Thursday, October 2, 2008

Historical Society presents book discussion group

Here's some information that was sent to me from the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society

Dear Members and Friends of the Historical Society:
Once again, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society is teaming up with the New York Council for the Humanities to present two separate Reading Between the Lines monthly book discussion groups. One of the groups will be hosted at the History Museum, the other at Old Editions Book Shop. “Reading Between the Lines offers an unusual twist on the standard book group format with focused thematic discussions led by humanities scholars,” says New York Council for the Humanities Executive Director Sara Ogger.

The first session, titled “Travel and Tourism Narratives in the Empire State,” will take place at Old Editions Book Shop, located at 68 East Huron Street at Oak Street. The titles for this unit were selected by Gregory Young, a graduate student at the State University at Buffalo. Young will also moderate the series, which features the following dates and books:

Tuesday, October 7 at 4:30 p.m. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow & Other Tales by native New Yorker Washington Irving is the perfect American classic for readers looking to get into the Halloween mood.

Tuesday, November 11 at 4:30 p.m. The Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress, 1817-1862 by Carol Sheriff examines the impact of the Erie Canal on the lives of ordinary people.

Tuesday, December 9 at 4:30 p.m. The Second Greatest Disappointment: Honeymooning and Tourism at Niagara Falls by Karen Dubinsky looks at the cultural significance of the Falls.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Taxi!: A Social History of the New York City Cabdriver by Graham Russell Gao Hodges explores the development of the city through this iconic profession.

The second session, titled “Finding Liberty in Literature,” will take place at the History Museum, located at 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue. This session will use titles selected by Rachel Reichenbach, a graduate student in the Sociology Department of Cornell University, to look at the ongoing American struggle for peace, justice, and freedom. Shane Butterfield, a History graduate student at the University of Rochester, will moderate the series, which features the following dates and books:

Wednesday, October 22 at 1:30 p.m., Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil is a collection of writings by the early 20th century African-American scholar, educator, and activist W.E.B. DuBois.

Wednesday, November 19 at 1:30 p.m. Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto by the Mohawk scholar Taiaiake Alfred calls on indigenous peoples to return to their traditions to train leaders committed to values.

Wednesday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich looks at the realities of minimum wage work in America and its effects on women’s lives.

Wednesday, January (date to be determined), 1:30 p.m. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a seminal work in defining the fight for American independence from the British.

Both Reading Between the Lines sessions are free and the required books will be provided for loan. The sessions are open to the public, but the group sizes are limited and pre-registration is required. Past participants may not apply. To register, the public may contact Historical Society Adult Education Coordinator Kathleen Vogel Mathews at (716) 873-9644, ext. 317 or programs@bechs.org.

The last Pan-Am Walking Tour of the 2008 season is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m. Cost: $10 per person includes souvenir guide map.
Let your mind’s eye imagine that fine time when, from May to November 1901, over 8 million people from all over the world traveled to Buffalo to witness marvels -- Electric lights! Distant cultures! Midway curiosities! Fountains and pavilions! – showcased at the Pan-American Exposition. Today, very little Exposition remains on these grounds, now one of Buffalo's most popular residential neighborhoods. Walk with us through this special area of the city, where triumph and tragedy marked Buffalo's greatest moment in history.
Guided tour begins from Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, 25 Nottingham Court at Elmwood Avenue. No reservations required. The tour will take place weather permitting, no rain date. Call 873-9644 ext. 301 to check schedule.
The tours will begin again next May.


Sally Treanor
Senior Director, Administration and Operations
Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
25 Nottingham Court
Buffalo, New York 14216-3199
Ph. 716-873-9644 Ext. 320
Fax 716-873-1894

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