Founder’s Day Talk by Nicholas Basbanes, April 1, 2010
Nicholas BasbanesThe William L. Clements Founder’s Day Lecture"Further Adventures Among the Gently Mad"April 1, 4:00 p.m.Main Room, Clements Library909 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MINicholas Basbanes, an internationally syndicated columnist and author, on the joys and adventures of antiquarian book collecting. He will talk about the world of antiquarian books—collecting, curating, and the “gentle madness” that drives people to covet, accumulate and cherish old books. Nicholas Basbanes...
Mister Clements and His Magnificent Library: A Documentary about the Clements Library
In 2007, the Clements Library commissioned a documentary, Mister Clements and His Magnificent Library, to commemorate the retirement of John C. Dann, the third director. Highlighting the achievements of the Library's founder and past directors, the documentary provides a history of the Library and its rich collections of historical materials. The complete 30-minute version was originally shown at John C. Dann's retirement event, and has aired periodically on the Michigan Channel. Created by...
Lecture by William Cronon, Environmental Historian, March 25th, 2010
Prof. William Cronon“The Portage: Time, Memory, and Storytellingin the Making of an American Place” Thursday, March 25, 4:00 pmMain Room, Clements LibraryWilliam Cronon is the Frederick Jackson Turner Professor of History, Geography, and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Cronon is recognized for his work as a commentator in Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea and author of Changes in the Land: Indians, Colonists, and the Ecology of New England, which...
Talk by Julie Fremuth: “Preserving History: Engaging Today’s Youth Through Historical Documents,” March 11, 2010
March 11, 201012:00pm - 1:30pmMain Room, Clements Library Julie Fremuth, a paper conservator and rare book binder at the University of Michigan's William L. Clements Library, uses the inspiration she gets from the amazing items in the library's collection to create projects she can teach young students. These projects teach the children historical origins as well as getting them to use their hands and minds creatively.Her presentation will show not only original items from the Clements,...
Online Exhibit: “Honest Independence”: The Life of Norton Strange Townshend
Norton Strange Townshend: An Online Exhibit at the William L. Clements Library A new online exhibit featuring the papers of Norton Strange Townshend is now available on the Clements Library website. (For a list of other library exhibits, see the main Exhibits page.) From the introduction to the exhibit: Norton Strange Townshend (1815-1895) had a long and multi-faceted career in politics, medicine, social reform, and agricultural education. His accomplishments included antislavery activism,...
Current Exhibit: “American Encounters: Sources for the Study of Native American History at the Clements Library,” March 1 – June 4, 2010
Now on display in the Great Room of the Clements Library, until June 4, 2010. Open to the public Monday through Thursday, 1:00-4:45 or by appointment.AMERICAN ENCOUNTERSSources for the Study of Native American History at the Clements Library American Encounters highlights the great range and depth of the Clements Library’s collections related to Native American history. The exhibit features items drawn from many areas of the collection, including books, maps, manuscripts, prints, and...
Lecture by Leonard Walle: “Chasing the Light: 19th Century Astronomical Photography,” February 27th, 2010
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2:00 P.M.Clements Library, University of Michigan909 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1190The work of 19th century photographers, painters, and astronomers interwove to capture and document astronomical events and record the fascinating workings of astronomers themselves. Leonard Walle shares this history and his fine collection of early astronomical photographs in a talk in the Great Hall of the Clements Library.This event is co-sponsored by the Michigan...
Today in History: Valentine’s Day Cards
Saint Valentine's Day was first established in 496 A.D., and became associated with the celebration of romantic love in the Middle Ages. In the United States, mass-produced paper valentines were first sold in the mid-1800s. The Ephemera collection at the Clements Library includes a variety of greeting cards for many occasions. A sampling of some of these cards shows the great diversity and creativity of 19th century Valentines. While the earlier cards are simple handmade items, the later...
Black History Month at the Clements
The Clements Library has a wealth of materials on African American history, documenting many aspects of slavery, the abolitionist movement, the Civil War, and beyond. Much research remains to be done with these materials, to more fully explore the African American experience in the United States. Some highlights from the different Divisions include: Book Division: Narrative of James Williams, an American Slave (1838) The American Anti-Slavery Society published this controversial account of...
Staff Favorite: First Map of the State of Vermont
Here at the Clements Library, we are sometimes asked, "What is your favorite item in the collection?" In a library full of great treasures, there is no easy answer to this question, and the answer will probably vary for each person. Starting with this post, the Clements Library blog will occasionally feature one of these favorite items, selected by a library staff member. These may not always be the most famous objects in the library, but the choices will reveal something of what we do here at...