To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, in collaboration with the Scottish government as part of its Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebration, presents a free public symposium on Burns's life and work, as well as his impact on America and American culture.

Marjorie Agosin, recipient of the United Nations Leadership Award for Human Rights was raised in Santiago, Chile until the 1973 coup. She is the author of poetry and prose about human rights, memory, and Jewish identity. Her work exemplifies the power of language to effect change and give voice.

In conjunction with Facing History's content and themes of rescue during the Holocaust, participants will deepen their understanding of the ways one person can make a difference. The workshop will feature the documentary Blessed is the Match, one of Facing History's latest resources that tells the story of Hannah Senesh, the World War II-era poet and diarist who became a soldier, martyr, and national heroine in Israel.

This workshop will use Facing History's resource Stitching Truth: Women's Protest Art in Pinochet's Chile to examine the story of how women in Chile used arpilleras, brightly colored tapestries, to confront a dictatorship and restore democracy using nonviolent methods. This resource is part of Facing History's "Making History" series, about people and groups who chose to make a difference.

In a climate of fear, sisters, wives, and mothers of the victims of Pinochet's dictatorship searched for their loved ones. They found their voice through the folk art of embroidery, telling their stories through colorful tapestries. Using Facing History's resource book and lessons, this workshop explores the role of art in fighting for justice and social change and includes primary sources, poetry, and art. This workshop will take place at Northwestern University's main library where the tapestries will be on display during the month of November.

"Born in Jacksonville, FL, James Weldon Johnson is best known for his composition "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," widely known as the Negro National Anthem. In the presentation of Johnson by Chautauqua scholar Leroy Mitchell, we learn about this creative genius and prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance."

"Born in Jacksonville, FL, James Weldon Johnson is best known for his composition "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing," widely known as the Negro National Anthem. In the presentation of Johnson by Chautauqua scholar Leroy Mitchell, we learn about this creative genius and prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance."