As part of Nevada Humanities Chautauqua 2012 “Saints and Sinners”, Washoe County libraries will present free programs between June 25-28. Visit the library and enjoy an informative and entertaining workshop. Please note: These workshops are not Chautauqua performances in costume or in character.
“A Saint and Sinner and His Times: The Chaotic 1960s and George Wallace”
Doug A. Mishler Workshop
Monday, June 25, 1 p.m., Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks, 424-1800
The 1960s were one of the most chaotic times in American history. In this workshop, we will explore the many crises of the 1960s and how George Wallace responded to them, from threatening to run over “hippies” with his car to building schools for blacks. Wallace was a complex man in a very complex time. By exploring his story, we can learn a lot about American values in that time of crisis.
“Military Tactics and Strategies of General Robert E. Lee: The Views from Both Sides Now.”
- Theodore Kachel Workshop
Wednesday, June 27, 1 p.m., South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway, 851-5190
Robert E. Lee is often regarded as one of the greatest military tacticians in American history. We will examine how Lee’s contemporaries, who fought with and against him in the field during and immediately after the war, understood Lee as a General. Then we will compare and contrast these views with recent studies of him as a military leader by contemporary historians inside and outside the military professions.
“Benedict Arnold: The making of an American Judas”
Frank X. Mullen Workshop
Wednesday, June 27, 2 p.m., Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Ave., 832-4130
Thursday, June 28, 2 p.m., Northwest Reno Library, 2325 Robb Drive, 787-4100
The demonization of General Benedict Arnold began days after his treason and hasn’t let up in 232 years. We will examine how Arnold, the Continental Army’s greatest field commander until his treason and who twice saved the revolution, was painted by history as the devil incarnate while Robert E. Lee, a rebel with far more American blood on his hands, today is revered as a saint. In addition, reproductions of Revolutionary War era artifacts, from coins to weapons, will be on display.
“Coal Camp Memories”—Karen Vuranch Workshop
Thursday, June 28, 2 p.m., Downtown Reno Library, 301 South Center Street, 327-8300
Coal Camp Memories is a one-act play, written and performed by West Virginia scholar, Karen Vuranch. Karen has a MA in American Studies, focusing on coal history. In addition, she collected oral history from people who lived in mining communities known as coal camps. Karen created this play chronicling the life of a coal camp woman, Hallie Marie. Her story is a composite of many people who lived during those times. Vuranch ages in front of the audience and grows from an exuberant ten-year-old, to a demure teenager, to a young wife, to an old woman wise with years. During the scene changes, traditional music is performed. Coal Camp Memories is a tender and poignant story that recreates an era and delights audiences of all ages. Vuranch has performed this play throughout the nation and England and Wales, including at the prestigious Dylan Thomas Festival in Swansea, Wales.
These programs are presented in collaboration with Nevada Humanities. For information about Nevada Humanities Chautauqua events, see www.nevadahumanities.org or call 784-6587.
For more information about library programs and hours, please visit the library website at www.washoecountylibrary.us.
