The pandemic era has given us many changes in the way we do business, some more enduring than others.  Of those that seem to have found permanence is the use of ZOOM technology.  ZOOM has revolutionized the way we conduct meetings, making it possible to "gather" no matter where in the world we find ourselves.

Here at the Club we are making the most of this technology by bringing world class speakers and programming directly to you.  So far this year, our ZOOM Dinner Series has featured a noted landscape architect speaking about the legendary gardens of Newport and the senior botanist at Marjorie Merriweather Post's "Hillwood" giving a master class on orchidry.  Months before the eponymous film became a top box office draw this summer, the preeminent Robert Oppenheimer scholar in the country spoke to us about the life of the famed physicist.  Upcoming events will focus on the Battle of First Manassas (also known as the First Battle of Bull Run) and the fashion of the sixties.

Our "Lunch and Learn" series has focused on Smithsonian programming specifically curated for ZOOM audiences.  We have taken an immersive virtual tour of Florence's Uffizi Gallery, done a deep dive into the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and delved into the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.  A special treat to round out this lunchtime series is a 5-part study of the Beethoven symphonies.  Beginning on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 and running through Tuesday, November 14, 2023, classical music and opera expert Saul Lilienstein uses the finest audio and video recordings as he discusses each symphony, as well as examines Beethoven’s personal journey of creation against the backdrop of Viennese society.  As always with these lectures, a small portion of the cost will be donated back to the Smithsonian. 

There are utterly hundreds of topics that we can - and will! - be featuring as this program grows.  If there is a topic of interest to you that you'd like to see, just let me know and I'll try to make it happen.

If you're interested in participating in one of these programs, you're in luck!  This coming Thursday, September 14, we will take a look at the work of mid-century realist painter Edward Hopper.  Seats are still available.  Come have lunch and learn with us! I hope to see you there!