Birds are found nearly everywhere, on all continents and in all environments, displaying an incredible variety of size, appearance, diet, and behavior. In this class we’ll explore some of this diversity with photos taken both locally and across the United States and Mexico by wildlife photographer Calvin Schnure. We’ll begin with the more common species of birds that will be familiar to many people, then move to less common and more unusual species.

Do you ever feel imbalanced? Had a recent fall or two? In this class Aubrey Reinmiller, a neurological physical therapist assistant and personal trainer, will clarify the most common reasons for imbalance and will teach you some exercises to improve your balance. We will also learn about the different body systems that contribute to your sense of balance. Please have a stable chair, a pillow, a pencil, a notepad, and your enthusiasm easily available!

Learn about many unsung heroes of the Underground Railroad who lived around Washington, D.C. For example, Leonard Grimes, a free African American, was arrested for transporting enslaved people to freedom. John Dean, a white lawyer, tested in the courts the legality of the Fugitive Slave Act. And Anna Maria Weems dressed as a boy to escape to Canada. Enslaved people engineered escapes, with and without an organized network. Some ended up back in slavery or in jail, but some escaped to freedom.

Learn about many unsung heroes of the Underground Railroad who lived around Washington, D.C. For example, Leonard Grimes, a free African American, was arrested for transporting enslaved people to freedom. John Dean, a white lawyer, tested in the courts the legality of the Fugitive Slave Act. And Anna Maria Weems dressed as a boy to escape to Canada. Enslaved people engineered escapes, with and without an organized network. Some ended up back in slavery or in jail, but some escaped to freedom.

When the Constitutional Convention ended on September 17, 1787, the battle over the Constitution had just begun. Federalists (supporters of the Constitution) and Antifederalists (opponents) clashed in each of the original thirteen states. Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will describe the battle of ideas and tactics that surrounded the process to ratify the Constitution. This is a story that every American should know because it not only settled the Constitution but also introduced patterns of political debate—local vs. national, urban vs. rural, elite vs. commoner—that persist to this day.

When the Constitutional Convention ended on September 17, 1787, the battle over the Constitution had just begun. Federalists (supporters of the Constitution) and Antifederalists (opponents) clashed in each of the original thirteen states. Professor Denver Brunsman of George Washington University will describe the battle of ideas and tactics that surrounded the process to ratify the Constitution. This is a story that every American should know because it not only settled the Constitution but also introduced patterns of political debate—local vs. national, urban vs. rural, elite vs. commoner—that persist to this day.

In June, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision declaring race-based affirmative action to be a violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Mr. McCarthy will review how the practice evolved historically in response to court rulings over the decades, and how institutions of higher education may respond to the court's latest ruling.  

In June, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision declaring race-based affirmative action to be a violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Mr. McCarthy will review how the practice evolved historically in response to court rulings over the decades, and how institutions of higher education may respond to the court's latest ruling.  

There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it—Frank Sinatra was the greatest singer to ever set foot in Hollywood. His voice—so mesmerizing in person and so evocative in recordings—was ideally suited for the big screen as well. And his 100 musical performances in motion pictures reveal a vocalist who almost from the start recognized how the camera could enhance his artistry as much as the microphone. This talk will survey Sinatra’s extraordinary Hollywood musical career, which began with uncredited appearances with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and continued through his celebrated days with the Rat Pack.

The Vanderbilts. The Rockefellers. The Carnegies. The Pinchots?  In America's Gilded Age, successful families forged self-made and powerful aristocracies, but history slighted a wealthy, influential family dynasty: the Pinchots. Outstandingly different from these and other business titans, this family is long overdue for recognition. The Pinchot family members propounded a set of values in serving the public good that went beyond economic success, and they championed many political and social reforms. Derived from his recent book, The Pinchots: A Family Saga, David will talk about three generations of this extraordinary family. Gifford Pinchot, America’s first professionally trained forester and a founder of the nation’s environmental movement, is the star, but his parents James and Mary, his brother Amos, a gifted writer and peace activist, and their sister Nettie, a humanitarian, and the tragedies of Amos’s three beautiful daughters, Rosamond, Mary (JFK's favorite lover), and Tony, also receive attention.

The Vanderbilts. The Rockefellers. The Carnegies. The Pinchots?  In America's Gilded Age, successful families forged self-made and powerful aristocracies, but history slighted a wealthy, influential family dynasty: the Pinchots. Outstandingly different from these and other business titans, this family is long overdue for recognition. The Pinchot family members propounded a set of values in serving the public good that went beyond economic success, and they championed many political and social reforms. Derived from his recent book, The Pinchots: A Family Saga, David will talk about three generations of this extraordinary family. Gifford Pinchot, America’s first professionally trained forester and a founder of the nation’s environmental movement, is the star, but his parents James and Mary, his brother Amos, a gifted writer and peace activist, and their sister Nettie, a humanitarian, and the tragedies of Amos’s three beautiful daughters, Rosamond, Mary (JFK's favorite lover), and Tony, also receive attention.

It is well-known that Adolf Hitler disliked modern art, which he decried in his inauguration of the House of German Art in 1937 as "these smearings of canvas . . . really the outcome of an impudent and unashamed arrogance." In this talk, we will take up one case, the famous “smearer” Max Beckmann, who sought refuge in Holland, where he continued to paint in defiance of Nazi warnings even after the Germans occupied the country in 1940.

It is well-known that Adolf Hitler disliked modern art, which he decried in his inauguration of the House of German Art in 1937 as "these smearings of canvas . . . really the outcome of an impudent and unashamed arrogance." In this talk, we will take up one case, the famous “smearer” Max Beckmann, who sought refuge in Holland, where he continued to paint in defiance of Nazi warnings even after the Germans occupied the country in 1940.

Drawing from his book "Dinner With the President," Alex Prud'homme will discuss American and presidential history as seen through a gastronomic lens. He'll start with an Introduction (how he became interested in the food of politics and the politics of food), then discuss three presidential meals and why they were important, and conclude with an audience Q+A.

Everyone knows Benjamin Franklin – the thrifty inventor-statesman of the Revolutionary era – but not about his love life. Poor Richard’s Women reveals the long-neglected voices of the women Ben loved and lost during his lifelong struggle between passion and prudence. The most prominent among them was Deborah Read Franklin, his common-law wife and partner for 44 years. Long dismissed by historians, she was an independent, politically savvy woman and devoted wife.

This is a work of non-fiction with fictional elements. In the mood to immerse yourself in Savannah, Georgia, circa the 1980s?  This book, a New York Times best-seller for 216 weeks, will take you there.  It recounts the events surrounding and following the death of an antiques shop employee with far less savory side hustles at the hand of his employer, the shop owner.  The photograph of the cemetery statue on the cover became such a popular tourist stop the statue had to be moved to a local museum.  Please read the book so you can participate in our structured, facilitated, Zoom discussion.  (Note: Please join the meeting at 3 pm if you would like some assistance using the features of Zoom.  Otherwise, join us at 3:15 pm for the start of our discussion.) Author: John Berendt, 1994 (For other book discussions, see #514, 563, 597)

At age 25, Orson Welles directed and starred in what some would say is the greatest film ever made. Produced nearly 80 years ago, Kane was immediately recognized for its technical brilliance and creative energy. This talk will describe the making of this great film, its creators (including composer Bernard Herrmann), and the controversies behind it. Although the talk will include many clips from the film to demonstrate its innovations, students are urged to watch the film beforehand if they can.

At age 25, Orson Welles directed and starred in what some would say is the greatest film ever made. Produced nearly 80 years ago, Kane was immediately recognized for its technical brilliance and creative energy. This talk will describe the making of this great film, its creators (including composer Bernard Herrmann), and the controversies behind it. Although the talk will include many clips from the film to demonstrate its innovations, students are urged to watch the film beforehand if they can.

This richly-illustrated presentation - a virtual tour of still-standing mansions in the Dupont Circle area built by an eclectic mix of business moguls, politicians, newspaper publishers, and others of means - will look at the varied architecture and recall the lives—and foibles—of the residents.

This richly-illustrated presentation - a virtual tour of still-standing mansions in the Dupont Circle area built by an eclectic mix of business moguls, politicians, newspaper publishers, and others of means - will look at the varied architecture and recall the lives—and foibles—of the residents.