Naper Settlement's History Speaks explores the life of first lady Dolley Madison Feb. 13
Naper Settlement's next program in the "History Speaks" lecture series will focus on the charming, flamboyant, and strong-willed Dolley Madison on Sunday, Feb. 13.
The program presented by Jessica Michna will be from 4 to 5 p.m. in Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St. Cost is $10 per person. Sign up at www.napersettlement.org.
Born into a Quaker family, Dolley was raised to be obedient and well-behaved. As first lady, Dolley would become the Grand Dame of Washington. Her strength of character would be tested to the utmost by the War of 1812.
Early in her life, she married a man selected by her father. Dolley would soon be strengthened by adversity. Widowed at an early age she would soon be courted by Congressman James Madison.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Jessica Michna developed a love of history at an early age. She and her family visited the many historic sites throughout America. Her school years would find her appearing in various productions, in addition to costume design and construction. Her love of theater and history would lead her to start First Impressions. Since its founding in 2000, she has expanded her repertoire to include over 20 historic figures.
• On March 13 Desmond Odugu will lead a discussion on "Redlining." Learn about the effects of the 20th-century state, local, and federal housing policies and practices that ensured segregated communities.
Odugu, an associate professor of education and chair of education at Lake Forest College, is a researcher in the areas of civil rights and education.
• On April 10, Leslie Goddard will talk about "Midcentury Cuisine: Food Fads from the 1940s-60s."
Remember Jell-O salads and cheese sprayed out of a can? When every pantry held Velveeta and all the kids wanted to drink Tang?
Join the historian and author for a nostalgic look at the food innovations and marketing approaches that transformed how we ate at midcentury. Using classic cookbooks, advertisements, and family magazines, we'll explore how society and technology shaped American food from the 1940s through the 1960s.
Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been portraying famous women and presenting history lectures for more than 10 years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in U.S. history and American Studies as well as master's degrees in both theater and museum studies.
• On May 15, singer-songwriter and folklorist Chris Vallillo will lead "Oh Freedom! Songs of the Civil Rights Movement."
The Civil Rights Movement has been described as one of the greatest singing movements this country has experienced. From "We Shall Overcome" to "This Little Light of Mine," music played a vital role in that historic struggle both as an inspirational rallying point and as a way to spread the message of equality and justice. From the Freedom Riders, to the jails of Montgomery Alabama, and Parchment Prison, all the way to Washington D.C., both old and new songs of the era spoke of the yearning for equal rights, the struggle and the determination to win freedom. They engaged and energized the movement and became the backbone of the nonviolent civil disobedience movement led by Dr. King and others.
A master of bottleneck slide guitar, Vallillo weaves original, contemporary, and traditional songs and narratives into a compelling and entertaining portrait of the history and lifestyle of the Midwest.
For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.