Making History, Making Change
Join the Smithsonian Across the Country in 2026!
In 2026, the Smithsonian and 25 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations nationwide will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the Making History, Making Change Lecture Series.
From January to July, Smithsonian experts—curators, scientists, educators, and historians—will visit communities across the country to share stories that reflect the richness and complexity of the American experience. Each lecture will explore how people, moments, and ideals have shaped our history and continue to drive change.
The Making History, Making Change Lecture Series is organized by Smithsonian Affiliations as part of the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: 250. It is supported in part by the Dreier Family, Johanna and Ken Kim Family, Vaishali Shah Chadha and Family, and Michael Vu & Meridel Bulle-Vu.
Upcoming Stops
Recovering Voices and the Hopi Pottery Oral History Project: March 18 | 1 pm and 7 pm | In-PersonDenver, CO- MAKING HISTORY, MAKING CHANGE: Caring for A Collection of African American Quilts with Dr. Miriam Doutriaux | March 19 | 3 pm and 7 pm | In-personCleveland, TN
- Making Space for Joy: Curating Asian Pacific American History at the Smithsonian: March 19 | 6 pm | In-PersonCerritos, CA
- Oral Histories as Research and Cultural Democracy: March 26 | 5:30 pm | In-PersonSanta Rosa, CA
- Rockwell Reframed Lecture Series | The Art of Truman Lowe with Rebecca Head Trautmann: April 23 | 6 pm – 7 pm | In-Person
- Our Families, Our Communities, Our Histories Lecture: May 14 | 5:30 pm | In-Person
- “Behold the Land”: Black Ecopoetic Traditions Keynote with Michelle Banks: May 29 | 6 pm – 8:30 pm | In-Person
