Russell Humanities Speaker Series Announced
Save the dates for the Russell Humanities Speaker Series June 9, July 14, August 11 and September 8 in Russell.
The events will be packed full of history, humor and networking and will each take place at 7 PM at the Dream Theater in downtown Russell.
The Civil War in Kansas is June 9. For Kansans, the violent guerrilla warfare between proslavery and antislavery forces known as Bleeding Kansas foreshadowed the national Civil War to come. From 1861 to 1865, the border struggle continued to heat up as Kansans fended off Confederate attacks, accepted the formerly enslaved into their communities and engaged in bitter political debates. This talk presents the story of Kansas during the Civil War and how it helped shape the state's image for years afterward. It will be presented by Will Haynes, who is the Director of Engagement and Learning at the Watkins Museum of History in Lawrence.
Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills is July 14. Based on the book Petroglyphs of the Kansas Smoky Hills, this presentation focuses on the carvings left by Natives, the people who made them, and what the carvings tell us about those people and their relationship to the land. The presentation also discusses the challenges of dating and interpreting these carvings, the threats posed by erosion and vandalism, and the role of landowners whose properties shelter these carvings. It will be presented by Rex Buchanan, who is the former Director of the Kansas Geological Survey and the author of books about Kansas geology and water.
Kansas Legends and Folktales is August 11. Kansas is a place of big skies and tall tales. Big exaggerated narratives help us understand the character of our state and its people. This talk will explore some of Kansas' most outlandish legends and folktales and help the audience decipher between a myth (folk religion), legend (folk history) and tale (folk literature). It will be presented by Jim Hoy, who is a folklorist who works with the Center for Great Plains Studies at Emporia State University.
The Wizard Behind Oz is September 8. If you're from Kansas, you've surely encountered plenty of Wizard of Oz jokes and quips. Where's Dorothy? You're not in Kansas anymore! I'm melting! But what you may not know is the fascinating story behind L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This talk explores the unique appeal of this first truly American fairy tale and its legacy on our culture from speech, to music and to media. This presentation pulls back the curtain on Baum's crowning achievement. It will be presented by Chris Glasgow, who serves as Curator at the Oz Museum in Wamego.
The series is presented by the Russell Area Chamber of Commerce, Russell Specialty Books and Gifts, Russell Main Street, Inc. and the Russell County Historical Society.
For more information, contact Linda Crowder at 785-445-8353.