Cultural Heritage

Cool down with an icy drink at Electric Cool-Aid with the DC Portuguese Conversation Group. IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME. Come practice Portuguese over a slushy cocktail (or a can of beer or glass of water if you prefer). Build new connections and broaden your cultural/lusophone horizons with us! Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations, make new connections. Ate ja, tchau!

Did you know..... The National Portrait Gallery conducts free docent-led tours. No ticket needed! No hastle driving downtown either, the Green Chinatown Metro station is right across the street. Join us for the 1:00 p.m. "Highlights of the Collection" tour which will start in the F Street lobby. Afterward, we will walk several blocks to "54 Restaurant" for a pho soup lunch and conversation. Need more info.? Send me a message. Hope to see you there! ....Ross A.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Artemis II and Beyond,”** on how the recent space mission fits into long-term plans for the Moon, with Michael J. Neufeld, retired senior curator for the Space History Department of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-artemis-ii-and-beyond](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-artemis-ii-and-beyond) .] NASA’s recent, spectacular Artemis II mission is a sign that the United States is serious about sending humans to the Moon again. Gain an understanding of how Artemis II fits in both past and planned lunar missions with historian Michael Neufeld, who was lead curator of the Smithsonian’s Destination Moon exhibit. He has taught at Johns Hopkins, Colgate, and other universities, and is the author or editor of nine books dealing with the history of technology. He’ll start by looking at the aftermath of the Apollo program of a half century ago and why it ended only four years after its first lunar mission. He’ll consider why no lasting lunar programs emerged from major announcements by two presidents, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, that astronauts would be going back to the Moon and on to Mars. His vividly illustrated lecture will then explore how Artemis is a product of a human spaceflight program that has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. We’ll look at how collaboration with Europe, Canada and Japan became integral to the shuttle and International Space Station programs, and how the rise of new commercial space companies such as SpaceX has enabled NASA to buy both space services and space craft. Both international and commercial partners are involved in the latest Moon efforts, with SpaceX and Blue Origin expected to supply the landers to take astronauts down to a planned base on the Moon’s South Pole. How soon will any of this happen? Probably not as quickly as NASA says, but the specter of a Chinese landing on the Moon by 2030 is one obvious reason to keep things moving along. We’ll look at the sustainability of the Artemis space program for at least the next decade or so. You’ll emerge from the talk with no doubt that exciting days are ahead for space fans. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: The Artemis II mission launch (NASA photo).

\*This in-person program isn't affiliated nor related to World Language Cafe. Lingua Lounge is a place to speak a language you know or one you are learning, converse in a friendly atmosphere, meet new people who enjoy learning about other cultures, increase your fluency by speaking and listening, pick up useful phrases to use when traveling and recall your childhood language. Lingua Lounge are held once a month year-round. The Lingua Lounge meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7-9pm at the 50+ Center of the East Columbia Library (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia). Come in and join the language table of your choice. Language tables are hosted by a native speaker who will facilitate conversation. Languages include American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese - Mandarin, Chinese - Cantonese, Dutch, English, Esperanto, Farsi, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish Gaelic, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. Children under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult. People are welcome to bring food and beverages and may bring treats from their culture to share with their table. For more information, to find out if there will be a native speaker of the language you are interested in practicing, to become a native speaker table host, or request that your email be added to the Lingua Language email group, please contact nagahana@gmail.com. If you are a Language Table Host (native or fluent speaker of a particular language), please let us know if you will be able to host by sending an email to nagahana@gmail.com. If you are new and would like to host a table, please specify which language you speak fluently.

There is supposed to be a let up in the seemingly incessant rain. Let’s take advantage with a walk at Brookside Gardens. We will meet to the right of the visitors center. If anyone is interested we can go to lunch afterwards.

Step into an immersive journey with the Kuntanawa from the Amazon of Acre, Brazil as we share the ancient ancestral stories, songs, and wisdom of the Amazon rainforest and its people. Guided by Prince Haru and Dr. Hayra Kuntanawa, this gathering is an invitation to connect with the living spirit of the forest and deepen your relationship with the natural world. Spaces are limited for these intimate gatherings and are being offered on sliding scale donations. We hope to host this song circle by the fire at Real Eyes, weather permitting, or will be indoor if weather does not permit. This is an amazing way to directly support an indigenous tribe in the Amazon that is actively serving as guardian and protector of the land and her peoples.  Every $44 donated plants a tree in the Amazon and supports its care for three years. More info and tickets may be reserved here: [https://kuntanawa.aweb.page/kuntanawa-song-circle](https://kuntanawa.aweb.page/kuntanawa-song-circle?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExOWxiU01Pc1pMNEVhYWhleHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5DwdgeNCLjIz63UqR6iSLxdCD8NIudj1rkCJg_4aPiC5PyBZeZVqDnuw3Tsg_aem_sAKToOhN1VVnGFTl0C7aTg) Your Impact: 100% of retreat donations go directly back to the people, supporting:  Reforestation of Amazonian lands  Cultural revitalization and community empowerment  Protection of ancestral territories through the demarcation process  Economic sustainability for 38 Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities  The survival and flourishing of the Kuntanawa Nation

Another perfect way to practice our Italian! This tour is completely in Italian and we will go to Vapiano Chinatown (625 H St Nw, Washington, DC 20001 (http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?cp=38.89981\~[masked]&where1=Vapiano&ss=ypid.YN165x[masked])) for the after party (Optional). Closest Metro Station is Navy Memorial We meet in the INFORMATION OFFICE. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/1/b/c/600_434644540.jpeg We will be visiting one of the most important era in Italian Art - Italian Renaissance Collection. About Italian Renaissance Collection Exploring the period from the early 13th to the late 16th century in Italy—from the late Middle Ages to the rebirth of interest in classical humanism—this tour focuses on culture and ideals. It traces the rise of scientific inquiry, geographic exploration, secular influences, and the individual through the art of such masters as Duccio, Leonardo, Verrocchio, Botticelli, Giorgione, Bellini, Raphael, and Titian. http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/f/1/8/600_392856632.jpeg

**DMV Amapiano Day Fest Is Back** **[Click Here To Get tickets now](https://AmapianoFestDMV.eventbrite.com/?aff=MU)** **The Clash of South and West African Cultures** Join us **Saturday, May 30th** at **Citizens & Culture Rooftop** for the 2026 premiere of the popular Amapiano Day Fest event - This spring’s most electrifying cultural day party — **The ultimate clash of Africa’s biggest genres** going down at one of DMV’s most iconic rooftops Prepare for an electrifying fusion as Africa's two monumental music genres take center stage at the chic and captivating Citizens & Culture rooftop in the heart of Silver Spring. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing moments that blend West and South African cultural into an electrifying & festive rooftop vibe filled with rhythm, fashion, and flavor **Event Highlights:** • An unbeatable day party with an incredible lineup of 2 top Afrobeats DJs • Captivating dance performances that embody the spirit of both regions. • An exclusive Popup shop experience spotlighting a curated selection of retail vendors. • Make an entrance with our exclusive red carpet experience. Experience the heart and soul of Amapiano & Afrobeats culture as every beat, note, and melody tells a story. Whether you're a seasoned Amapiano enthusiast or just beginning to explore its rhythmic depths, the DMV Amapiano Day Fest promises an unforgettable journey. Join us, lose yourself in the collective euphoria, connect with an amazing community of enthusiasts, and etch this day into your memories forever. 🎉🌍🎶 **Secure your spot now before its too late** **$15 Early Bird Tickets \| $30 Advance Online Tickets**

The Castle is the Smithsonian’s first home and its symbolic heart. Located on the south side of the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C., the building today symbolizes the Smithsonian and is its most recognized, built artifact on the Mall. The Castle closed February 1, 2023, for its first major renovation in more than 50 years. All elements of the building are undergoing extensive **[renovation](https://castle%20renovation/)**—with a pause in renovation for the nation's 250th anniversary summer 2026 Lets start our first event with a simple, yet iconic, trip of getting to actually look into the castle. I'll be out front with a MeetUp sign Celebrating USA 250. Please sign up if you're planning to attend with us, most museums have limits to group sizes.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez intermédiaire/avancé ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with a glass of wine, appetizers and drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from intermediate to native fluency. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers. It is not as such to learn a language. Beginners, if you want to learn a language, reach out to us ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

Ciao a tutt\*! Let's meet Monday at 6.30pm at the Upper Arlington Library (**Tremont** Branch) in **Meeting Room A** to speak in Italian for 1 hour.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan