The Filson Events Calendar
Spring 2008
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A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World
Tony Horwitz
The Filson Historical Society
Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 6:00 p.m.
From the author of Confederates in the Attic, comes a new thrilling exploration of pre- Mayflower America. Tony Horwitz, the author of A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World, embarks on a journey of rediscovery, following in the footsteps of the many Europeans who preceded the Pilgrims to America.
Join The Filson and Horwitz for a lecture on his new book on May 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
An irresistible blend of history, myth and misadventure, A Voyage Long and Strange captures the wonder and drama of first contact. Vikings, conquistadors, French voyageurs—these and many others roamed an unknown continent in quest of grapes, gold and converts. Though most failed, their remarkable exploits left an enduring mark on the land and people encountered by late-arriving English settlers.
Tracing this legacy with his own epic trek— from Florida’s Fountain of Youth to Plymouth Rock, from desert pueblos to subarctic sweat lodges, Horwitz explores the revealing gap between what we enshrine and what we forget. Displaying his trademark talent for humor, narrative and historical insight, A Voyage Long and Strange allows us to rediscover the New World for ourselves and enlightens us about the hidden histories. The great cultural diversity of our country was born in part from the early explorations, and Horwitz looks close enough to be able to tell the stories.
Horwitz is the bestselling author of Blue Latitudes, Confederates in the Attic and Baghdad Without a Map. He is also a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who has worked for The Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker.
Following the lecture, Horwitz will be available for a book signing.
Cost: Free and open to the public.
The Filson's 18th Public Conference
Presidential Politics, Contested Elections, Hanging Chads and Outright Fraud
Addressing the Elections of of 1824, 1876, 1960, and 2000
Friday, May 16 - 6:30 p.m.
Howard Fineman - Keynote Lecture
Former Louisvillian Howard Fineman joins The Filson as the keynote lecturer on Friday, May 16 during the 18th Public Conference of The Filson Institute.
The United States is an arguing country. Our habit of argument is what makes us unique. By rejecting the idea that there is only one answer, argument is what keeps our nation free. In his new book The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Inspire and Define Our Country, Fineman combines his award-winning reporting for Newsweek and NBC with an innovative survey of four centuries of American and European history, offering a blueprint for understanding and participating in this vital aspect of American life.
American politics, Fineman writes, comprises 13 enduring debates that define us. The history of these arguments and the deals they have produced can inspire us and give us hope as we face the challenges of the 21st century. They are our national DNA - the double-helix of ideas and traditions - they can be broken down into five themes: The Individual - Who is a person? Over time, the varying answers to this central question have generated debates on slavery and women's rights. The Individual in Society - Who is an American? Immigration is a never-ending debate, as is free speech and information, faith in public life. Government - Who has the power to define law and money? The United States' Role in the World - What about trade, war and diplomacy? What is America doing to better the environment Living up to the American Promise - Is our system fair? Does everyone have a chance to speak or be spoken for?
There will be a reception at 5:30, free for Filson members and $5 for non-members. The lecture is free and open to the public at 6:30 p.m.
The Filson's 18th Public Conference
Presidential Politics, Contested Elections, Hanging Chads and Outright Fraud
Addressing the Elections of of 1824, 1876, 1960, and 2000
Saturday, May 17, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - The Filson Historical Society
The Filson Historical Society will host its 18th Public Conference. This two-day conference on May 16-17 explores some of the defining moments in our political history, moments we might prefer to forget, but ones that remind us that our form of government is fragile. For example, in 1824 Kentucky's own Henry Clay was accused by Democrat Andrew Jackson's supporters of participating in a "corrupt bargain" that threw the election to John Quincy Adams. And in 1876 Democrat Samuel Tilden won the popular votes but the Electoral College put Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in the White House. Sound familiar? In 1960 charges of vote buying tainted the election of Democrat John F. Kennedy, while in 2000 Al Gore won the popular vote by about half a million ballots, but the Electoral College decided that George W. Bush should be president. Don't miss what should be an exciting and informative series of lectures.
For more information, call (502) 635-5083 or click here.
To make reservations for these events, call (502) 635-5083
The Filson Historical Society
1310 South Third Street - Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: (502) 635-5083 Fax: (502) 635-5086
Hours
The Ferguson Mansion and Office
Monday - Friday: 9 am. - 5 pm.
Saturday and Sunday closed
Library and Special Collections
Monday - Friday: 9 am. - 5 pm.
First Saturday of every month: 9 am. - 4 pm