Page 17 - Program 2018

Why History Matters Meet John Adams More Than the Nation’s Attic
Nancy Isenberg and T.J. Stiles George W. Baker Richard Kurin
Wednesday 2–2:45 pm Wednesday 2–2:45 pm Wednesday 2–2:45 pm
Walt Disney Room Anne Rice Room Joan Didion Room

Historians Nancy Isenberg and T.J. Stiles will explore President John Adams, portrayed by George W. The Smithsonian has been called the nation’s attic, but
how history is a window through which to understand Baker, will present his views of the nation, history truly no attic could hold such a storehouse of treasures
the political universe of today. They will address the and family life in a humorous and inspiring speech. from ancient Chinese bronzes and the Star-Spangled
differences between journalism and history, and “John Adams” will also speak about his extraordinary Banner to 3.5-billion-year-old fossils, the Apollo Lunar
why history offers a more in-depth understanding relationship with his wife Abigail and memories of the Module, Dorothy’s ruby slippers and President Lincoln’s
of current problems in our democratic system, class formation of America. Introduced by David Bryant. hat. The Smithsonian’s vast collection of more than 154
and racial divisions, and the culture of celebrity. million artifacts is held in its 19 world-class museums,
galleries and the National Zoo. But it is not only what
the Smithsonian has, but what it does with its collection
that is truly amazing: from preserving species and
researching the Zika virus to teaching about American
history and saving the world’s endangered treasures.
In conversation with Geoff Cowan, Richard Kurin,
Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar and Ambassador-
at-Large, will share some of his favorite objects from
the collection, as well as talk about the amazing new
projects they inspire.

“Life is divided into three terms—
that which was, which is, and
which will be. Let us learn from
the past to profit by the present,

and from the present, to live
better in the future.”
— William Wordsworth

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