Online Lecture: Evalyn Walsh McLean & the Curse of the Hope Diamond

Evalyn Walsh McLean, an American mining heiress and socialite, was the famed owner of the 45-carat Hope Diamond — the world’s largest blue diamond when she purchased it in 1911 from Pierre Cartier in Paris. Rumored to carry a curse that brought misfortune to its owners, the diamond accompanied Evalyn everywhere, from White House gatherings to charity events. According to the Smithsonian Institution, where the gem is displayed at the National Museum of Natural History, there is no truth to the legends related to the curse. And yet, Evalyn Walsh McLean’s life was never the same after acquiring the Hope Diamond. Heartbreak and tragedy befell her, impacting every aspect of her life. Was the diamond to blame? Join Carolyn Crouch to explore the origins of the Hope Diamond’s supposed curse and its connection to the extravagant and reckless lifestyle of its larger-than-life owner.

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.