Events
Fall 2024 Colloquium - Shigehisa Kuriyama
Title: "The Great Forgetting" --or the one thing that everyone should know about the history of medicine--
Fall 2024 Colloquium - Patrick McCray
Abstract: To say that computers today are everywhere is an observation that verges on the obtuse. However, this assertion carries the burden of a significant historical question: How did this technological revolution happen? One powerful catalyst was, ironically, one of the oldest information technologies in the modern world: books. Computers had to be both popularized and popular (the two are not the same) before they became omnipresent. Books were an essential ingredient in this process.
My forthcoming book, titled README, offers a literary history of computers and computing between the end of World War Two and the dot-com crash that marked the first few years of the 21st century. In my talk, I will do three things: I’ll give an overview of the larger research project; I’ll present some examples of how books give insights into particular historical moments in the history of computers, the history of books and publishing, and American culture in general; and, finally, I’ll raise some questions the evolving relationship between writers and technology at a time when computers themselves have become authors of a sort.
First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The November program features presentations from the Social Welfare History Archives and the Children’s Literature Research Collections.
‘Danger in Familiarities!’ Relationship Advice From Social Workers
Presented by Linnea Anderson, Archivist, Social Welfare History Archives
From safe dancing positions to safe sex, enjoy examples from the Social Welfare History Archives of how social service and public health organizations spread advice, medical information, and dire warnings through pamphlets, posters, and other teaching materials.
What I Did for Love
Presented by Lisa Von Drasek, Curator, Children’s Literature Research Collections
As we enjoy the exhibit “Journey to Joy: Rise, Relevance, Representation in Children’s Picture Books,” we see what the authors and illustrators love about creating art and writing for children.
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: ‘Danger in Familiarities!’ Relationship advice from social workers and What I Did for Love
When: Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.
First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The December program features presentations from the Andersen Horticultural Library and the Wangensteen Historical Library.
Save the date! Event registration will open on Oct. 1.
Herbs for the Heart
Presented by Kristen Mastel, Head Librarian and Curator, Andersen Horticultural Library
How can you activate your senses for love? Wear a satchel of sweet-smelling lavender; sleep with yarrow under your bed; bathe in the fragrance of rosemary leaves; heal your heart with hawthorn. We will explore how herbs tie into rituals and recipes related to love in folklore from around the world.
There’s Something in the Air
Presented by Lois Hendrickson, Curator, and Anna Opryszko, Assistant Curator, Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine
Why do we care about smelling good? From perfume and plant scents to hygiene and odors, we’ll explore what’s in the air at the Wangensteen.
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: Herbs for the Heart and There’s Something in the Air
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.
First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The February program features presentations from the Upper Midwest Jewish Archives and the Archives and Special Collections.
Save the date! Event registration will open on Dec. 2.
Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy)
Presented by Kate Dietrick, Archivist, Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Making a match in the Jewish community has always been something worth singing about. From how to find that Nice Jewish Boy (or Girl) to professional matchmakers to debates over interfaith marriage, dating while Jewish is a spirited topic.
Unrequited Love: Looking at Love and Loss in the Archives
Presented by Rachel Weiher, Project Archivist, and Amy Gabbert, Project Assistant Archivist
Join us for a fascinating exploration of unrequited love through the University of Minnesota Archives and Special Collections. This presentation delves into a curated collection of poignant letters of rejection, heart-wrenching break-ups, and other personal correspondences that illuminate the complexities of unreciprocated affection. Discover the raw emotions and timeless themes captured in these historical documents, revealing the enduring impact of unfulfilled longing. This unique archive not only offers a window into the past but also prompts reflections on love’s universal struggles
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) and Unrequited Love: Looking at Love and Loss in the Archives
When: Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.
First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The March program features presentations from the University of Minnesota Archives and the Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies.
Save the date! Event registration will open on Jan. 2.
How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? A Brief History of Heart and Cardiovascular Research at the University of Minnesota
Presented by Erik Moore, University Archivist, University Archives
Heart disease became a leading cause of death in the 20th century. In response, researchers at the University of Minnesota contributed to combating the epidemic through physiological, surgical, and other methods..
An Underdog & A Good Friend: The Vivian Vance Memorial Card Collective and the Love of Queer Friendship
Presented by Aiden Bettine, Curator, Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart? A Brief History of Heart and Cardiovascular Research at the University of Minnesota
When: Friday, March 7, 2025 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.
First Fridays: Conversations from UMN's Archives and Special Collections
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The April program features presentations from the James Ford Bell Library and from Special Collections and Rare Books.
Save the date! Event registration will open on Feb. 3.
Heart-Shaped Worlds at the James Ford Bell Library
Presented by Anne Good, Assistant Curator, James Ford Bell Library
In the sixteenth century, as knowledge of the world grew and mapmakers developed new drafting methods, a handful of scholars experimented with an unusual way of seeing and
describing the world. This peculiar, new cartographic description was the cordiform – or heart-shaped – map projection. In this presentation, we will examine some of the oldest maps in the splendid collection of James Ford Bell Library, considering their historical contexts, and asking: does love have anything to do with it?
A Fine Romance: A Celebration of Fine Press Books
Presented by Marguerite Ragnow, Curator, James Ford Bell Library; Interim Curator, Special Collections and Rare Books
Blurb: Love abounds in the collection of Fine Press Books in Special Collections and Rare Books. These limited 20th-century editions emphasize typography and illustration. In the words of the romantic song by Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields, they are “lovely to look at, delightful to hold.” Join interim curator Marguerite Ragnow as she offers a glimpse of some of the volumes of love and romance that are part of this collection.
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: Heart-Shaped Worlds at the James Ford Bell Library and A Fine Romance: A Celebration of Fine Press Books
When: Friday, April 4, 2025 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.
Final 24-25 First Fridays - Featuring the CBI Archives
First Fridays: Matters of the Heart
Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The April program features presentations from the James Ford Bell Library and from Special Collections and Rare Books.
Save the date! Event registration will open on March 3.
Our High-Tech Love Affairs
Presented by Amanda Wick, Curator, Charles Babbage Institute Archives
High tech fascinates us. Its potential and limitations constantly inspiring humans to push further, do more, and dream bigger. From the evolution of online dating to the passion of the space race and patriotic fervor of the nuclear arms race, this presentation will examine ways in which computers fuel unexpected matters of the heart and soul.
Love and Belonging in Black Art and Politics
Presented by Davu Seru, Curator, Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life
There is Black Love in the archives. This presentation of materials from Givens Collection highlights how race leadership in the arts and politics have shaped a nearly 200-year romance with Black nationalism.
About
First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.
Event details
What: First Fridays: Heart-Shaped Worlds at the James Ford Bell Library and A Fine Romance: A Celebration of Fine Press Books
When: Friday, May 2, 2025 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions
Notice of photography
Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.