After months of Netflix and movies, you may be looking for a new and stimulating activity. From lectures on women in history to Virginia’s past presidents, gain some new knowledge by signing up for one of these six educational activities.
The 2021 Michelle Smith Lecture Series
March 16, 7-8 p.m.
Grab your computer and join the annual lecture series, organized by George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Join author Lynne Cheney as she discusses her book, The Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American Nation, which touches on the four of the first five presidents of the country, all of whom resided in Virginia. A Q&A will follow the presentation. // $15-$50
The Taux: Living with the Land
March 17, 10 a.m.
Discover the history of the Alexandria park with a lesson on the first inhabitants of the land. As you walk the park, guests will look for natural resources and make a clay pot using the same techniques of the Tauxenent. // Huntley Meadows Park: 3701 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria; $9
Introduction to Astronomy Webinar
March 23, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
With our view of the stars starting to shift, learn about what you see with a local webinar. Led by staff and volunteers of the Analemma Society, attendees will discuss different astronomical objects, the movement of the planets and stars, and other amazing things that happen in the night sky. // $8
Forgotten No More: Rediscovering Remarkable Women
March 27, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Celebration Women’s History Month with a day of learning about incredible women. The program offers four one-hour sessions to discuss the lives of Judith Leyster, Maria Sibylla Merian, women in politics and women in blues and jazz and how they changed our world view. // $80-$90
Spring Tasks for a Great Garden
March 27, 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to keep your garden in tip-top shape for a great growing season. Join horticulturalist Brenda Skarphol to see which plants you can divide now, pruning techniques, and other tips for spring growth. // Green Spring Gardens: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $18
Seed Starting Webinar
March 31, 5:30 p.m.
Get ready for your spring garden with a quick lesson. Join Melanie Welles Creamer, Mount Vernon’s greenhouse manager, for tips on starting your seeds indoors and outdoors, timing and materials you need for the perfect plants. Guests will also have the option to purchase seeds that grow around the estate. // free
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