History Happy Hours: The Art of the African American Spiritual with Rhea Beckett
History Happy Hours: The Art of the African American Spiritual with Rhea Beckett is an evening conversation and live performance examining the African American Spiritual as a tradition of storytelling, memory, resistance, faith, and shared expression. Classically trained vocalist and interdisciplinary artist Rhea Beckett will discuss the form’s history, legacy, and influence on later Black musical traditions, performing selected spirituals throughout the presentation to connect their historical context with their continuing relevance.
The program is part of Sandy Spring Museum’s monthly History Happy Hours series, which features historians, authors, and other subject-matter experts discussing historical and cultural topics. Admission includes complimentary beer, wine, and snacks.
When: December 11, 2026.
Showtimes: The program runs from 6:35 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Museum members may arrive early for exclusive admission and bar access beginning at 5:45 p.m. Doors open to the public at 6:15 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is $25. Museum members pay $20. Student admission is $10, with no museum-member discount. VIP seating is $150 per table, or $120 for a museum-member VIP table; each table accommodates four people.
Featured artist: Rhea Beckett is an interdisciplinary artist and curator whose work spans sound, design, performance, painting, and photography. She co-founded Black Artist Research Space in Baltimore in 2020, holds a BS in Art from Fisk University and an MFA in Curatorial Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and is pursuing an MA in Sound Arts at Northwestern University. She sang soprano with the Grammy Award-winning Fisk Jubilee Singers from 2009 to 2013, has more than 20 years of stage experience, and taught art as a professor for eight years.
Venue: Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860.
Parking: Free parking is available.
Accessibility: The page does not provide accessibility information for this event.
Contact: Sandy Spring Museum can be reached at (301) 774-0022 or info@sandyspringmuseum.org.