THE FAIR CHASE: The Epic Story of Hunting in America

From Daniel Boone to Teddy Roosevelt, hunting is one of America’s most sacred–but also most fraught-traditions. It was promoted in the 19th century as a way to reconnect “soft” urban Americans with nature and to the legacy of the country’s pathfinding heroes. Fair chase, a hunting code of ethics emphasizing fairness, rugged independence, and restraint towards wildlife, emerged as a worldview and gave birth to the conservation movement. But the sport’s popularity also caused class, ethnic, and racial divisions, and stirred debate about the treatment of Native Americans and the role of hunting in preparing young men for war. Join author

Join author PHILIP DRAY at the Boston Athenaeum for a sweeping and definitive account of hunting in America.

Members free and Visitors free with admission ($10). Registration not required

From Broken Glass: My Story of Finding Hope in Hitler’s Death Camps to Inspire a Generation

Join the Boston Athenaeum for an event in celebration of STEVE ROSS, former Psychologist for the City of Boston and founder of the New England Holocaust Memorial, one of Boston’s most visited sites, whose vandalism in the wake of the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, helped unite the city in the enormous march against hate speech last August. In this event, we shall hear from MIKE ROSS, Ross’s son, and GLENN FRANK and BRIAN WALLACE, co-authors of Ross’s memoir, From Broken Glass: My Story of Finding Hope in Hitler’s Death Camps to Inspire a New Generation.

Mayor MARTY WALSH, Former Mayor RAY FLYNN, and Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League ROBERT TRESTAN shall also speak to the contributions of this remarkable individual.

A book signing will follow the event.

The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy

The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy, led by REGIE GIBSON, is a musical and literary concert focusing on the background, mysteries, works, and impact of William Shakespeare. The Speakeasy uses American musical forms (blues, jazz, hiphop, country, etc…) as backdrop for stories, poems, songs and humor relating to “the Cat from Strat” (Stratford upon Avon, that is). Imagine a walking-tour through 16th century London narrated in “beat poet” style. Or, an Elizabethan sonnet liberated from the cage of its page and soulfully sang. Or, picture a verbal smackdown between characters from Shakespeare’s plays that you, as a member of the audience, will get to judge! Whether you are scholar or novice, student or teacher, Shakespeare lover or loather, the Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy will engage you and give you a new appreciation for “The Bard”.

Literary performer REGIE GIBSON has lectured and performed widely in the U.S., Cuba, and Europe. As a representative of the U.S., Regie received the Absolute Poetry Award in Monfalcone, Italy. He and his work appear in “love jones”, a feature-film based on events in his life. Gibson has been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, various NPR programs, nominated for a Boston Emmy, and has been a featured presenter for several TEDx events. He’s served as a consultant for the National Endowment for the Arts, James Madison’s Montpelier and is Poet-in-Residence for Mass Poetry. Regie has performed with & composed texts for, The Boston City Singers, The Mystic Chorale, the Handel+Haydn Society, and is a recent recipient of a 2017 Brother Thomas Fellowship for Artistic Excellence from The Boston Foundation.

Can’t get enough Shakespeare? Join other enthusiasts at the Athenæum’s Shakespeare Discussion Group for readings and discussions every second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

 

Boston Athenaeum Book Talk: Forged in Crisis

The Boston Athenaeum is proud to host NANCY KOEHN, author of Forged in Crisis, The Power of Courageous Leadership in Turbulent Times.

This enthralling historical narrative by Harvard Business School historian NANCY KOEHN spotlights five masters of crisis: polar explorer Ernest Shackleton; President Abraham Lincoln; legendary abolitionist Frederick Douglass; Nazi-resisting clergyman Dietrich Bonhoeffer; and environmental crusader Rachel Carson.

Registration is required. Members $15 and Visitors $20

Boston Athenaeum Book Talk: House at Lobster Cove

The Boston Athenaeum is pleased to host JANE GOODRICH, author of House at Lobster Cove. Everything about this historical novel is enchanting, from its letterpress cover to its masterful writing to its compelling central character, inspired by Boston’s wealthiest and most elusive bachelor, who built Kragsyde, a shingle-style architectural masterpiece on the North Shore.

Using characters, letters and events from history, JANE GOODRICH’s first novel is part family saga and part love story, as well as an engaging personal journey for the author.

Registration for is not required, Members free and Visitors free with admission ($10)