History’s Human Heartbeat!
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.
For additional resources on the topics in this year’s series, visit the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
| 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 | Brooke Barbier | |
| Mar. 19 | Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday | Mark Lee Gardner |
Nearly 400 Lectures
to Date!
Revisit your favorite past programs and discover new perspectives through our collection of archived recordings. Explore lectures from previous seasons, and connect with us on social media for featured lectures, highlights, photos from past seasons, and more from the Great Lives Series.
Great Donors
Make Great Lives!
The William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series is open to the public free of charge, due to the continued generosity of program donors. All donations are welcome.
