America's Hidden Treasures: Featuring Arnold Lehman and Pauline Forlenza

America's Hidden Treasures: Arnold Lehman in Conversation with Pauline Forlenza

Presented by the American Federation of Arts | Baruch College, Engelman Recital Hall | September 30, 6–7 PM, followed by a reception and book signing

Join the American Federation of Arts for a special evening with Arnold Lehman, Director Emeritus of the Brooklyn Museum, in conversation with Pauline Forlenza, Director and CEO of the AFA, discussing his new book, America's Hidden Treasures: 101 Museums of Art, Innovation & Americana (Merrell). In keeping with the AFA’s mission to advance the understanding and appreciation of art and museums, the conversation will explore the remarkable institutions that shape cultural life across the United States and the stories they tell about the communities they serve.

Moving beyond the country’s most familiar cultural landmarks, Lehman’s book takes readers on a journey to 101 museums across the United States whose collections, histories, and contributions to American culture may not always receive the national recognition they deserve—from a car museum in Tacoma to a folk art center in Kentucky, an aerospace museum in Nebraska, and a music museum in South Dakota.

Drawing on recommendations from museum colleagues and collectors across the field, Lehman has curated a deeply personal portrait of American culture as told through a diverse range of museums and collections. Bringing to the forefront singular artworks, rare artifacts, and remarkable stories found both within and beyond the country’s major cultural centers, Lehman demonstrates the vital role museums play as cultural anchors for communities nationwide.

In conversation with Pauline Forlenza, Lehman will discuss the making of the book, the surprises he encountered along the way, and what these institutions reveal about American identity, memory, and place—as the nation fittingly marks 250 years of independence.

A reception and book signing will follow the conversation.