a history-focused event titled The Spy in the Hanoi Hilton. The program examines POW experiences and espionage narratives from the Vietnam War era, with expert commentary and ties to museum exhibits.
Gerald Ford and an Old Sentence that Feels Unexpectedly Modern
An A250 presentation at the Ford Presidential Library accompanying the Northwest Ordinance exhibit. The talk connects a Gerald Ford-era sentence to today’s constitutional debates, showing how archival governance language still resonates. Includes archival materials and options for in-person and online viewing.
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.
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.
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.
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.