The Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities
Carpenter Theatre

The Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities

featuring Carly Fiorina

About the Event

Virginia Humanities presents the 2026 Commonwealth Lecture in the Humanities featuring Carly Fiorina, National Honorary Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission and CEO of Colonial Williamsburg. Fiorina is a business leader, author, and civic leader who became the first woman to lead a Fortune 50 company as Chair and CEO of Hewlett-Packard. A strong advocate for civic leadership and historical understanding, Fiorina will explore the role individuals and communities play in shaping a more connected and engaged society as we commemorate the nation's founding and look toward the future.

Prior to the lecture, Virginia Humanities will present the second annual Commonwealth Humanities Awards, recognizing an individual, community partner, and corporate or foundation partner who have championed the humanities through service, leadership, and philanthropy. A moderated conversation led by Barbara Hamm Lee — award-winning journalist and host of Another View — will follow the lecture, concluding with an audience Q&A.

A private reception with Carly Fiorina will precede the public lecture. Individual reception tickets begin at $350 and sponsorship opportunities are available to individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Reception tickets and sponsorships include admission to the public lecture. Visit VirginiaHumanities.org/CommonwealthLecture for additional information and to purchase tickets.

We are honored to recognize the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation as the leadsponsor of this event.

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Venue Bag Policy

For your convenience and safety, bags that are no larger than 12” x 8” x 6", diaper bags, and medical bags (subject to search upon entry) are permitted inside the venue.

Backpacks, boxes, and laptop bags or briefcases do not apply and will not be permitted into the venue.

Any guests who require ADA or medical accommodations may contact the venue’s administrative office for assistance in advance of your visit. More information can be found here.

Etix E-Ticket Delivery

Please note all print-at-home and/or mobile-delivery tickets for this performance are on delayed delivery and will be available 7 days prior to the performance date. These tickets will be sent to the email attached to your order from Etix.com.

MobileConnect - Assisted Listening Device App

Sennheiser Mobile Connect is an application allowing you to utilize your phone as an assisted listening device. This will allow you to plug in headphones, or utilize your existing hear aids depending on their capability to hear the audio of the show in a much more personal way.

 

Utilizing MobileConnect: 

 

Step 1: Connect to Wifi 

 

Network: MobileConnect

Password: dechearing

 

Step 2: Download App 

 

For Android Devices:

- Open Google Play Store: Locate and tap on the Google Play Store icon on your Android device. 

- Search for the app: Tap on the search bar at the top and enter "Sennheiser Mobile Connect."

- Download the app: Find Sennheiser Mobile Connect in the search results and tap "Install." Accept any permissions if prompted. 

- Open the app: Once installed, you can open it directly from the Play Store or find it in your app drawer. 

- Choose “Carpenter Theater” and enjoy the show!

 

For iPhone Devices:

- Open the App Store: Locate and tap on the App Store icon on your iPhone.

- Search for the App: Tap on the search tab at the bottom of the screen and type "Sennheiser Mobile Connect" in the search bar.

- Download the App: Once you find the app in the search results, tap the "Get" button (or the cloud icon if you’ve downloaded it before). You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm.

- Open the App: After downloading, tap "Open" to launch Sennheiser Mobile Connect.

- Choose “Carpenter Theater” and enjoy the show!

Sensory Inclusive Venue

Kulture City sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget toys, noise canceling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Concierge desk located in the Dominion Energy Center Box Office Lobby.