A Season of Ideas and Discovery: VMRC's 23rd Lyceum Season
VMRC is pleased to announce the 2026-27 season lineup of the Shenandoah Valley Lyceum. The speaker series begins in October and runs through early spring. Purchase tickets at the VMRC Wellness Center or call 540-574-3850. The lineup includes:
Clayton Brooks - Friday, October 16, 7 p.m.
Interracial Cooperation and the Segregation of Virginia
Dr. Clayton McClure Brooks holds a BA in history from Roanoke College, as well as an MA and PhD from UVA. She also earned an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Mary Baldwin University. A faculty member at Mary Baldwin since 2012, Dr. Brooks teaches courses in American history, social studies education, and senior seminars in both history and education. She will introduce her research presented in her book Uplift Generation: Cooperation Across the Color Line in Early Twentieth-Century Virginia.
Steven Johnson - Friday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Conservation Photography as a Way of Knowing the World
Steven David Johnson is a conservation photographer and Professor of Visual and Communication Arts at EMU. His photography of the naural world has appeared in a plethera of notable publications and is an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers. In this multimedia presentation, Steve will show how wildlife photography can be used to both understand and protect the natural world. Direct sensory perception reveals a remarkable world of ecological relationships in the mountains and rivers of Virginia.
Andrew Greene - Friday, February 19, 7 p.m.
How Music and Film Came Together: Motion Picture Music
Join scholar Andrew Greene, a performer and leading authority on orchestral ragtime and silent film accompaniment as well as founder of the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra for an engaging exploration of the orgins of motion picture music during the silent film era, spanning the late nineteenth century. Through original scores, discussion, stories, authentic recordings, and a special live music presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how music became an essential part of the cinematic experience.
Caroline Malpass - Friday, March 12, 7 p.m.
The Evolving Landscape of Hereditary Cancer
Caroline Malpass is a practicing oncology genetic counselor with Penn Medicine in Lancaster, PA. She specializes in hereditary cancer risk assessment, helping to guide individuals and families through genetic testing and the ways in which genetic diagnosis may influence medical decisions and impact relatives. Mrs. Malpass will explore the history and future of hereditary cancer, provide an overview of current knowledge and highlight its significance in improving individual patient and generational outcomes.
Consider purchasing a lifetime pass to lifelong learning at VMRC! Join our residents and share in the contemplative and interactive experience our Lyceum offers. All events take place in the Detwiler Auditorium at VMRC. Doors open and refreshments are served at 6:30 p.m. The program begins promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Season tickets are available for $25 (for all four events). A lifetime pass can be purchased for $100.
What is a Lyceum?
A lyceum is a welcoming space for public lectures, debates and discussions, serving as a hub for intellectual growth and cultural enrichment. Originating in ancient Greece, this concept has evolved over the centuries. Today, lyceums host a diverse array of events, including lectures, performances and workshops, all designed to offer educational opportunities and foster a strong sense of community.
How does it benefit audiences?
At VMRC, the 8 Dimensions of Wellness are the foundation for all experiences and programs produced by the Wellness & Enrichment team. With its engaging conversations and performances, our Lyceum series provides a cerebral experience that invites attendees to deepen their understanding of historical, cultural and societal topics of importance. Of the eight dimensions, Lyceum events enhance social, emotional and intellectual wellness.
Engaging with complex topics, whether in science, history, literature or art, requires active mental participation, encouraging audiences to think critically and process new information.
Learning Never Stops
Lifelong learning opportunities abound, particularly in areas with institutions of higher education. At VMRC, intellectual programming and meaningful partnerships with local universities enable residents and community members in the Greater Harrisonburg area to connect with new insights in the arts and sciences.
