History Speaks Lecture Series

History Speaks Lecture Series 2008

Join us at Naper Settlement for this special lecture series on prominent figures and topics with primary focus on the 19th century.
All programs are held from 7-8 p.m. in the Century Memorial Chapel.

$5/Naperville Heritage Society Sustaining Member and students
$6/non-member

Reservations for all presentations are recommended. Please call 630.420.6010 to reserve your seat or to order a Series Pass.

Harriet Tubman

February 10, 2008
Pam Welcome presents a powerful first-person portrayal of Harriet Tubman, whose life was a testament to courage and determination. Born into slavery, Tubman freed herself, and then at great personal risk, led approximately 300 persons to freedom along the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses where runaway slaves could stay on their journey north to freedom.

Thomas Edison

March 9, 2008
Historian and actor R.J. Lindsey presents a fascinating look at inventor Thomas Edison. Arriving with a telegraph key, his phonograph and a large sketchpad, Edison is deaf and asks the audience to write down any questions they may have, then uses them to weave together the story of his inventive life. During the program, Edison uses the sketchpad to diagram the first phonograph; his improved Bell telephone; the reproducing telegraph; and the electric pen. This prolific inventor's discoveries paved the way for not only electric power, but also radio and electronics, motion pictures and sound recording.

Thomas Jefferson

April 13, 2008
Phil Lauricella portrays Thomas Jefferson, the famous author of the Declaration of Independence, the third President of the United States and the proponent of the Louisiana Purchase. Hear President Jefferson's views of the new Constitution, Lewis and Clark, the Bill of Rights, personal liberties, slavery and his "Trinity of Heroes." Join in the celebration of the 265th anniversary of Jefferson's birth on April 13, 1743.

Louisa May Alcott

May 11, 2008
Louisa May Alcott earned international fame as the author of Little Women and other books based her life, including Little Men and Jo's Boys. In this program presented by actress and historian Leslie Goddard, meet the author behind these beloved works. One of four daughters of an intellectual and non-conventional father, she knew Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau as neighbors. Prompted by a hatred of slavery, and a desire to expand women's rights, she volunteered as a nurse during the Civil War. Alcott never married, and dedicated much of her life to writing, education, and women's rights

All events and prices are subject to change without notice.