When I asked Ann K. Wagner, associate curator of decorative arts at the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, in Wilmington, Del., if she could name any of the “scoundrels” in tonight’s lecture, all she could do is laugh and say I’d have to be there.

Wagner is the 2011 Rothschild Distinguished Speaker in the long-running series. Her lecture is called “Silversmiths, Southern Spoons and a Few Scoundrels.”

I just want to know if my friend Clason Kyle is one of those scoundrels.

I guess I’ll find out at 6:15 p.m. in the Columbus Museum, 1251 Wynnton Road.

It will be her first visit to Columbus and she’s looking forward to it.

Winterthur (pronounced winter-tour) is the home of Henry Francis du Pont. Although not a school, it offers a graduate-level program, of which Wagner is a graduate. She received her master’s degree in American culture from Winterthur, her master’s degree in art history from the University of Washington in Seattle and her bachelor’s degree in English from Wheaton College.

Wagner said she’s impressed that our museum is free and open to the public. I said, “Isn’t that the point?”

And she said most museums charge admission, and sometimes it’s not open to the public. I told her the only days it isn’t open to the public is on Mondays and holidays.

While Wagner has not seen the silver in the exhibit, she’s very familiar with some of the pieces.

She told me she’s always looking at new (to her) silver and visiting various exhibits.

The exhibit, “Precious Metal: Southern Silver,” closes June 26. It showcases Southern silver from the museum’s permanent collection, as well as silver from museums and private collections in the Southeast.

I learned something new when I looked at the exhibit. There were two silversmiths who worked out of Columbus. Did you know that?

Wagner’s lecture is free, but since the reservation deadline has passed, call to see if there is space for you. Mary Goff, 706-748-2562, ext. 210.

Mark your calendar

Speaking of the Columbus Museum, its annual one-day sale is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 2.

You can find art and history books, children’s gifts, tableware, museum-related items and one-of-a-kind jewelry that will have people asking where you bought it.

I keep saying I need to buy some of this glassware that has Columbus-related places etched on it. It’s really pretty and useful.

All proceeds go to the museum’s educational programs and exhibits.

You might do what I do. Go a few days before the sale and check out what is available.

Then go to the museum the moment it opens on June 2 and buy what you picked out.

If you wait until closing time, the things you want may be gone.

Admission is free.

706-748-2562.