The American War of Independence freed the 13 British colonies in North America from Crown rule and set the stage for the United States’ bold experiment in self-government. Drawing on primary sources, historian Christopher Hamner traces the war from its roots in the crises of the 1770s to the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord, through the surrender of British troops under Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, and the Treaty of Paris that followed in a springtime series. This session focuses on pre-American Revolution events from the Boston Massacre in 1770 to the battle at Bunker Hill in June 1775.
Written nearly 2,000 years ago, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations remains one of the most profound, practical guides to living with integrity, resilience, and perspective and cultivating one’s self. Philosopher Samir Chopra leads an exploration of this foundational text of Stoicism through a historically embedded reading of passages, with a view to developing a practice of Stoic principles.
Celebrate Michelangelo’s 551st birthday by exploring the making of one of history’s most brilliant artistic minds. Born on March 6, 1475, Michelangelo Buonarroti lived nearly 89 years, witnessing Renaissance Florence, the discovery of the New World, the Reformation, and the reigns of 13 popes. He transformed Western art through sculpture, painting, architecture, and poetry. Though many believed his talent miraculous, Michelangelo studied with discipline, learning from masters and experimenting with styles. Art historian Elaine Ruffolo traces the journey of young Michelangelo from Lorenzo il Magnifico’s household to his masterpiece, the “David.” (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Discover the power of reflective writing guided by the founding instructor of the National Gallery of Art’s popular Writing Salon, Mary Hall Surface. In this workshop, participants explore the innovative compositions of the 20th-century Dutch printmaker M.C. Escher, to discover how his interlocking forms and shifting patterns inspire creative reflection about the connections and transformations in our lives.
From the classical villas of ancient Rome to the landscaped estates of the Renaissance, artists and patrons have long sought to bring sculpture into dialogue with nature. Art historian Jennie Hirsh traces the history and vision behind three of the world’s most inspiring contemporary sculpture gardens: Storm King Art Center in upstate New York, Glenstone Museum in Potomac, Maryland, and Château La Coste near Aix-en-Provence. These sites reveal how artists and architects continue to redefine the possibilities of sculpture, scale, and place, offering a compelling perspective on the interplay between art and landscape. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
Ages 3 to 7. Master teaching artist Mr. Root brings his talents to the Discovery Theater stage with this engaging and interactive performance.
World’s fairs have long served as global showcases for innovation, culture, and progress. In a 3-part series, art historian Jennie Hirsh delves into the pivotal exhibitions held in St. Louis in 1904, San Francisco and San Diego in 1915, and Paris in 1925, examining how these landmark events showcased each era’s groundbreaking achievements in technology, culture, science, art, and architecture. This session focuses on the California 1915 World's Fairs.
Claude Monet created his enchanting Water Lilies series with the intention to provide an “asylum of peaceful meditation.” However, the calm and beauty of these luminous works belie the personal loss, turmoil, frustration, and anguish Monet endured in the last 15 years of his life. Author Ross King explores how, despite these travails, Monet turned to his art once again—and continued until his death in 1926. (World Art History Certificate elective, 1/2 credit)
