Our Lecture Series is in full swing and full of exciting topics, authors, and discussions this month. It may be August in New Hampshire, but we’ve got cool air and some of the best indoor entertainment every Tuesday evening throughout the month. From the First Lady of World War II to the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the swinging tunes of the Big Band era, there’s something for everyone!
All lectures begin promptly at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.* Doors open one hour early.
August 5th – Shannon McKenna Schmidt: The First Lady of World War II
Author Shannon McKenna Schmidt joins us to kick off our August Lecture Series with a look at the First Lady of World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt. In August 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt set out on an unprecedented journey to the Pacific. Part goodwill tour, part fact-finding foray, and part informal diplomatic mission, this First Lady’s intrepid trek across 25,000 miles through the South Pacific and into territory still under enemy air attack marked a significant departure from the typical duties of a first lady. Find out how travel was a key factor to her success and how her leadership was an important part of the war effort.
Join us for our not-so-arduous trek into danger and diplomacy as we explore this unprecedented South Pacific tour.
August 12th – Arthur Krulewitz, MD CM: The Cuban Missile Crisis
Fresh off our World War II-era South Pacific tour, we welcome Wright Museum docent and retired internal medicine/critical care/pulmonary physician Arthur Krulewitz, MD CM, to the Lecture Series podium to discuss the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This major confrontation brought the United States and the Soviet Union closer to war over the presence of Soviet nuclear-armed ballistic missiles in Cuba. For thirteen days in October 1962, the world teetered on the edge of a nuclear holocaust as the U.S. president and Soviet premier engaged in high-stakes political brinksmanship.
Learn more about the Cuban Missile Crisis and how it shaped the Cold War by joining us for this edge-of-your-seat discussion.
August 19th – Dr. Fred Johnson, III: Dentist Under Fire: The Heroism of Ben Salomon
Associate Professor of History at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Dr. Fred Johnson III, joins us tonight to discuss the heroism of Ben Salomon. During World War II, Captain Benjamin Louis Salomon, recipient of the Medal of Honor, attempted to hold off the enemy while his patients attempted to clear an aid station. When his body was found later, 98 dead enemy soldiers were found in front of his position.
Come out for an inspirational night at the museum learning more about this remarkable hero and the actions that led to his receiving the Medal of Honor.
August 26th – The Freese Brothers Big Band
*Note: This performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
We’re mixing things up this week and turning over our lecture podium to the Freese Brothers Big Band! Join us for an 80th anniversary salute to the Greatest Generation and the home front with tunes that brought solace and cheer to turbulent times and defined the generation. Join us for this special celebration and enjoy the music that was the soundtrack of the war years.
