NEW BREMEN — What do Kermit the Frog, the Star-Spangled Banner and the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk Flyer have in common?
History buffs and curious minds throughout Auglaize County and surrounding areas will have an opportunity to find out the answer to that question when Richard Kurin, author of “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects,” visits New Bremen Tuesday, Nov. 24. The author will be signing copies of his book at the New Bremen Coffee Co. from 1 to 3:30 p.m. He will also be speaking about the book and signing copies at the Lock One Theater from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Smithsonian Institution describes “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects” as detailing 101 objects from across the Smithsonian’s museums that together offer a new perspective on U.S. history. Each entry pairs the history surrounding each object with the story of its creation or discovery and the place it has come to occupy in America’s national memory. The Smithsonian credits the book with shedding new light on well-known objects from Lincoln’s hat to Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Neil Armstrong’s space suit, and sharing the tales of how each made its way into the collections of the Smithsonian.
According to the Smithsonian, Kurin is the institution’s Under Secretary for History, Art and Culture, responsible for many of its museums and educational programs. Trained as a cultural anthropologist, he is a former Fulbright Fellow who earned his doctorate from the University of Chicago and directed the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage for two decades. Awarded the Smithsonian Secretary’s Gold Medal for Exceptional Service, Kurin also serves as the Smithsonian’s liaison to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the White House Historical Association and numerous other boards.
Publishers Weekly said, “Kurin [has] done a masterful job. Even…well-known items have surprising and significant back stories. Unexpected selections…make the book even more engrossing, and…can make for some emotional reading. Kurin does a terrific job of expanding upon the story of each object, whether it’s a pair of slave shackles or a damaged door from one of the New York City fire trucks that responded to 9/11. This humanistic approach to storytelling makes for immersive, addictive reading.”
Copies of the “The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects” are available for purchase at The Crown Store located at 120 W. Monroe St. The New Bremen Coffee Co. is located at 107 W. Monroe St., and the Lock One Theater is located at 8 W. Monroe St.
