USBG After Dark: Pick Your Poison (On-site Special Program)

Amanda A. Ohlke, Director of Adult Education Exhibition & Programs, International Spy Museum; Dr. Susan Pell, Executive Director, U.S. Botanic Garden; Dr. Melissa RL Whitaker, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University 
Experience the magic of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory at night! Join USBG Executive Director and botanist Dr. Susan Pell in conversation with experts Amanda Ohlke from the International Spy Museum and Dr. Melissa Whitaker as they discuss plant-based poisons and their use in espionage throughout the ages. You’ll hear how and why so many plants have evolved toxic compounds and learn how human spies have used these powerful poisons to advance the goals of their spymasters in the shadows. Come with curiosity and leave with a new appreciation for the dark and delectable side of plants. 

  • 6:30-7:15 p.m.: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a selection of seasonal cocktails, mocktails, and delicious small plates available for purchase from local vendor Vintage Views. Explore the USBG’s “Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise” exhibit, learn about specific USBG collections plants that could be helpful or harmful (including ones featured in your beverage!), and test your plant-based invisible ink skills. 
  • 7:15-8 p.m.: Panel discussion begins at 7:15 p.m. 
  • 8-8:30 p.m.: Following the discussion, chat with Dr. Pell, guest panelists, and fellow attendees. You’ll be able to grab another drink and enjoy special access to explore the Conservatory after hours. Doors close at 8:30 p.m. 

Please note: Attendees of this program must be 21 and older. Food and beverages, as well as seating, will be limited. To guarantee your opportunity to find a seat and enjoy a drink and a snack, please arrive when doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

This program is connected to our current exhibit “Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise.” It is offered in collaboration with the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden and the International Spy Museum. If you're interested in supporting educational programs through a donation to the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, click here. If you’d like to know more about the International Spy Museum, click here. 

Intended Audience: Adult All Levels (ages 21 years and older)

Thursday, October 30, 2025
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern
Location: Conservatory Garden Court
FREE: Pre-registration required


Register Here

About the presenters

Amanda Ohlke

Director of Adult Education
International Spy Museum
Amanda Ohlke is Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum. As a key member of the Spy Museum creative team since 2004, she has worked on a wide variety of exhibitions and programs on topics ranging from unexpected spies to sabotage to current...(read more)

Dr. Susan Pell

Executive Director
U.S. Botanic Garden
Dr. Susan Pell is a botanist, educator, and the Executive Director of the United States Botanic Garden. Susan has traveled the world collecting plants for scientific study. Her research has focused on the Anacardiaceae family which includes cashews, sumac, and...(read more)

Dr. Melissa Whitaker

Chemical Ecologist and Assistant Professor
East Tennessee State University
Dr. Melissa Whitaker is a chemical ecologist and assistant professor at East Tennessee State University. Her lab investigates the ecology and evolution of plant-insect interactions, especially chemically mediated interactions between plants and their herbivore...(read more)