The Smithsonian Associates Review

While the evening and day-long weekend programs I've attended as a member have been been outstanding over the last two years, I can only give the organization 3 stars because of the lack of culturally-related programming dealing with the past or present contributions of any non-White (whether European or American) group of people. There have also been very few culturally-related programs related to past or present cultural contributions of folks who are Black, Spanish/Spanish-speaking Latin American/ Latino American, LGBTQ, or those of people with disabilities. While I understand that the majority of Smithsonian Associates are White (the author of this post included), the Smithsonian Associates shouldn't merely be devising programming based entirely on what the members want (and to be clear, I'm making an assumption that most members are interested in cultural programs dealing principally with the past and/or present contributions of heteronormative, able-bodied, English-speaking White folks, since this is who many of the group members are); that as one of the premiere associations in the area that's dedicated to offering informative and entertaining cultural programming to the DC area, they should also be "moving the ball forward" by exposing their audience to more culturally-related programs dealing with the cultural contributions of people who were not, or are not, White. Witness, for example, the paucity of programs over the past two years dealing with cultural contributions of non-White groups: there are a few programs dealing with Black American cultures; even fewer programs dealing with Spanish, Spanish-speaking Latin American, or Latino American cultures; and an even smaller number of programs dealing with the cultural contributions of LGBTQ folks and folks with disabilities, among others. It's really a shame, but the good news is that they can rectify this situation by hopping to it and creating some exciting programs dealing with the cultural contributions of these (and others whom I failed to mention here) groups! I will continue to attend the programs that interest me, and I hope I can revisit this review and award more stars. But that's only going to happen if they follow the advice I gave above. And for what it's worth, I know there are other Smithsonian Associates members who feel the same way that I do (including one outspoken older woman who made her views on this subject abundantly clear to the relevant people at the Smithsonian Associates). Don't let us down, Smithsonian Associates! :)

My husband and I have been members of the Smithsonian Associates for quite a few years now. We almost always enjoy the programs and trips, although a few have been duds. Tonight's program was celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Sound of Music. You can attend programs without being a member, but members get discounts on all of the programs. Many of the lectures are at the Ripley Center (where the African and Asian art museums are). The lecturers are experts in their fields.

Tried to through by phone or email to ask for information about Studio Art classes.
No luck.
Website and phone tree most unhelpful.

We have been museum members for almost 20 years. We love the culture, the talks and experience.

I've attended many of the Smithsonian Associates programs over the years. They are always informative and engaging. One of my favorite programs featured an astronomer who. along with his team, examines the sky in famous paintings and could tell you the day in history that the paintings were composed. It was an excellent melding of arts and sciences.