This weeklong seminar will bring together a distinguished team of humanities scholars who will provide an interdisciplinary exploration of Zora Neale Hurston's life and work. Participants will examine Hurston's accomplishments within the context of the historical and cultural development of the Eatonville community. They will grapple with compelling questions about how this unique black enclave fueled Hurston's appreciation of folk culture, inspired her literary works, created her racial identity, and formed her sometimes controversial views on race.

This final session in the series features a talk from University of California, Davis historian Clarence Walker and lessons presented by three teachers.

This seminar will examine the creation of identity and a sense of place by inhabitants and visitors to the Great Plains throughout the history of the U.S. Discussions and lectures will focus on four books: author and historian Walter P. Webb's 1931 "The Great Plains"; author Willa Cather's 1918 "My Antonia"; author N. Scott Momaday's 1969 "The Way to Rainy Mountain"; and author, historian, and environmentalist Wallace Stegner's 1955 autobiography "Wolf Willow: A History, a Story, and a Memory of the Last Plains Frontier."

This seminar will examine the teaching of Eudora Welly's memoir "One Writer's Beginnings," including how social studies teachers can "draw upon its vivid portrait of a distinctive era in Mississippi history."

This workshop will explore the life and times of author and photographer Eudora Welty (1909-2001). Hosted at the Welty House, the workshop will include visits to archives and historic sites, lectures, discussions, and curriculum development.

This workshop will explore the life and times of author and photographer Eudora Welty (1909-2001). Hosted at the Welty House, the workshop will include visits to archives and historic sites, lectures, discussions, and curriculum development.