Smithsonian Lecture Series: Leveling the Playing Field
Join us for the second installment of a four-part lecture series with the Smithsonian.
Step into the arena of sports history with scholar Damion Thomas, museum curator of sports and the interim assistant director of culture for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Thomas will discuss the making of his book, “Game Changers: Sports Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture,” a powerful exploration of African American athletes and their impact, on and off the field. Spanning from the turn of the 20th century to the present, “Game Changers” features striking images of iconic moments as well as personal glimpses into the lives of legendary athletes.
From boxing rings to basketball courts, Thomas will explore how sports have served as a platform for African Americans to showcase excellence, resistance, and social change. He will also speak about the origins of the book and reflect on his own experiences curating sports history at the Smithsonian.
Following the talk, Thomas will sign copies of “Game Changers,” which will be available for purchase at the event. Attendees can also pre-purchase a copy during registration and pick it up at the program on July 17.
Admission
Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. This is a hybrid program. Attendees can participate in-person at the Heinz History Center or online.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available upon request. Please contact us at [email protected] in advance to request accommodations.
About the Series
The Smithsonian Lecture Series brings experts from the Smithsonian Institution to Pittsburgh, presenting a unique opportunity to hear from the scholars behind the organization’s world-renowned research and museum exhibitions.
While each lecture will focus on a different topic, each expert will offer rare insights into how they preserve, collect, and interpret history at the world’s largest museum, education, and research institution.
As Western Pennsylvania’s only Smithsonian Affiliate, the Heinz History Center proudly brings world-class Smithsonian exhibitions, artifacts, and programs to the region. This special lecture series is part of that ongoing partnership.
About the Speaker
Damion Thomas is the Museum Curator of Sports and the interim Assistant Director of Culture for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. He earned a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in United States History at UCLA.
