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.
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
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.