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History Book Club "The Secrets of Alchemy"

Date & Time

Wed. Jul. 15, 2026 7 PM-8 PM
This event has passed

Location Rienzi

Call for Questions 713-639-7800

Email Your Questions [email protected]

History Book Club "The Secrets of Alchemy"

Date & Time

Wed. Jul. 15, 2026 7 PM-8 PM
This event has passed

Location Rienzi

Look to the MFAH for good books and great conversations! The History Book Club presents free discussions about books on life in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries, inspired by the collections of the two MFAH house museums: Bayou Bend and Rienzi.

July’s selection is The Secrets of Alchemy by Lawrence M. Principe, one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject. Principe brings alchemy out of the shadows and restores its important place in human history and culture. He vividly depicts the history of alchemy, including its heyday in early modern Europe, and explores how alchemy has fit into wider views of the cosmos and humanity, touching on its enduring place in literature, fine art, theater, and religion. 

Be sure to register in advance for either or both discussions.
Via Zoom | 1:30 pm or 7 pm 

Questions? 713-639-7800 or 713-639-7759 / [email protected]

Call for Questions 713-639-7800

Email Your Questions [email protected]

Education programs at Rienzi receive generous funding from the Sterling-Turner Foundation; Alkek and Williams Foundation; Carroll Sterling and Harris Masterson III Endowment; and the Caroline Wiess Law Endowment for Rienzi.

Education programs at Bayou Bend receive generous funding from: The John M. O’Quinn Foundation; Houston Junior Woman's Club; Mary Lynn and Steve Marks; Susan Vaughan Foundation; Denise Monteleone; William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation; and additional generous donors.

These education programs also receive income from funds provided by the Carol and Les Ballard Endowment; the Judy and Charles Tate Endowment; the James William Glanville and Nancy Hart Glanville Endowment; the Barbara Graham Williams Endowment; and the Bayou Bend Bonnie A. Campbell Education Programs Endowment.