immense

Photography excellence is one of the foundations on which National Geographic is built, and its image collection, fittingly housed beneath the Society’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., is one of the finest, most extensive graphic resources on Earth.

The 500-page NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION allows readers for the first time to plumb the fascinating depths of this immense and ever-growing archive, from the earliest photographs collected in the 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today. Both iconic and never-before-seen images from virtually every corner of the globe, an array of wildlife and people, and amazing achievements in exploration, adventure, science and more are placed in historic, artistic, technical and journalistic context.

Spanning 12 decades of world events and photographic evolution, the book covers a cornucopia of subjects. From mountaineering in the Alps in the 1890s to Hiram Bingham’s 1913 images of Machu Picchu to images of Alexander Graham Bell and Albert Einstein to the first aerial, flash, night, underwater and space photographs, this volume is a must for everyone who loves history or photography or has been captivated by National Geographic magazine.

“We are one of the few repositories that document the entire 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st century,” says Maura Mulvihill, vice president, National Geographic Image Collection. “Our photographers focus not only on newsworthy events, but also on social documentation of the whole world and all its inhabitants. We have always made images of the things that people do in day-to-day life, the life that goes on outside of giant events. These images have a unique social and cultural value.”

The work of 204 of the finest and most celebrated photographers in the world is included — from Maynard Owen Williams, Volkmar Wentzel and Luis Marden to James Stanfield, Sam Abell, Steve McCurry and Annie Griffiths Belt. Some 400 of their finest color and black-and-white images are presented, divided into four themes: Exploration, Wildlife, People & Culture, and Science & Climate Change.

Following the lavish visual journey through more than a century of photographic highlights is a behind-the-scenes profile of the entire Image Collection, including the delicate Autochromes, of which there are nearly 15,000 — one of the finest assemblages of these glass color transparencies in the world; the nearly 500,000 black-and-white prints, only a fraction of which have ever been published; the color transparencies, which played a central role in the evolution of National Geographic photography; and digital, which has opened new vistas for the photographers and which is growing rapidly every day.

There is also a listing of the artists, including N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, whose fine maps, drawings, paintings, engravings and illustrations have graced the pages of National Geographic publications over the past 120 years. Finally, profiles of the 204 photographers represented in the book are a fitting tribute to those without whose tireless and brilliant efforts National Geographic’s Image Collection would not exist.

In her introductory essay, Michelle Delaney, curator of the photographic history collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, provides a historical perspective of the National Geographic Image Collection, an archive she calls “a hidden treasure — millions of photographs that are rarely if ever seen, but are preserved with meticulous care for future research and publication.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in a lecture presented by National Geographic Live and Kodak at National Geographic headquarters, National Geographic magazine editor in chief and wildlife photographer Chris Johns, “National Geographic Image Collection” editor Leah Bendavid-Val and Image Collection vice president Maura Mulvihill will be joined by photographers David Doubilet, Maria Stenzel, Michael Yamashita and Kodak digital photography pioneer Steve Sasson for an inside look at National Geographic’s remarkable photography trove.

The book and exhibition represent the first time that people will be able to plumb the depths of National Geographic’s immense and ever-growing archive, from the earliest photographs collected in the 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today. This landmark publishing event and exhibition feature 120 years of world history, natural history and culture chronicled and preserved in the archive housed beneath the Society’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., and one of the world’s finest and most extensive graphic resources.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION exhibition opens at the Society on Thursday, Oct. 1, and will feature more than 90 photographs from the book, displayed in lightboxes around the exterior of the headquarters building and in the National Geographic Museum’s Grosvenor Gallery. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION book (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0503-3; $50; hardcover) publishes on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

National Geographic and Kodak also will make available for sale in October a limited number of the images reproduced on high-quality KODAK PROFESSIONAL papers. For details and purchasing information, go to www.imagecollection@mpix.com.

For more than a century, National Geographic and Kodak have shared in breakthroughs in every sphere of traditional and digital photography. Kodak technology has made many of the pictures in the book possible, and the book itself was produced using Kodak digital prepress technology, including software, computer-to-plate machines and digital printing plates.

“We are delighted to partner with National Geographic in bringing these remarkable images to the world,” said John Blake, general manager, digital capture & imaging devices, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. “Kodak technology has played a central role not only in capturing the images, but in displaying them for exhibition and printing the book itself. This year is the 100th anniversary of Kodak’s association with National Geographic, and we feel there’s no better way to mark this milestone than by working together to celebrate the wonder and beauty of the world through pictures.”

“National Geographic is one of the few imaging repositories that document the entire 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st century,” said Maura Mulvihill, vice president, National Geographic Image Collection. “Our photographers focus not only on newsworthy events, but also on social documentation of the world and all its inhabitants. We have always made images of the things that people do in day-to-day life, the life that goes on outside of giant events. These images have a unique social and cultural value, and we are thrilled to present them in this book.”

Spanning 12 decades of world events and photographic evolution, the book covers a wide range of subjects. It includes iconic images from virtually every corner of the globe, an array of wildlife and people, and amazing achievements in exploration, adventure, science and more that are placed in historic, artistic, technical and journalistic context.

From pictures of mountaineering in the Alps in the 1890s to Hiram Bingham’s 1913 images of Machu Picchu to images of Alexander Graham Bell and Albert Einstein to the first aerial, flash, night, digital, underwater and space photographs, the book is a must for everyone who loves history or photography or has been captivated by National Geographic magazine. The work of 204 of the best and most celebrated photographers in the world is included — from Maynard Owen Williams, Volkmar Wentzel and Luis Marden to Nick Nichols, James Stanfield, Sam Abell, Steve McCurry, Annie Griffiths Belt, Michael Yamashita and Maria Stenzel. Four hundred and fifty of their finest black-and-white and color images are presented, divided into four themes: Exploration, Wildlife, People & Culture, and Science & Climate Change.

The book also includes a behind-the-scenes look at the entire National Geographic Image Collection: the delicate Autochromes, of which there are nearly 15,000 — one of the finest assemblages of these glass color transparencies in the world; the nearly 500,000 black-and-white prints, only a fraction of which have ever been published; the color transparencies, which played a central role in the evolution of National Geographic photography; and the rapidly growing digital collection.

The book also lists the artists, including N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, whose fine maps, drawings, paintings, engravings and illustrations have graced the pages of National Geographic publications over the past 120 years, as well as profiles of the photographers represented in the book, whose efforts made National Geographic’s Image Collection possible.

In her introductory essay to the book, Michelle Delaney, curator of the photographic history collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, provides a historical perspective of the National Geographic Image Collection, an archive she calls “a hidden treasure — millions of photographs that are rarely if ever seen, but are preserved with meticulous care for future research and publication.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in a lecture presented by National Geographic Live and Kodak at National Geographic headquarters, National Geographic magazine Editor in Chief and wildlife photographer Chris Johns and Image Collection’s Maura Mulvihill will be joined by photographers Michael Yamashita, Maria Stenzel and David Doubilet as well as Kodak digital camera inventor Steve Sasson for an inside look at National Geographic’s remarkable photography trove.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

The book “National Geographic Image Collection” (National Geographic Focal Point; ISBN: 978-1-4262-0503-3; $50; hardcover) will publish on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The 500-page book includes never-before-published images from the world’s greatest photographers, drawn from the National Geographic archive, one of the world’s finest and most extensive graphic resources. The book will allow readers for the first time to plumb the depths of this immense and ever-growing archive, from the earliest photographs collected in the 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today.

Among the exhibit’s 90-plus photographs will be works from some of National Geographic’s most celebrated photographers, including Jodi Cobb, Michael Yamashita, Luis Marden, James P. Blair, James L. Stanfield, William Albert Allard, Maynard Owen Williams and Michael Nichols, whose image graces the cover of the “National Geographic Image Collection” book. The photographs span more than 12 decades and a wide variety of subjects, including wildlife, world cultures, exploration and science.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m., in a lecture presented by National Geographic Live and Kodak at National Geographic headquarters, Chris Johns, National Geographic magazine Editor in Chief and award-winning wildlife photographer, and Image Collection’s vice president Maura Mulvihill will be joined by photographers Michael Yamashita, Maria Stenzel and David Doubilet as well as Kodak digital camera inventor Steve Sasson for an inside look at this remarkable photography trove. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

SEPTEMBER

REDWOODS TRANSECT
SEPT. 21, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18

In the fall of 2007, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence MIKE FAY set off on an 11-month walking journey across California’s redwood forest to determine the condition of this legendary range of trees — and to see whether there is hope for a new kind of forestry that benefits the planet as well as increasing timber production. As reported in the October issue of National Geographic magazine, and in a new National Geographic Channel film airing Sept. 29, Fay’s expedition uncovered evidence of the big trees’ resilience and found a hopeful new spirit of cooperation among environmentalists, loggers and others whose livelihoods depend on the forest. Following the screening, Fay will be joined by photographer MICHAEL NICHOLS and writer JOEL BOURNE to discuss conservation and resource management.

AN EVENING WITH AMY TAN
SEPT. 23, 7:30 P.M.
6:30 P.M.: Reception co-sponsored by Michelob Brewing Co.
MEMBERS: $20 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $25
PART OF TRAVELER’S JOURNEYS 2-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $35 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $44

Born in the United States to immigrant parents from China, AMY TAN rejected her mother’s expectations that she become a doctor and concert pianist and chose to write fiction instead. Her acclaimed novels include “The Joy Luck Club,” “The Kitchen God’s Wife” and “The Bonesetter’s Daughter,” and she has adapted her work for film, television and opera. In a wide-ranging conversation, Tan will discuss, with National Geographic Traveler magazine editor DON GEORGE, the life-changing challenges of living in two cultures, the importance of fate and family in her life and work and the places that have most moved and inspired her.

OCTOBER

ALL ROADS FILM SHOWCASE
OCT. 2 & 3
MEMBERS: $8 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $10 (prices are per film)

Enjoy films that promote a greater understanding of cultures around the world at these National Geographic All Roads Film Project presentations.

OCT. 2, 7 P.M.
EL REGALO DE LA PACHAMAMA (Bolivia, Japan, U.S. / 2008 / 102 min / Quechua with English subtitles / Dir: Toshifumi Matsushita) At Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni (Salt Lake), where many families work with salt, 13-year-old Kunturi lives a traditional Quechua life with his family. Life changes when his grandmother dies, his father takes him on his first llama caravan trip and he meets his first love. A discussion with the director will follow the film. Washington, D.C., premiere.

OCT. 3, 2 P.M.
THE FALL OF WOMENLAND (Canada, China / 2009 / 46 min / Mosuo, Mandarin, French with English subtitles / Dir: Xiaodan He) Until recently, the Musuo people from southwest China lived in isolation. In this matriarchal culture, a rare, 2,000-year-old tradition known as zouhun, or “walking marriage,” calls for men to visit their lovers’ homes at night and leave in the morning. While Mosuo individuals continue to practice ancient traditions of relationships and matriarchy, their numbers are declining in the wake of outside influences. A discussion with the director will follow the film. World premiere, All Roads grant recipient, and a Women Hold Up Half the Sky* presentation.

OCT. 3, 4:30 P.M.
BEFORE TOMORROW (Canada / 2008 / 92 min / Inuktitut with English subtitles / Co-Dir: Marie- Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Ivalu) In this dramatic tale, shot in remote territory near the community of Puvirnituq, Nunavik (northern Quebec), an Inuit woman demonstrates that human dignity is at the core of life as she and her grandson face the ultimate challenge of survival. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow. A Women Hold Up Half the Sky* presentation.

OCT. 3, 7 P.M.
BARKING WATER (U.S. / 2008 / 85 min / English / Dir: Sterlin Harjo) Frankie is dying, Irene hasn’t forgiven him, and both are racing against time across Oklahoma to get home. This poignant story shows that great love can mend the heart. A discussion with the cast and director will follow the film. All Roads grant recipient.
*Women Hold Up Half the Sky features notable films by women filmmakers.

DARWIN’S DARKEST HOUR
OCT. 5, 7 P.M.
MEMBERS: $8 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $10

“Darwin’s Darkest Hour,” National Geographic Television’s first scripted film, portrays a crisis in Charles Darwin’s life, bringing to life the powerful human story of one of science’s icons. The premiere screening of this two-hour drama will be followed by a discussion with director JOHN BRADSHAW, scriptwriter JOHN GOLDSMITH and executive producer JOHN BREDAR, moderated by PAULA APSELL, senior executive producer of this NOVA program. This program airs on PBS Tuesday, Oct. 6.

OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN
OCT. 6, 7 P.M.
ALL TICKETS: $10

This special event co-presented with Frito-Lay offers an inspiring and insightful look at changes being made in communities across the country that are helping to move us along the path to a sustainable future. Inspired by the recent “Green Effect” contest sponsored by Frito-Lay and hosted by nationalgeographic.com, this event coincides with the Solar Decathlon on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Hosted by National Geographic journalist BOYD MATSON and featuring an illustrated talk by National Geographic magazine executive editor TIM APPENZELLER, “Our Sustainable Future” includes a panel discussion with environmental and business leaders such as JAYNI CHASE, founder, Center for Environmental Education; PHAEDRA ELLIS-LAMKINS, CEO, Green For All; and DAVE HAFT, Group VP, Sustainability and Productivity, Frito-Lay Inc. The event concludes with a screening of videos of the “Green Effect” contest winners.

AN EVENING WITH SIMON WINCHESTER
OCT. 15, 7:30 P.M.
6:30 P.M.: Reception co-sponsored by Michelob Brewing Co.
MEMBERS: $20 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $25
PART OF TRAVELER’S JOURNEYS 2-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $35 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $44

SIMON WINCHESTER is the author of numerous bestsellers, including “The Professor and the Madman,” “Krakatoa,” and his most recent, “The Man Who Loved China,” and he served as editor for “The Best American Travel Writing, 2009.” An intrepid journalist, author and broadcaster, Winchester will be joined by National Geographic Traveler magazine’s DON GEORGE to share adventures and misadventures from decades on the road.

ROWING THE ATLANTIC
OCT. 19, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF QUEST FOR ADVENTURE 3-PART SERIES: MEMBERS $39 / GENERAL PUBLIC $45

After 11 years as a management consultant, ROZ SAVAGE dropped everything and entered the Atlantic Rowing Race as a solo rower — the only solo woman ever to compete in that race. After 103 days of storms, solitude and soul-searching, she arrived in Antigua. Savage is currently attempting to become the first woman to row solo across the Pacific. Her book “Rowing the Atlantic” (Simon & Schuster) will be available for sale/signing.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION: AN INSIDER’S LOOK
OCT. 20, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 4-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $52 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $60

Behind National Geographic’s reputation as a powerhouse of photography lies a unique and invaluable resource: the National Geographic Image Collection. This immense archive includes both iconic and never-before-seen images from around the world, including rare and delicate autochromes. In this special event marking the release of a new National Geographic book celebrating the collection, brought to you courtesy of Kodak, editor LEAH BENDAVID-VAL and Image Collection director MAURA MULVIHILL will be joined by photographers DAVID DOUBILET, MARIA STENZEL, CHRIS JOHNS, MICHAEL YAMASHITA and STEVE SASSON, the Kodak technologist who invented the digital camera, for an inside look at one of the world’s greatest treasure troves of photography.

EXPLORING SCOTLAND’S WHISKY TRAIL
OCT. 22, 7 P.M.
MEMBERS: $75 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $80

Join National Geographic photographer JIM RICHARDSON, celebrated for his work in the Celtic regions, and whisky expert DAVE BROOM, a contributing editor to Whisky Magazine, for a guided tasting of some of Scotland’s finest single-malt whiskies, matched with evocative images of the landscapes, distilleries and people that come together to produce them. Light refreshments will be served; must be 21 or older. Co-sponsored by BRICKSKELLER with assistance from Brewers United for Real Potables (BURP).

JUSTIN ROBERTS
OCT. 24, NOON & 3 P.M.
KIDS (12 AND UNDER): $12 / ADULTS: $18

Don’t miss JUSTIN ROBERTS AND THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS at this concert featuring their crowd-pleasing “alt-kid” sound. Roberts has been compared to Buddy Holly and Nick Lowe. Millions have seen him on “The Today Show,” and one of his songs was featured on a World Series broadcast. Find out firsthand why he’s known as the “hardest-working man in children’s show business.”

KIDS EURO FESTIVAL
OCT. 25, 1 & 3 P.M.
FREE

Presented by European Union Members and local arts organizations, the Kids Euro Festival celebrates imagination, joy and friendship with free performances across the city between Oct. 15 and Nov. 10.
1 P.M.: THE FOX AND THE CHILD (France / 2007 / 92 min / Dir: Luc Jaquet) From the director of “March of the Penguins,” with narration by Kate Winslet, this is a story of friendship between a fox and a young girl.
3 P.M.: MIA AND THE MIGOO (France / 2008 / 92 min/ Dir: Jacques-Rémy Girerd / Animated / French with English subtitles) On a quest to find her father, Mia befriends the mysterious Migoo and together they save Earth from ecological disaster.

AN AMERICAN FAMILY
OCT. 28, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 4-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $52 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $60

More than 30 years ago, PAM SPAULDING, a photojournalist for the Louisville Courier-Journal, began documenting events in the life of the McGarveys, a family from Louisville, Ky. The result is National Geographic’s “An American Family: Three Decades with the McGarveys,” a unique album comprising 250 discerning black-and-white images. Join her and the McGarveys for a remarkable look at one family’s life.

EXPLORATION: THE NEXT GENERATION
OCT. 29, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF QUEST FOR ADVENTURE 3-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $39 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $45

Meet four individuals who represent the next generation of research and exploration. National Geographic’s Young Explorers Grants enable promising explorers between the ages of 18 and 25 to pursue their projects and gain field experience. KATHERINE AMATO studies primates in Mexico’s tropical forest. Journalist PATRICK WALTERS investigates the havoc wreaked by Asian carp on the Illinois River. ROSS McDERMOTT‘s American Festival Project explores small-town festivals — from the National Hobo Convention in Iowa to the Middle of Nowhere celebration in Nebraska. TRIP JENNINGS caves and paddles in unexplored regions of Papua New Guinea to promote conservation. At this program moderated by HANNAH BLOCH, an editor for National Geographic magazine, you’ll meet these exciting young explorers firsthand.

NOVEMBER

UNCONQUERED: ALLAN HOUSER AND THE LEGACY OF ONE APACHE FAMILY
NOV. 4, 7 P.M.
MEMBERS: $8 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $10

This screening, marking Native American Heritage Month, tells the story of one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Directed by Bryan Beasley, this film traces the Houser family from the 1860s through today, exploring the oral traditions of the Apache people and the works of several generations of artists. Houser’s lasting legacy is carried on by his artist sons. A discussion will follow the film.

THE MUSIC LESSON
NOV. 6, 7 P.M.
MEMBERS: $8 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $10

This critically acclaimed film, winner of several awards, tells the story of two groups of young people from different backgrounds, using the power of music to discover each other’s worlds. Ten classically trained students from Boston traveled across the world for a life-changing cultural exchange with a group of students from Laikipia, Kenya, who have their own centuries-old tradition of music. A question-and-answer period with filmmaker VIRGINIA GALLOWAY follows the screening.

WARSAW VILLAGE BAND
NOV. 7, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $10 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $12

“Powerful is the default setting” for the Warsaw Village Band, says the influential online journal Pop.m.atters. Defying easy categorization, the sound of this acclaimed group has deep roots in the richness of Polish tradition, with elements of reggae, blues, African music and dance club flavor to get your heart racing and your feet in motion. After winning Best Newcomer category at the BBC’s Radio 3 Awards for World Music in 2003, the group has thrilled audiences on four continents with their captivating sound.

POLAR OBSESSION
NOV. 11, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 4-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $52 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $60

Since 2003, PAUL NICKLEN has published nine feature stories in National Geographic magazine, making a name for himself as one of the world’s leading wildlife photographers. His affinity for polar regions goes back to his childhood in an Inuit community, where he first learned to track wildlife. This committed naturalist shares images from his new book, “Polar Obsession,” showcasing the beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic and capturing the impact of climate change.

THE BEST OF MOUNTAINFILM
NOV. 14, 7 P.M.
MEMBERS: $16 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $20

This year the Mountainfilm in Telluride Festival celebrated 31 years of presenting films “about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining.” Here is a showcase of top short films from this year’s festival.

• LOOK TO THE GROUND (Canada/2009/6 min) A mountain biker overcomes blindness in pursuit of his sport.
  
• THE RED HELMET (U.S./2008/6 min) A red helmet transforms a fearful child’s life.
  
• HISTORY MAKING FARMING AUTHOR ON THE MOVE (U.S./2009/7 min) Inspiring story of Vern Switzer, sustainable farmer and children’s author.
  
• DRIFT: BAHAMAS (U.S./2008/15 min) A profile of a legendary fishing guide.
  
• DEEP/SHINSETSU (Japan/2008/4 min) A visual ode to powder.
  
• A FILM FROM MY PARISH – 6 FARMS (Ireland/2008/8 min) Small farms in Ireland find that traditional is sustainable.
  
• HOME (U.K./2008/3 min) A picture poem on the true meaning of home.
  
• REVOLUTION ONE (U.S./2009/10 min) Extreme unicycling with Kris Holm.
  
• HUNGU (Canada/2008/10 min) Animated tale about an ancient African instrument.
  
• SOIL IN GOOD HEART (U.S./2008/15 min) Soil as seen through the eyes of two organic farmers.
  
• SAMSARA (U.S./2009/19 min) Can you climb to the center of the universe?
  
• THE HIDDEN LIFE OF THE BURROWING OWL (U.S./2008/6 min) A timid bird’s revenge.

THE EMPEROR AND HIS TERRA COTTA ARMY
NOV. 21, 2 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18

To celebrate the arrival of the exhibition “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor,” historian ALBERT DIEN will review the tumultuous era of Chinese history that saw the construction of the terra cotta army. Discover the critical historical importance of Emperor Qin Shihuangdi, how he unified China and why he ordered this extraordinary army of statues placed in his tomb. All exhibition tickets are sold out for Nov. 21.

THE EXHIBITION: “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor” will be on display in the National Geographic Museum from Nov. 19, 2009, to March 31, 2010. Nearly 2,000 years ago, thousands of life-size clay figures were buried to accompany the Qin emperor into the afterlife. Now, you can stand face-to-face with them. The exhibition features 15 life-size figures, weapons, armor, coins and more — the largest collection of significant artifacts from China to travel to the United States. Tickets are required and may be obtained by visiting www.warriorsdc.org or calling 202-857-7700.

ROWED TRIP
NOV. 24, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF QUEST FOR ADVENTURE 3-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $39 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $45

Last year, Canadian couple COLIN AND JULIE ANGUS set out from Scotland on a 7,000-km (4,350-mile) journey to Syria. Named 2006 Adventurers of the Year by National Geographic Adventure magazine for their human-powered, global circumnavigation, this intrepid pair once again tested the limits of human-powered travel in a journey that was also a personal odyssey. Hear the story as told in their new book “Rowed Trip: From Scotland to Syria by Oar.”

DECEMBER

LUCY’S LEGACY
DEC. 2, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18

One of the most accomplished scholars of human origins, DONALD JOHANSON has produced some of the field’s most groundbreaking discoveries, including the most widely known fossil of the 20th century, the 3.2-million-year-old skeleton called Lucy, marking an important step on the path to Homo sapiens. Johanson’s new book, “Lucy’s Legacy: The Quest for Human Origins,” tells her story. At this presentation he will show how her discovery and others have transformed our understanding of evolution.

AMONG THE HADZA
DEC. 3, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $15 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $18
PART OF MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY 4-PART SERIES: MEMBERS: $52 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $60

For the December 2009 National Geographic, MARTIN SCHOELLER traveled to Tanzania to document the Hadza, hunter-gatherers believed to be heirs to one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures. Schoeller, a former assistant to Annie Leibovitz and a contributing photographer to The New Yorker, is famous for his portraits capturing well-known personalities stripped of artifice. He will share compelling images of individuals whose way of life could soon disappear.

IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA
DEC. 4, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $25 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $30

The traditional Irish band TÉADA brings magic to National Geographic for the fifth consecutive December. Thrill to the musical artistry and lively banter of band members OISÍN MAC DIARMADA, DAMIEN STENSON, SEAN MCELWAIN and TRISTAN ROSENSTOCK, joined by guest performers SEAMUS BEGLEY, the legendary accordionist and singer; BRIAN CUNNINGHAM, sean-nós dancer; GRÁINNE HAMBLY, harp virtuoso; and TOMMY MARTIN on uillean pipes. Don’t miss this energetic, heartwarming celebration of the season.

FORRO IN THE DARK
DEC. 5, 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERS: $10 / GENERAL PUBLIC: $12

Forro In The Dark brings a traditional Brazilian dance style into a new era with electronic instruments and influences from American and international popular music. Their unique, irresistibly danceable style has been described by Global Rhythm magazine as “a multicultural swinging to and fro that never forgets the past, but always keeps heading into the future.” Hear Forro In The Dark’s “Light A Candle,” out Sept. 29, on the new Nat Geo Music record label.

FLORA MIRABILIS
DEC. 10, 2 P.M.
FREE

A collaboration between National Geographic and the Missouri Botanical Garden, the new National Geographic book “Flora Mirabilis: An Illustrated Time Line of Botanical Exploration, Discovery & Delight” offers a fascinating look at how plant explorations and botanical passions have shaped human history and culture. Our guide for this botanical journey will be PETER H. RAVEN, president of the Missouri Botanical Garden and chairman of the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration. He will be introduced by the book’s author, CATHERINE HERBERT HOWELL.

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