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.

Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for his designs with Calvert Vaux for Central Park and Prospect Park in New York, envisioned landscape as an art, a science, and a social ideal. In designing the U.S. Capitol grounds, he met a new challenge to create a landscape that was both part of the Capitol but also subsidiary to it. His son Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., as a member of the 1901-2 McMillan Commission that updated the plan for Washington, designed the formal landscape of the National Mall as well as a city-wide park system. What was the Olmsted landscape ideal and how did the father and son create unique landscape designs for their designs for the capital?

Frederick Law Olmsted, renowned for his designs with Calvert Vaux for Central Park and Prospect Park in New York, envisioned landscape as an art, a science, and a social ideal. In designing the U.S. Capitol grounds, he met a new challenge to create a landscape that was both part of the Capitol but also subsidiary to it. His son Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., as a member of the 1901-2 McMillan Commission that updated the plan for Washington, designed the formal landscape of the National Mall as well as a city-wide park system. What was the Olmsted landscape ideal and how did the father and son create unique landscape designs for their designs for the capital?

Level of Difficulty: 2/5 The Locust Grove Nature Center is at the top of a large parking lot shared with the Pauline Betz Addie Indoor Tennis Center. The trails are somewhat uneven so wear sturdy shoes and bring a hiking pole if you like. There are few hills as we will be walking along Cabin John Creek most of the time. We’ll be looking for fall blooming plants, ripening berries and nuts, migrating monarch butterflies, and signs of wildlife along the way. Bring a snack and a water bottle, and binoculars if you have them. Restrooms are available, as well as a water fountain to refill water bottles.  (See additional walks:  #528 and 558)

While less known than some of his contemporaries, songwriter Jule Styne wrote over 1500 songs in his 50-year career, spanning the history of the American songbook and beyond. Styne began his career playing in house bands in 1920’s Chicago speakeasies, then went on to write songs for classic Hollywood films, hits for Frank Sinatra and Broadway musicals for Carol Channing, Judy Holliday, Ethel Merman and Barbra Streisand. This series will explore the trajectory of Styne’s career. The first session will focus on songs written for Frank Sinatra. (See related classes, #522 and 590)

While less known than some of his contemporaries, songwriter Jule Styne wrote over 1500 songs in his 50-year career, spanning the history of the American songbook and beyond. Styne began his career playing in house bands in 1920’s Chicago speakeasies, then went on to write songs for classic Hollywood films, hits for Frank Sinatra and Broadway musicals for Carol Channing, Judy Holliday, Ethel Merman and Barbra Streisand. This series will explore the trajectory of Styne’s career. The first session will focus on songs written for Frank Sinatra. (See related classes, #522 and 590)