Volcanoes and Human Societies

Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm

With Joseph Manning

Complimentary cocktail reception to follow

Explosive volcanic eruptions have played a part in climate change throughout Mediterranean history. This poorly understood volcanic activity not only led to short-term social changes, but triggered global climate shifts that shaped early civilizations. Manning's research brings together climate and historical data to show how these ancient societies were affected by factors beyond their control.

Painting Actuality: The Peabody's Dioramas

Thursday, March 26, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm

With Michael Anderson
Sculptor and Preparator, Yale Peabody Museum

Complimentary cocktail reception to follow

The Peabody's own Michael Anderson discusses the history of the Museum's venerated dioramas, the artists who created them, and the influence of these works across the museum world. Anderson sheds light on the visionary leadership that brought together preparator Ralph Morrill and painter James Perry Wilson, one of the greatest diorama duos in history.

The Price of Cheap Meat

Complimentary cocktail reception to follow

By weight, just 4% of mammals on Earth are wild. The remaining 96% are either humans or the billions of cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry raised for our consumption. Animal factories are devastating for the climate and raise urgent questions about power, consciousness, conscience, and democracy—the costs of cheap meat are not included in the sticker price. Morris provides a brief history of the industry and will share how the Law, Ethics and Animals Program at Yale Law School is working to bring about positive change.

Art, Artifact, Artifice: An Evening with the Artist

Thursday, May 21, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm

With James Prosek

At the Yale University Art Gallery, 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven

Join James Prosek on this private tour for Peabody Fellows and 1866 Society members of his newest exhibition, Art, Artifact, Artifice. Drawing on the collections of both the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Prosek places man-made and natural objects on equal artistic footing, suggesting that the difference between them is not as much as we may believe.