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BALTIMORE ASSOCIATION
Upcoming Events
June 28th 2025
Rare Books & Iconic Views:
Tour of the Peabody Library
Join Baltimore Phi Beta Kappa for an exclusive tour of the magnificent Peabody Library and its world-class rare book collection. This architectural marvel, featured in films like Sleepless in Seattle, boasts five stunning tiers of cast-iron balconies soaring 61 feet.
Get ready to explore an incredible collection of 300,000 books! From beautifully bound medieval books to extensive British collections from the 1700s and 1800s (covering archaeology, art, and more), there’s something fascinating around every corner. Highlights include a 3-D Crystal Palace tunnel book and a unique chained book – a true piece of library history!
Recent Past Events
March 11th 2025
Lèon Bakst at The Evergreen House
Join us Tuesday, March 11 at 2:30pm for an in-person event, a tour of the new Ballets Russes exhibit at Evergreen House, on N. Charles St., featuring curators Michelle Fitzgerald and Sam Bessen. They will give us an opportunity to examine the new installation and the Bakst Theater, and a slideshow on the Ballets Russe collections at Evergreen House.
April 8th 2025
VIP Tour of the National Museum of African American History & Culture
Join us Tuesday, April 8 at 9:30am for an in-person VIP tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture conducted by a docent of the museum.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts, and nearly 300,000 individuals have become members. The museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
January 2025
Gertrude Stein in Circles:
Spheres of Life and Writing
Long overshadowed by the many writers of the 'lost generation' she mentored, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, who credited her for the catchphrase, Stein was a major literary talent in her own right, writing novels, poems, 'word portraits' of friends and artistic acquaintances, and of course her masterpiece, The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas (1933). Join Gabrielle Dean, the William Kurrelmeyer Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts at Johns Hopkins University, for a guided tour of the new exhibition, "Gertrude Stein in Circles: Spheres of Life and Writing" at the Peabody Library, a place Stein likely knew well. As Dean explains," this new major exhibition documents how the pioneering American writer fostered avant-garde connections throughout her lifetime and explores Stein's ongoing legacy as a beacon for artists, writers, and LGBTQ+ communities."
November 12th 2024
Roca: Transforming Futures in Baltimore
Join the Phi Beta Kappa Baltimore Association for an engaging virtual conversation with Kurtis Palermo, Executive Vice President of Roca Maryland. Roca, a groundbreaking nonprofit, is on a mission to break the cycle of urban violence by empowering at-risk young adults through life skills, cognitive behavioral therapy, and job training. With a presence in Baltimore for six years, Roca collaborates closely with police departments, hospitals, and community partners to intervene early and help young people build positive life trajectories. In this Zoom talk, Palermo will delve into how Roca's innovative approach not only reduces crime but also fosters long-term behavioral change among 16- to 24-year-olds. Attendees will gain insights into how data-driven practices and persistent support are transforming the lives of participants and contributing to a safer, more hopeful Baltimore​
November 2024
George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue:
The Search for an American Sound
George Gershwin (1898-1937) was one of the most emblematically American composers of the twentieth century. An intuitive and inquisitive artist, he tapped into the pulse of the 1920s jazz age and created a range of works that straddled the boundary between “high” and “low” cultures. February 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of his most famous composition, Rhapsody in Blue, which captured the mechanistic pulse of modern life, with its soaring skyscrapers, roaring automobiles, and pulsating rhythms. In this multimedia presentation, Prof. Celenza tells the origin story of this iconic work, its ties to contemporary politics, and the profound effect it had on other American composers, most notably Duke Ellington, Aaron Copland, James P. Johnson, William Grant Still, and Leonard Bernstein.
October 2024
An Afternoon at the Aquarium
Please join Phi Beta Kappa and National Aquarium CEO, John Racanelli, for a talk and tour of the new Harbor Wetland project. This innovative 10,000-square-foot floating wetland features more than 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses, designed to restore an essential habitat for wildlife and filter pollutants from the water. Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this exhibit recreates the original Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh habitat, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s natural history.
The Harbor Wetland serves as a functional constructed wetland, a floating classroom, and a public attraction. It aims to attract native marine species back to the area and provides a sustainable and educational space for visitors. Learn about the importance of wetlands in our ecosystem and how this project contributes to environmental conservation.
August 2024
Election Integrity: Protecting Confidence In Our Elections
Join us for a conversation with counsel from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General on August 13 at 7:30 on Zoom. Dan Kobrin and Thomas Chapman are Assistant Attorneys General from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General who represent the State of Maryland and City of Baltimore (respectively) Boards of Elections.
Boards of Elections are responsible for overseeing that elections operate smoothly and in a manner that maintains the public’s confidence in the results’ integrity. In the Greater Baltimore area, two of these boards are the Maryland State Board of Elections and the Baltimore City Board of Elections. Join Phi Beta Kappa in speaking with the attorneys who represent these Boards of Elections to learn how our election laws and procedures make our elections safe and secure. In recent years, emerging threats have created new challenges in the election law world, including misinformation, AI, and other technological changes. It is the responsibility of the Boards of Elections and their legal representatives to prepare for and defend against these threats to the integrity of our system.
July 2024
Refreshments & Concert with the OrchKids program from
the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Join us for lite fare and refreshments prior to the OrchKid's Concert on July 26th at Kraushaar Auditorium. We will be joined by Nick Skinner, VP of OrchKids, to learn more about this wonderful in-school and after-school music education program offered by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to Baltimore City public school students. Join us at Goucher Alumni Hall for a reception and presentation at 12:00 PM followed by the concert at 1:30 PM.
March 2024
Thread: Uniting Communities for Equitable Futures
Thread harnesses the power of relationships to create a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps. Our community is committed to ending social isolation and building a more equitable culture in which everyone thrives.
Sarah Hemminger is a social entrepreneur, scientist, and ice dancer who co-founded Thread, a non-profit that harnesses the power of relationships to support exceptional young people facing significant opportunity and achievement gaps.
March 2024
Art/Work: Women Printmakers of the WPA
Join us for Art/Work: Women Printmakers of the WPA, featuring approximately 50 prints by lesser-known female artists employed by the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project during the Great Depression. These artists focused on portraying social issues such as labor, poverty, worker's rights, racial and gender inequities, and the rise of fascism. Through their prints, they advocated for much-needed reforms, shedding light on timeless societal challenges that remain relevant today. Don't miss this opportunity to explore their powerful portrayals and gain valuable insights into both historical context and contemporary struggles. Sign up now to secure your spot and join us in celebrating art as a catalyst for social justice. Register today!
Two Piano Holiday: A musical evening with Amici Music
The program will feature a fantastic arrangement of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" for two pianos along with some interesting arrangements of holiday songs. A not-to-miss in-person event to start off your holiday celebrations!
December 2023
Maryland Science Center
You are invited to the next DaVinci Society event of 2023! Please join us at the Maryland Science Center for a journey to the stars with a private viewing of Deep Sky, a documentary on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, in our St. John Properties IMAX theater.
Where: Maryland Scienc Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230
When: Wednesday, November 8th, 6-8pm. Light refreshments at 6pm, show to begin at 7pm.
November 2023
Brushwork & Brunch: A Tour and Lunch at the BMA
October 2023
Join us at the Baltimore Museum of Art to explore the exhibit, “Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800”. This major exhibition, new this October, aims to correct misconceptions about women artists through more than 200 diverse works. The tour will be led by co-curator Andaleeb Badiee Banta, offering an insightful journey through royal portraits, devotional sculptures, embroidered objects and more. After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch served at the BMA’s fantastic restaurant, Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen. Don’t miss this opportunity to appreciate the works of artistic heroines such as Sofonisba Anguissola, Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Leyster, and others. We hope to see you there!
Behind Closed Doors:
The Secret White House Tapes
September 2023
Uncover hidden historical narratives with historian Marc Selverstone, the co-chair of University of Virginia's Miller Center's Presidential Recordings Program. Delve into the enigma of the Secret White House Tapes in a captivating Zoom session, where you'll access covert conversations from the highest echelons of power. From Nixon's White House insights to LBJ's thoughts on civil rights and JFK's private reflections, hear echoes of "presidential power in its rawest form". Established in 1998, the Presidential Recordings Program meticulously transcribes and annotates these covert White House tapes, offering an unparalleled window into the past, spanning from FDR's 8 hours to Nixon's 3,400 hours of discussions. Led by Director and Professor of Presidential Studies Marc Selverstone, this event promises a concise exploration of these recordings, accompanied by illuminating samples that unravel their profound historical significance.
Brilliant Baltimore:
Celebrating Baltimore’s Vibrant Art Scene
August 2023
Join us for an exciting evening at BmoreArt! BmoreArt is a leading resource for contemporary art and culture in the Baltimore region, providing a platform for artists, writers, and curators to share their work and ideas. As an independent, female-run art publication, BmoreArt highlights emerging artists and unconventional forms of expression. Their mission is to further the cultural and economic interests of artists, arts organizations, and diverse audiences for arts and culture in the region. BmoreArt’s vision is for Baltimore-based artists to achieve new levels of success and recognition. They work collaboratively to champion a vibrant cultural ecosystem in Baltimore. BmoreArt prioritizes historically underrepresented artists, considering race, gender, age, class, and geographic region. We invite you to visit the BmoreArt exhibition space to admire works by Baltimore-based artists!
A Night at the Movies:
Oppenheimer at the Senator Theater
July 2023
Embark on an extraordinary evening at Baltimore's Historic Senator Theater, exclusively curated for Phi Beta Kappa alumni. Immerse yourself in the untold story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the legendary physicist who shaped the course of history. Join us for a captivating film experience as Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" takes center stage, featuring an exceptional cast including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Gary Oldman, and Rami Malek. Be the first to see to see the movie its opening weekend! It is already mentioned as an Academy Award contender.
Before the screening, enjoy delicious snacks and forge new connections with fellow PBK alumni. As the curtain rises, be prepared to be spellbound by Murphy's captivating portrayal of Oppenheimer. Delve into the complexities of his life, his role in developing the first nuclear weapons, and the profound impact of his work on humanity. Reserve your seat today for this rare occasion to experience "Oppenheimer" alongside esteemed Phi Beta Kappa alumni. History, entertainment, and camaraderie await you at the Senator Theater in Baltimore, Maryland.
Making Waves: The Fight to Protect Our Oceans
June 2023
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Join us for an urgent virtual presentation with Kelsey-Anne LeBlanc of the Ocean Conservancy, the premier global organization fighting the plastic pollution crisis. In this illustrated discussion, Kelsey-Anne, an expert from the agency leading the fight will present graphic evidence of ocean deterioration caused by huge amounts of plastic waste clogging the waterways. The speaker will share photographs and evidence-based solutions that enable all people of the world to help in cleaning the oceans of the detritus generated partly by our own household machines, and halting the flow of plastics into the oceans, where it can be ingested by the fish that end up on our dinner tables.
Brushes and Books:An Exploration of the Ashcan School and The Importance of a Liberal Arts Education
May 2023
Virginia Anderson, the Curator of American Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art, will guide you through the stunning home of Mary Hyman, filled with art from the Ashcan School, known for its realistic portrayal of urban life in America during the early 20th century. Following the tour, The President of Goucher College, Kent Devereaux, will give a talk on the importance of a liberal arts education and the excellence of small colleges like Goucher. Discover why small liberal arts colleges offer a unique educational experience that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and personal development within a broad interdisciplinary framework.
April 2023
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Myths and Truths: The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered
Join us for an educational lecture by esteemed historian Jean Baker as she delves into Maryland's Civil War studies. Baker will present new insights from her recently published essays in The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered, and explore misdirected and mistaken past views. She will also discuss how our collective memories of the war have influenced its place in history.
March 2023
The Doctor Who Wasn’t There
Join us for a fascinating talk with author and physician Jeremy A. Greene as he discusses his new book, The Doctor Who Wasn’t There. In this gripping history, Greene explores the long and complex relationship between electronic media and healthcare, from the early days of the telephone to today’s sophisticated telehealth devices. Through a captivating blend of medical history, technology, politics, and economics, Greene reveals how electronic media have both promised to democratize access to healthcare and raised ethical, economic, and logistical concerns.
February 2023
Cosmic Clues in Charm City
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was designed to study the first stars and the first galaxies that formed in the universe. What does that even mean, and how would you know an ancient galaxy if you met one? In this talk, Dr. Van Dixon of Baltimore's Space Telescope Science Institute will discuss the science questions that JWST was built to address, how those questions informed the design of the telescope, and what we have learned in the six months since JWST began science operations.
January 2023
Harm Reduction - it Really is That Good
Join this zoom event to learn about how harm reduction practices in Baltimore and beyond serve to reduce the negative consequences associated with HIV and substance abuse.
Marik Moen is a nurse scientist, educator, program director, and champion of health equity especially in HIV Care and care of people who use drugs in global and local settings. She was formerly a nurse lead at the Lord Baltimore COVID isolation hotel.
November 2022
Stemming the Tide
In his compelling report from the front, Dr. Sweet will explain to us exactly what NOAA, our government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is doing to combat the rise of the seas and to the building of a weather-ready nation in the perilous years to come. He will discuss the latest sea level rise report and information from the U.S. Federal Sea Level Task Force and implications for changing coastal flood risk by 2050 within U.S. coastal communities, and specifically the upper Chesapeake Bay region.
October 2022
A House (and Senate) Divided
Join us for our always lively and popular political event, in person for the first time in three years. Professors Matthew Crenson and Robbie Shilliam, of the political science department at Johns Hopkins University, will help us put into perspective one of the most contentious and consequential midterm elections in recent memory.
June 2022
Can Fixing Dinner Fix the Planet?
Come learn from Johns Hopkins University Professor Jessica Fanzo about how the decisions that you make at the grocery store impact the global food system, the people that shape it, and the environment that supports it.
February 2022
Alone in the Cosmos?
NASA scientists are looking for signs of life on planets light years away. We learned how they plan to identify biospheres on these other worlds, the technology required, and some of the lessons that planets closer to home have to teach us on the way.
January 2022
Beyond "Nature vs. Nurture"
What makes each of us a unique person? We learned from Johns Hopkins neuroscientist David Linden about how our genes respond continually to our experiences in ways that shape who we are as individuals.
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