Past Events

Join the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation for a talk with Luciano Bueno who explores how bold entrepreneurship is redefining the cotton industry through the lens of future-forward production.

From lab-grown breakthroughs to cutting-edge technologies, he shares how next-generation ventures are transforming the way we make things—faster, cleaner, and smarter. This isn’t just about cotton; it’s a glimpse into the industrial revolutions of tomorrow. Luciano will dive into the challenges, the untapped opportunities, and how entrepreneurial vision can lead to massive impacts.

Prize-winning historian Matthew Lockwood looks at the impulse to explore, the travels of Pocahontas, Columbus, Sacagawea, and Captain Cook alongside others who rightfully deserve the title of “explorers” including immigrants and fugitive slaves.

According to Lockwood, people of every background imagine new worlds. The impulse to seek new places is universal to humanity. In his new book, “Explorers,” he unfurls a tapestry of surprising and historically overlooked travelers spanning forty centuries and six continents. His illustrated talk will share the stories of such seekers as David Dorr, born into slavery in New Orleans who embarked on a Grand Tour or Europe and Egypt, and the Viking female voyager Gudrid Far-Traveler, who sailed to North America in 1000 AD; among other pioneers.

The Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket, in collaboration with GBH presents National Geographic Explorer in Residence Tara Roberts for an extraordinary evening as she shares the powerful journey behind her memoir, 'Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home, and Belonging'.

When Tara first encountered a photograph of Black scuba divers exploring slave shipwrecks, she felt an undeniable pull to uncover their stories. That moment launched her on a global quest—she joined the underwater archeology group Diving With A Purpose and started a path of discovery more challenging and personal than she could have ever imagined. From the coasts of Senegal and South Africa to the waters of St. Croix and beyond, she confronted the Middle Passage's harrowing history while uncovering her roots and exploring what it means to belong.

Roberts dives into the depths of history, identity, and belonging. As the first Black female explorer to grace the cover of National Geographic and the 2022 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Tara’s work brings history to the surface—both literally and figuratively. Through deeply personal storytelling and historical reflection, she invites audiences to consider the resilience of the human spirit, the significance of remembrance, and the power of discovery.

Her journey also featured in the acclaimed National Geographic podcast Into the Depths, has captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Tara’s inspiring story firsthand.

A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Tara will receive an honorary doctorate from the college during their 2025 commencement ceremony May 25, 2025.

A few years ago, the American Public Health Association declared noise to be a public health hazard, which leads to more heart disease, hearing loss and other health impacts as well as lost productivity. Noise isn’t just about decibel level – although that’s important - it is about its constancy and intrusiveness. Who likes that high-pitched car alarm that goes off at 3 am or the cacophony of bleeping machines that overload your nervous system, when you are trying to heal in a hospital bed?

Chris Berdik, a science and education journalist, first became interested in noise when he wrote a feature for the Boston Globe on noise pollution. He was captivated by the idea that a pollutant could inflict such wide-ranging harms to mental and physical wellbeing, which were both pervasive and inscrutable. Some people regarded noise as lethal as secondhand smoke, while others saw noise complaints as a proxy for being anti-tech or disliking your neighbors.


Berdik’s research took him to European villages and cities where EU regulations require settlements of a certain size to identify noise-protected “quiet areas”. He concluded that in order to mitigate the harmful effects of noise, loudness needs to be controlled and quiet protected. How often do we find ourselves having to shout in restaurants or repeat our orders; why can’t we focus on a deadline at work instead of our concentration being hijacked by the chatter of coworkers? Berdik suggests that “soundscapes” in workplaces, schools, hospitals and restaurants need to be planned in advance, so they can support not undermine our larger endeavors.

Today, thousands of satellites orbit Earth. At the end of their missions they drop from space and burn up in Earth’s upper atmosphere.The resulting ash deposits thousands of tons of aerosols. Certain aerosols contain metal oxides and pollutants that can impact both the ozone layer and Earth’s thermal balance (heat and cooling factors).

Atmospheric scientist Dan Cziczo, an expert on aerosols and clouds, analyzes these particles that accumulate in Earth’s stratosphere, to determine their relationship to both ozone-depletion and climate change. He explains the concern about these unique space debris chemicals and their potential effect on the ozone layer and the cloud dynamics associated with climate. The studies on space debris represent a developing area of atmospheric science and is of great significance, given the continuing increase in the number of satellites.

Join Joan C. Williams - Distinguished Professor of Law at UC San Francisco - for a discussion on 'Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Get Them Back'. Williams’ new book is an urgent wake-up call to mend the broken relationship between college and non-college grads of all races that is driving politics to the far right in America. Williams says that by changing one thing - the class dynamics of our society - we could simultaneously protect democracy, spur progress on climate change, enact sane gun policies, and improve our response to the next pandemic.

According to Williams, the far right manipulates class anger to undercut progressive goals, and liberals often inadvertently play into their hands. She explains how to reverse that process by bridging the “diploma divide”, while maintaining core progressive values. She offers college-educated Americans insights into how their values reflect their lives and their lives reflect their privilege. With illuminating stories, Williams demonstrates how working-class values reflect working-class lives. She explains how the far right connects culturally with the working-class, deftly manipulating racism and masculine anxieties to deflect attention from the ways far-right policies produce the economic conditions that disadvantage the working-class. Whether you are a concerned citizen committed to saving democracy, a politician or a social justice activist in need of advice, 'Outclassed' offers concrete guidance on how liberals can forge a multi-racial cross-class coalition capable of delivering on progressive goals.

Experience our February Wine Tasting with Rick Steves event on your own time! This on demand event experience allows you to sip along with Rick Steves and a sommelier during the previously recorded event. Expand your knowledge of the art of wine tasting with the fundamental five S's: see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor, sample Italian wines and, get to know Rick too!

Sales end May 22 at 6pm ET

How it works:
Purchase this package and we will send you the link to the recording of this event and the tasting kit which includes 6 mini bottles of Italian wine. Once the wine arrives, play the recording and taste along with Rick Steves and our sommelier. You choose the time and place! Snuggle up on the couch, set up in the kitchen, or gather your friends for a fun night in! We know you'll enjoy this lively evening.

Included in this package is Rick Steves’s newest book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer. The book will be shipped separately.


Here's what attendees had to say about the event in February:
- What a wonderful night! Expertise does matter and considerate and witty conversation lives! 
- Loved this...so fun!!
- This was incredible! Thank you for the opportunity! Cheers
- One of the best experiences of my life!

Don’t miss your chance to recreate this memorable evening of tasting wine with Rick Steves. And remember, your ticket purchase supports the GBH programming you love. Wine tasting kits are limited so get yours today!


Package includes: 
- The link to the recording of the February 2025 Wine Tasting with Rick Steves lead by a sommelier
- 6 mini bottles of wine (enough for two to taste) shipped directly to your door (We suggest you enjoy the wine tasting on demand event within 4 months of receipt to optimize freshness).
- Rick Steves’s newest book, On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer (additional copies of this book are available for purchase)

Please note:
- Kits cannot be shipped to Canada and the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Utah
- Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in alcohol related events.
- This package has a limited quantity. Secure your kit today, while supplies last.
- If you would like to purchase more than one wine tasting experience, please do so in a separate transaction.

Shipping details:
- Make sure that your address is submitted correctly (no typos!) Failure to type your address correctly will result in a shipping delay or even the possibility that your ticket will not be fulfilled.
- Ticket holders will receive the wine tasting and book separately. The book will arrive later that the wine.
- Kits cannot be shipped to Canada and the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Rhode Island and Utah
- Kits cannot be shipped to a P.O. Box
- Ticket holders will need to be home to show identification and sign upon delivery to prove they are 21+ years of age. Wine will not be delivered without this.
- Books will ship separately from the wine.

Join us at the GBH Studios at the Boston Public Library for a night of NOVA science trivia! Get ready for creative categories and exciting prizes as we test your knowledge, from the depths of the universe to the history of science.

This month, we will quiz you on your knowledge of astronomy, mothers in nature, the science of safety, and more!

American women face immense pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations. GBH Amplifies features seven women who have found their power and defined themselves in spaces where they can have an impact; from the office to the stage, from the halls of government to the delivery room. They expect the freedom to show up authentically, feel safe, get care for their loved ones and enjoy some moments of serenity and joy.

Malia Lazu, Founder & CEO of The Urban Labs welcomes OB/GBH Physician Dr. Lucy Lomas, The Theater Offensive's Giselle Byrd and MassNOW's Sasha Goodfriend to discuss how, despite representing half the population, progress for women requires constant struggle. From bearing societal burdens to facing stereotypes, women are often targets. What actions can we take? How can women in Boston protect their health and peace?

Next, M'Shairi McKenzi, an astrologer, poet and the co-host of Show and Tell Boston, examines how her childhood trauma affects her relationships, informs her parenting style and her view of motherhood. She'll lead a conversation with Neighborhood Birth Center's Nashira Baril and DeeDee's Cry founder Toy Burton to explore the 'mother wound,' preserving self worth, and why sometimes breaking up with your parent is the right choice.

About the Series
Join us for community conversations that amplify local voices from Boston and beyond. Recorded in front of a real cafe audience at GBH’s studio in the Boston Public Library, GBH Amplifies features a rotating cast of well-known hosts from local media, community organizations, and more.

American women face immense pressure to conform to unrealistic expectations. Meet four women who have found their power and defined themselves in spaces where they can have an impact; from the office to the stage, from the halls of government to the delivery room. They expect the freedom to show up authentically, feel safe, get care for their loved ones and enjoy some moments of serenity and joy.

Malia Lazu, Founder & CEO of The Urban Labs welcomes OB/GBH Physician Dr. Lucy Lomas, The Theater Offensive's Giselle Byrd and MassNOW's Sasha Goodfriend to discuss how, despite representing half the population, progress for women requires constant struggle. From bearing societal burdens to facing stereotypes, women are often targets. What actions can we take? How can women in Boston protect their health and peace?

About the Series
Join us for community conversations that amplify local voices from Boston and beyond. Recorded in front of a real cafe audience at GBH’s studio in the Boston Public Library, GBH Amplifies features a rotating cast of well-known hosts from local media, community organizations, and more.