60 Years of Wonder: Frederica Adelman on the Legacy and Future of Smithsonian Associates

THE NOT OLD BETTER SHOW, SMITHSONIAN ASSOCIATES INTERVIEW SERIES

60 years of curiosity, connection, and culture. 60 Years of Wonder

Frederica “Fredie” Adelman—Director of Smithsonian Associates, educator, innovator, and champion of lifelong learning.

🎉 Smithsonian Associates is turning 60—and the stories are legendary. From RBG & Scalia laughing on stage, to kids camping under a whale, to unforgettable nights with Ella Fitzgerald and Muhammad Ali—this is more than history. It’s a celebration of curiosity, community, and culture.

🎧 In a special episode of The Not Old Better Show, Director Frederica Adelman shares behind-the-scenes memories, what’s next for lifelong learning, and why this anniversary belongs to you.

🎉 Celebrating 60 Years of Smithsonian Associates: A Conversation Worth Sharing  Since 1965, Smithsonian Associates has offered more than just lectures or museum tours—it has sparked 

imagination, created lifelong connections, and helped generations see the world with new eyes. This year marks its 60th anniversary—a milestone that honors the past and looks boldly toward the future.

To celebrate, The Not Old Better Show – Smithsonian Associates Interview Series sat down with Director Frederica “Fredie” Adelman to talk about what makes this organization so extraordinary. Fredie shares rich, behind-the-scenes stories—from Justice Ginsburg and Justice Scalia debating on stage (“they laughed, they dueled, and the audience loved it,” as NPR’s Nina Totenberg recalled) to the evolution of museum sleepovers, arts programs, and the groundbreaking move to virtual learning.

But this episode goes beyond nostalgia. We asked bold, reflective questions:
🔹 What does it mean to lead an organization shaped by six decades of curiosity?
🔹 How has Smithsonian Associates balanced innovation with tradition?
🔹 And what will the next 60 years look like for lifelong learning?

Fredie answers with wisdom, humor, and purpose—and offers a preview of the 60th Anniversary 

Celebration Weekend, including the public events at the Ripley Center this October. For anyone passionate about museums, education, leadership, or meaningful cultural experiences, this conversation is for you. Check it out HERE:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/60th-anniversary/