Smithsonian Associates Presents September Program Highlights

The September issue of the Smithsonian Associates’ program guide features a variety of educational and cultural programs, including seminars, lectures, studio arts classes, performances for adults and children and local and regional study tours. Highlights this month include:

Science in Our Lives
Monday, Sept. 11; 6:45 p.m.
Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

With discoveries in topics from the origins of the universe to the human microbiome rapidly unfolding, science is more important now than ever. Smithsonian Associates’ innovative new Inside Science program meets that challenge with an exciting new series of expert-led programming, as well as the opportunity to participate in a lively online learning community. In this kickoff event, geologist and science educator Callan Bentley analyzes why science—and science literacy—matters.

One Life: Sylvia Plath
Tuesday, Sept. 12; 6:45 p.m.
Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery’s McEvoy Auditorium

Sylvia Plath was one of the most dynamic and admired writers of the 20th century. Curators of a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, One Life: Sylvia Plath, present an overview and discuss Plath’s struggle to understand her own self and to navigate the societal pressures placed on young women during the 1950s.

Poachers and Piano Keys: Cristián Samper on Elephants and the Ivory Trade
Thursday, Sept. 14; 6:45 p.m.
Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

President and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society (and former Smithsonian Acting Secretary and National Museum of Natural History Director) Cristián Samper explains the nuanced issues of elephant poaching, the ivory trade and the role museums and conservationists play in the protection of elephants and other ivory-producing species.

Alaska at 150: The Big Land and the United States
Saturday, Sept. 16; 10 a.m.
Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center

On March 30, 1867, Russia and the United States signed the Treaty of Cession and this country acquired the Alaska Territory, which became, in 1959, our 49th state. In this entertaining and informative all-day program, learn about the early history of Alaska and the role the Smithsonian played in making it part of the U.S. With Alaskan-style lunch.

# # #

SI-474-2017