Next Friday, the library invites people to dust off their Depression-era treasures for a little show-and-tell, while also discovering details about an important aspect of our nation’s history.
Linebaugh Public Library System will hold a special program about the Federal Writers’ Project and Depression-era antiques at 6 p.m. Friday, May 29 at the Patterson Park Community Center Theatre,521 Mercury Blvd. in Murfreesboro.
The program will include:
• A screening of excerpts from “Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story”, a new television documentary about the Federal Writers’ Project. Produced by Spark Media of Washington DC, Soul of a People will be broadcast later this year on the Smithsonian Channel HD.
• A discussion of the impact and legacy of the Federal Writers’ Project, led by Dr. Kristine McCusker, history professor at MTSU.
• One-on-one evaluations of Depression-era antiques, conducted by C.B. Arnette, former owner of Arnette Antique Galleries, and Greg Tidwell, co-owner of Bell Jewelers.
Audience members are invited to bring small items from the 1920s or 1930s, such as pieces of Depression glass, kitchen or household items, small toys, or jewelry for evaluation.
Arnette, a local historian, has dealt in antiques since 1956. The Tidwell family has operated Bell Jewelers since 1973. While Arnette and Tidwell both have experience in evaluating antiques from this era, they will not be giving certified appraisals during the program.
“During the Depression, glassware was given as a premium at movie theaters and with the purchase of various products. Since then, Depression glass has become a popular collectible,” McCusker said. “We thought this program was a natural opportunity to explore this area of interest while also learning more about a relevant period of our past.”
Following the evaluation, McCusker will lead a discussion about the role of the Federal Writers’ Project during the Great Depression and its lasting legacy.
The FWP was one small part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s efforts to put people back to work. Audience members will be invited to ask questions, describe their experiences relating to the FWP and the Great Depression, and comment on similarities and differences with the current economic downturn.
The program is part of a special series being offered by LPLS in conjunction with the “Soul of a People” documentary.
This free program is for school-age children and adults; light refreshments will be served.
“Soul of a People” programs are made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life, with support from the American Library Association Public Programs Office.
Additional programs will be held at LPLS branches in May through July.
For more information on the entire program series, visit www.linebaugh.org/soul.htm or call 615-893-4131. |
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