Join a conversation on works of art from The Frick Collection in New York. A museum educator will engage in a thoughtful dialogue focused on a selection of works from the permanent collection. There will be a drawing component and opportunities to participate throughout the program. Supplies needed: paper and anything to draw with (pencil, pen)
Travel back in time to bustling New York City in the 1920s and discover the art, literature, and music produced by African Americans living in Harlem during this period. During this live lecture, a museum educator will use photos to introduce artists such as Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and photographer James Van Der Zee, along with the poetry of Langston Hughes.
Liberty Hall’s 23 landscaped acres located in Union, New Jersey, tell a 200-year-old story of garden design and beauty. Discover how the gardens have changed over the years and how these simple grounds tell the stories of kings, convicts, wars, and even ancient Greece! This lively talk interweaves the history of the gardens with the life and times of the remarkable people who lived at Liberty Hall.
Join Lucienne Sharpe, English Educator, as we explore the story of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Learn how they received their royal titles, how their marriage has reshaped history, and the traditions they may or may not change. Discover what makes them unique, their circle of friends, and the lessons history has taught us about the monarchy.
Artwork sculpted in the three-dimensional world has a unique power and presence that moves beyond the world of painting, reaching us in our own space. Join Art Historian Heather Couch as she uses photos to walk us through some of the most captivating sculptures in history, from ancient times to the modern world. We will discuss the surrounding culture, the form, material challenges, and groundbreaking ideas, cultivating inspiration as we delve into these treasured masterpieces.
The ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz” are among the most iconic pieces of memorabilia in film history. Truly, they belong in a museum. And for years they were in the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, MN. Until one day in 2005, they were not. This hour-long lecture chronicles the theft, the police and FBI’s efforts to recover the slippers, and how and why it took years to find them. It’s a story you will not believe, told by Rob Feeney, who was directly involved in the recovery process.
Join us as we explore how scientists at the Alaska SeaLife Center study endangered Steller sea lions on the Chiswell Islands. Learn how researchers collect data on reproductive success, maternal care, bull behavior, and pup mortality, all while minimizing disruption. Observe remote video feeds and identify animals by natural markings and discuss theories behind the population’s drastic decline.
Join New York historian Marty Schneit for an engaging presentation exploring the legendary Fred Astaire’s life and career, brought to life through illustrations and film clips. Marty will trace Astaire’s remarkable seventy-year journey, starting in 1905 when, at just five years old, he first appeared in vaudeville alongside his sister Adele. Astaire’s unforgettable partnership with Ginger Rogers spanned nine films, including Flying Down to Rio, Roberta, Top Hat, and Swing Time. The presentation will feature iconic film footage of Astaire dancing with Rogers, Eleanor Powell, Rita Hayworth, and Cyd Charisse.
From Frisbees to microwave ovens, Slinkys™ to chainsaws, and Listerine to countless other products, everyday items have become woven into the fabric of our lives. But behind their familiar appearances lie fascinating stories. Join pop culture expert Raphael Adler as he delves into the surprising origins and cultural impact of these products. Through historical insights and entertaining anecdotes, Adler reveals how these items came to be and why they still captivate us.
Explore graffiti’s evolution from underground tagging to a global cultural force. Once tied to the hip-hop movement, graffiti now spans political expression, commercial use, and museum exhibits. This presentation offers a fresh perspective on graffiti’s rich history, ethics, and impact. J. Robert (“J.R.”), a native New Yorker, has spent 40+ years photographing graffiti worldwide. His collection of 5,000+ images is one of the largest of its kind. See graffiti in a new light, and discover why it’s much more than just spray paint on a wall.