Magic Mushrooms: History, Science, Legend

You’ve heard the pop culture stories – hear the real story at this lively History Happy Hour presentation by William Needham, president of the Mycological Association of Washington.

The psychoactive effects of so-called “magic” mushrooms have been exploited by Native Americans for millennia. They are now  being evaluated for possible use in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The presentation will address the historical aspects of the circuitous path from folk fantasy to pharmaceutical  to include  the discovery of LSD and its promotion by Timothy Leary in the 1970s augmented by information relevant to fungi in general and psilocybin mushrooms in particular.

History Happy Hours include happy hour drinks and snacks, interesting conversations and socializing with new and old friends.  The Mycological Association of Washington is  a local nonprofit group comprised of amateur and professional mycologists.  Mr. Needham has been actively involved in foraging and identifying wild mushrooms in the DC area for over 20 years. Recently retired, he serves a docent at the Smithsonian American History Museum.

The History Happy Hour series is brought to you by Therrien Waddell Construction Group.