The event is a detailed lecture at the Herron School of Art + Design, presented by Kirk Wallace Johnson. Johnson shares an intriguing story about a heist at the British Natural History Museum, where Edwin Rist, a young American, stole hundreds of rare bird specimens. The narrative unfolds with a mix of history, suspense, and detailed descriptions of the stolen items, their significance, and the impact of such thefts on natural history and conservation efforts. Johnson intertwines the story of the heist with broader themes of beauty, obsession, and the historical pursuit of knowledge, making the lecture a compelling blend of true crime and scholarly exploration.