Hear From Bobby Flay About His 100 Favorite Recipes and Discover Other Smithsonian Events You Can Enjoy From Home in November

Smithsonian Associates produces vibrant educational and cultural programs for people of all ages. Hundreds of online and in-person lectures, seminars, performances, hands-on studio arts classes, one-of-a-kind study tours and children’s programs are offered annually. To view the Smithsonian Associates digital program guide, visit smithsonianassociates.org.  

 

Friday, November 1

Bobby Flay: Chapter One: Join Bobby Flay as he shares insights into his personal and professional experiences, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the culinary world that shaped him, including tales of his restaurant ventures, memorable TV spots and the stories behind the dishes. This program will be presented at the National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium at 6:45 p.m. $25-$85

 

Saturday, November 2

Medieval History Through Artists' Eyes: Spend the day with art historian Judy Scott Feldman for an in-depth examination of the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. Feldman discusses how the Christian mosaics, Carolingian manuscripts, Romanesque church facades and Gothic cathedrals evidence the beliefs and practices of the thousand-year period. This program is presented on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. $100-$120

 

Monday, November 4

The World of Carnivorous Plants: Your garden is full of killers! So says wildlife filmmaker Steve Nicholls who entertains with his vast knowledge of carnivorous plants and their unseen activities in nature. This program is presented on Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET. $20-$25 

Gobsmacked: The British Invasion of American English: Americans love to use Britishisms, but do we know what they really mean? Writer Ben Yagoda discusses popular British terms used in the United States today while tackling grammar, pronunciation and expressions most often misconstrued. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Tuesday, November 12

The 2024 Election in Review: The 2024 presidential campaign and national election mark one of the most caustic, bitter and pervasively negative periods in U.S. political history. In a fact-based, non-partisan presentation, White House correspondent Ken Walsh discusses the outcome of this historic election with a focus on explaining what’s ahead for our republic in this age of distrust and division. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $20-$25

 

Wednesday, November 13

Railroads in Wartime:  Take another look at railroads with Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Collection at the Union Pacific Museum, as she surveys the unique ways that railroaders supported American war efforts, including the transportation of soldiers across the country and the operation of railway operating battalions abroad. This program is presented on Zoom from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $25-$30

Handel's Messiah: A Musical Expression of Hope: Hear the astonishing backstory behind this beloved classic of participatory art with Georgetown professor and historian Charles King, who discusses the tortured lives and times that brought this musical monument to hope. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Churchill at Chartwell: Gatherings Before the Storm: Revisit Chartwell, Churchill’s country home and headquarters of his campaign against Nazi Germany, with historian Katherine Carter who managed the house and collections. Carter discusses the remarkable, little-known meetings that took place behind closed doors with political leaders, diplomats and spies. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. $20-$25

 

Thursday, November 14

Noël Coward, Master of All: Join the fun with pianist Rachel Franklin who leads a joyful excursion through some fabulous Cowardly classics including his play Blithe Spirit, songs such as “Mad Dogs and Englishmen,” and movies such as In Which We Serve and The Italian Job. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Friday, November 15

California’s Central Coast: Fall Wine Adventures with a Top Sommelier: Spend a fascinating and delectable evening with sommelier Erik Segelbaum as he explores the Central Coast of California where nearly every variety of wine imaginable grows. This immersive program includes a personal tasting kit to enhance the experience. This program is presented on Zoom from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET. $70-$80

Saturday, November 16

Christina Tosi's Bake Club: Settle in with Christina Tosi, founder of Milk Bar and the Bake Club as she discusses life as a chef, cookbook author, and host of the James Beard PBS television series “Pati’s Mexican Table.” Tosi will share recipes, and a few baking tips along the way. This program will be presented in person at the Smithsonian’s Ripley Center from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. ET. $25-$30

 

Monday, November, 18

The Creative World of David Hockney: Indulge in a lavish visual exploration of this remarkable artist’s work and career with art critic Judy Pomeranz, and learn how Hockney’s personal life informed the wonderfully intimate portrayals of people and places he loved. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET. $30-$40

 

Tuesday, November 19

The Written Word in Islamic Arts: Uncover the intricate features of calligraphy with museum consultant Sabiha Al Khemir, who explains how calligraphy, the art of beautifying the word, occupies a central place in Islamic arts. She surveys a range of styles and describes how they reflect the diversity of the Islamic world. Participants in the Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program earn 1/2 credit. This program is presented on Zoom from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. $20-$25

Understanding Olana: Frederic Church and the Idea of Place: Spend the day with Carolyn Keogh, director of education and public programs at the Olana Partnership, as she leads a detailed exploration of Church’s life, career and inspirations and offers new ways of understanding Olana and the artist’s relationship with the Hudson Valley. Participants in the Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program earn 1/2 credit. This all-day program is presented on Zoom from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. $80-$95

 

Thursday, November 21

High School Classics Revisited: Catch-22: Take a close look at this classic novel with Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College, who guides participants through the literary techniques and key themes that give Heller’s work its enduring appeal, especially its astonishing use of humor and piercing psychological insights. He also explores the stylistic elements and qualities that make the book one of the most important works in American literature in the second half of the 20th century. This program is presented on Zoom from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. $20-$25

The Religious Paintings of Jacopo Tintoretto: Dynamism and Devotion: Join art historian Sophia D’Addio of Columbia University to study a selection of Tintoretto’s sacred works, located in such beautiful settings as the Church of the Madonna dell'Orto, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and San Giorgio Maggiore. Participants in the Smithsonian World Art History Certificate program earn 1/2 credit. This afternoon program is presented on Zoom from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m ET. $25-$30

To view the Smithsonian Associates digital program guide, visit smithsonianassociates.org. 

 

Lisa K. Friedman | READ MORE

Lisa K. Friedman is an author and essayist living in Washington, D.C.