Smithsonian Associates Celebrates 60 Years of Lifelong Learning With Fall Anniversary Celebration Weekend

Smithsonian Associates—the largest museum-based education program in the world—marks its 60th anniversary with a weekend celebration at the Smithsonian’s S. Dillon Ripley Center Friday, Oct. 17, to Sunday, Oct. 19. A “Toast to Smithsonian Associates” birthday party will be held Friday evening followed by an array of engaging lectures, studio arts classes, walking tours and other activities on Saturday and Sunday. Events will be live-streamed throughout the weekend; prices and further details on the online and in-person programs are available on the Associates website. 

Smithsonian Associates has produced educational and entertaining learning experiences since September 1965, when then-Smithsonian Secretary S. Dillon Ripley established an organization that would link people in the Washington, D.C., area to the Smithsonian’s museums and research facilities in new and dynamic ways. Throughout 2025, Smithsonian Associates has invited the public to gather online and in person for special anniversary programs with thought leaders and change-makers from around the world, making connections and sparking curiosity. The fall celebration provides an opportunity for the Smithsonian Associates’ community of lifelong learners to join together and mark this milestone year.

Events for this diamond anniversary include a glittering “Toast to Smithsonian Associates” birthday party on Friday evening. For online and in-person registrants, curators will highlight iconic Smithsonian objects like the model of the starship Enterprise from the TV show Star Trek, Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz and a dazzling array of diamonds from the Smithsonian’s unparalleled gem collection. For in-person registrants, there will be a light reception, 1960s-themed cocktail demonstration, drop-in crafts and an illustrated timeline of Smithsonian Associates through the decades.

Expert presenters on Saturday will cover topics including an intimate look at influential figures in American history; a survey (and taste) of the distinctive cuisine of Emilia-Romagna, a region in northern Italy; the science and strategies behind living a longer, healthier life; an analysis of the filmmaking genius of Alfred Hitchcock; and even an investigation into the unexpected connection between abstract art and pizza. The weekend is an invitation for attendees to try studio arts classes and join an architectural walking tour of the National Mall.

The celebration’s finale is an online appearance by travel expert Rick Steves, who shares stories from his unforgettable journey along the legendary “Hippie Trail” from Istanbul to Kathmandu during the 1970s—a chance for recollection and learning as Smithsonian Associates launches into the future. 

Registration prices for individual in-person and online programs throughout the weekend range from $30 to $110 for general admission and $20 to $95 for members. Discounts are available when registering for multiple in-person anniversary weekend events. An online pass providing access to all eight live-streamed programs is $200 for general admission and $130 for members. More information about the weekend and a full itinerary are available on its website.

Smithsonian Associates produces vibrant educational and cultural programming inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions. Each year more than 1,000 programs are presented online and in person to spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages. Smithsonian Associates brings the Smithsonian to life through seminars, performances, lectures, studio arts classes and local and regional study tours, as well as many engaging programs for children, including performances, museum sleepovers and summer day camps.

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