You Teach History at MIT?
Description
Professor Pauline Maier discusses her experiences teaching U.S. history at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), from the American Revolution to the current events in Iraq.
The University as Patron of Cutting Edge Architecture
Description
A panel of scholars and professionals discusses college and university architecture throughout U.S. history, focusing particularly on the architectural history of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Professor and author James Ackerman overviews the general history and development of academic architecture in the U.S.; curator Kimberly Alexander specifically overviews MIT's architectural history; and MIT president Charles Vest describes the process of completing the modern Stata Center.
To view part two of this lecture, scroll down to "Related Videos."
The Myth of American Exceptionalism
Description
Professor and author Howard Zinn traces the evocation of divine right and approval as a force in U.S. politics, looking at how it has been used to support economic and military interests. He focuses particularly on how it has been used to justify war and violent action, both in the past and today, in the Middle East.
The Story of American Freedom: 1776-2005
Description
Professor Eric Foner traces the development of the concept of "freedom" in the U.S., beginning with the nation's founding and continuing up to 2005 (the present day at the time of the lecture). He focuses on race relations and fights by minorities for civil liberties as focus points for the definition of freedom.
Jay Gatsby and the Myth of American Origins
Description
Professor Leo Marx presents the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby, as "a representative American," using the arc of the character's development to explore popular myths and understandings of U.S. origins, developments, and dangers.
The Charles River Parklands: Reclaiming the Legacy
Description
A panel of authors, urban planners, and politicians detail the history of Boston's Charles River Parklands, and discuss its possible future.
Historical Society of Washington, DC [DC]
Description
The Historical Society of Washington, DC, is dedicated to preserving the unique historical and cultural heritage of Washington, DC. The society owns and operates a local history museum, which is located in Washington's famous Carnegie Library, which was once the primary library in the DC public library system.
The society offers exhibits, guided tours of the museum, educational programs, and special events. The website offers educational resources including lesson plans and documents, visitor information, and a brief history of the society.
Historical Museum of Southern Florida [FL]
Description
The Historical Museum of Southern Florida presents the history of South Florida and the Caribbean. The museum's permanent exhibit addresses Native American life, the international rivalry for dominance in the region, southward expansion and Seminole displacement, the development of technology and the region's economy, and immigration and tourism to South Florida. Consistent themes include ethnic diversity, immigration, and use of the natural environment.
The museum offers exhibits, summer camps, curriculum-based programs for students, historical site excursions for students, outreach programs for students, evening history programs, family programs, social and ecological history tours for adults, and research library and archive access. The website offers pre-visit materials.
Transylvania County Historical Society [NC]
Description
The Transylvania County Historical Society was founded in 1987 in order to preserve the Allison-Deaver House. The society is also dedicated to preserving the history of Transylvania County.
The society offers occasional special events and guided tours of the Allison-Deaver house. The website offers visitor information, a brief history of the society, and a listing of upcoming events.
Dodge County Historical Society and Museum [MN]
Description
The Dodge County Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Dodge County, Minnesota. To this end, the society operates a local history museum. The society is housed in the 1869 St. John's Episcopal Church building.
The society offers exhibits and research library access.