February 19 at 1:41 AM

Thursday, FEB. 19

Preschool series: Fanciful heroes Ages 2-5 with an adult, hunt for dragons, make a heros cape and explore a fantastical world of adventure. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Thursdays through Feb. 26. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW. 202-686-5807. $12 per child and one accompanying adult, additional adults $15 each.

Washington Cathedral behind the scenes Age 11 and older. See gargoyles and stained-glass windows and climb stairs for a panoramic view of the city. Bring a camera. Weekdays except holidays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-537-6200. http://www.nationalcathedral.org . $25, age 11 and 12 $21.

Face to face: Ira Aldridge Historian Jim Barber leads a talk about Ira Aldridge and his struggle for justice and the upcoming 150th anniversary of the passage of the 13th Amendment. Noon. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F streets NW. 202-633-1000. Free.

Cook demonstration: Hearty casseroles Adrienne and Danielle Cook create new and memorable one-dish meals and sides with an attitude. Noon and 12:45 p.m. U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave. SW. 202-225-8333. Free.

Tax assistance For taxpayers with low and moderate income, special attention to those 60 and older, trained volunteers file federal and state tax returns. Thursdays at 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Anacostia Library, 1800 Good Hope Rd. SE. 202-715-7707. Free.

Classical music Students from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance perform. 6 p.m. Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. Free.

Panel discussion: Resilient landscapes Learn creative ways in which communities work with nature to increase resilience to natural disasters, including green infrastructure, fire-wise planning, oyster reef construction and wetlands restoration. 6:30 p.m. National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. 202-272-2448. $20, students $12.

Poetry reading Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rae Armantrout reads from her work in response to the Phillips Collection exhibit Man Ray Human Equations, sponsored by Folger Shakespeare Library. 6:30 p.m. Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW. 202-544-7077. $15.

Originally posted here:
D.C. community calendar, Feb. 19-26, 2015