Food historian Francine Segan returns to uncover the fascinating stories behind America’s favorite holiday treats, including candy canes, gingerbread houses, and eggnog. She’ll also explore festive desserts from celebrations around the world, including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Eid al-Fitr (the “Sugar Festival”), revealing the rich traditions and cultural significance behind these beloved sweets.
Discover the joy of drawing with watercolor pencils in this art class designed for all skill levels! You’ll learn techniques for blending, shading, and creating vibrant artwork in a relaxed and supportive environment where you can express yourself creatively while connecting with others. Join us for a fun and inspiring artistic journey led by professional illustrator Barbara DiLorenzo. Materials required: watercolor pencils and paper.
Start your weekend with a relaxed state of mind by practicing conscious breathing followed by a 20-minute guided meditation. Our instructor, Certified Chair Yoga Instructor Pat Richter, will help you feel supported and confident in exploring these mindfulness techniques.
Start your weekend with a relaxed state of mind by practicing conscious breathing followed by a 20-minute guided meditation. Our instructor, Certified Chair Yoga Instructor Pat Richter, will help you feel supported and confident in exploring these mindfulness techniques.
Join Music Historian Betsy Schwarm for a festive journey through the music of the holiday season. Explore how sacred and secular traditions have inspired composers and communities, from Yuletide celebrations and Hebrew folk songs to the timeless beauty of Christmas melodies. This engaging lecture highlights the stories, history, and cultural meanings behind beloved seasonal music, celebrating the songs that bring light, joy, and connection during this special time of year.
Experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens, where hundreds of thousands of lights and spectacular displays transform the gardens into a holiday wonderland. Join Associate Director of Display Design Jim Sutton for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how this beloved tradition comes to life, from year-long planning and design to installation and the dazzling final display.
Discover the relaxing art of Zentangle, mindful drawing, with instructor Kathy Shapiro. In this beginner-friendly class, learn simple drawing patterns that promote mindfulness, focus, and creativity. No artistic experience is needed—just come ready to relax, have fun, and express yourself in a supportive environment. Zentangle is a wonderful way to reduce stress, stay engaged, and enjoy the creative process. Materials needed paper, fine tip pen, pencil Q-Tip.
Join Literary Historian Dr. Mary DeForest as she explores the deeper traditions behind Thanksgiving and how religious festivals connect the present with the sacred stories of the past. This fascinating lecture examines the origins of Thanksgiving and its connections to ancient traditions of communal feasting, including elements found in the Seder and the Catholic Mass. Discover how rituals of remembrance shape our understanding of gratitude, history, and shared identity.
Have you ever wondered why it takes men so little time to get dressed? While women’s fashion thrives on decorative variety, men’s suits have remained plain and uniform for over two centuries. Join dress historian and Broadway costume designer Chloe Chapin for an engaging look at the roots of modern menswear. Explore how the history of textiles, innovations in tailoring, and new ideas of national political identity helped shape the modern man.
Why do we laugh at things that frighten us? Explore the fascinating relationship between horror and comedy as comedian David Misch examines how these two seemingly opposite genres share themes of helplessness, human nature, and our fascination with the absurd. Through examples ranging from classic comedians to cultural thinkers, this entertaining lecture reveals why scares, screams, and laughter have been intertwined for generations.