The Great Lives Series: Biographical Approaches to History and Culture returns for its 23rd season from January 20 through March 19, 2026, featuring a new lineup of engaging lectures that explore remarkable lives and their influence on history and culture.
Lectures are held at 7:30 p.m. on most Tuesdays and Thursdays in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the UMW Bookstore selling featured books in the auditorium foyer. Each session typically includes a Q&A and book signing.
For updates and details, visit the FAQ section or use the “Contact Us” link on the website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook @greatlivesumw.
| Date | Lecture | Speaker | Media |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Lecture | Speaker | Media |
| Jan. 20 | Paul Revere | Kostya Kennedy | |
| Jan. 22 | Aimee Semple McPherson | Claire Hoffman | |
| Jan. 27 | John Williams | Tim Greiving | |
| Jan. 29 | Barbara Jordan | Mary Ellen Curtin | |
| Feb. 3 | Lorne Michaels | Susan Morrison | |
| Feb. 5 | Judy Blume | Rachelle Bergstein | |
| Feb. 10 | Robert Crumb | Dan Nadel | |
| Feb. 12 | Jerry West | Jonathan Coleman | |
| Feb. 17 | The Brothers Grimm | Ann Schmiesing | |
| Feb. 19 | Ellington, Armstrong, and Basie | Larry Tye | |
| Feb. 24 | Elizabeth Packard | Kate Moore | |
| Feb. 26 | Jemima Boone | Matthew Pearl | |
| Mar. 10 | Desi Arnaz | Todd S. Purdum | |
| Mar. 12 | Gertrude Bell | Janet Wallach, in conversation with Nabil Al-Tikriti | |
| Mar. 17 | John Hancock | Willard Sterne Randall | |
| Mar. 19 | Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday | Mark Lee Gardner |