James M. Elson's paper, "Generations: Their Influence on You and Your Descendants," examines the cyclical nature of generational influence on society and individual lives. Drawing on theories by Strauss and Howe, Elson outlines how historical events shape generational characteristics and cycles, and how these cycles impact public policy, business practices, and personal decisions.
Rabbi Shapiro's paper dwells on the Cairo Genizah, a collection of documents from the Cairo Jewish community between the 10th and 13th centuries. It consists of tracts, letters, money orders,, book remnants and others that together compose a mosaic of Jewish life. It also includes the Damascus Covenant, describing a lost Jewish sect mentioned in the Qumran scrolls. Shapiro recounts the story of how these documents came to reside at Cambridge University. Its rescue led to the acquisition of other genizas. He recounts details from the documents and discusses what the documents reveal about Jewsih culture of that period, and the great similarities with modern Jewish culture.
This presentation by Nancy Marion delves into the evolution of Virginia's road systems from Native American trails through the era of Henry Ford's influence on transportation. The speaker, fascinated by the transformation of Lynchburg and its roads, explores the historical context and development of major routes that have shaped interstate highways today. Through maps and narratives, the presentation covers the transition from reliance on waterways and rugged paths to sophisticated road networks, highlighting significant changes in infrastructure, transportation engineering practices, and the societal shift towards automobile travel. The talk reflects on both the technical advancements in road construction and the broader implications for commerce, mobility, and cultural landscapes in Virginia.
Richard P. Gifford's paper, "Girding for the Battle for Freedom," analyzes the contemporary church-state issue in the United States. It reviews historical church-state relations, critiques the 1963 New York decision to ban the stanza of "America," and argues for the importance of maintaining religious references in public life to preserve true freedom under God.
J. Everette Fauber Jr.'s "Goodbye, Wilderness" explores the ethical and philosophical dichotomy between natural and human-altered worlds. The paper contrasts the inherent cooperation in the animal kingdom with human behavior, questioning moral boundaries and environmental impact. It discusses themes of evolution, natural instincts, and the consequences of technological and societal advancements, ultimately challenging readers to reflect on humanity's role and responsibilities.
This academic paper critically examines the growth and implications of bureaucratic structures within the U.S. government, particularly during the administrations under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It highlights the extensive increase in the number of federal bureaus and their employees, spurred predominantly by executive orders, and critiques the inefficiencies and potential threats to democracy posed by these sprawling governmental agencies. The paper discusses historical changes, personnel policies, and the impact of bureaucracy on governmental efficiency and democratic governance.
A discussion of the failure of federal farm policy to keep farmers on their farms, maintain farm income, prevent unnecessary surpluses, be cost-effective, and adapt to changes in productivity.
Scanned images of an envelope, letter, and form addressed to Jane Maud Campbell at Jones Memorial Library. The letter from Greenville Public Library on 22 March 1930 references a summer school course for "Negro Public Library assistants". It is unknown if anyone from the Jones Memorial Library attended the training program.
The correspondence is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, the Dunbar High School Library Papers.
This academic paper explores the life and legacy of Anne Spencer, a notable figure in the Harlem Renaissance. McKendrick delves into Spencer's multifaceted identity as a poet, her experiences with racial dynamics, and her significant contributions to African American literature. Despite the challenge of encapsulating Spencer's 93-year life within a concise presentation, the paper highlights her defiance of societal norms, her nuanced approach to race and identity, and her unique voice in poetry that transcends protest to embody beauty, control, and a profound connection with nature. Spencer's work and life story are contextualized within the broader narrative of the Harlem Renaissance, emphasizing her influence and the challenges she faced in gaining recognition.
Scanned images of a handwritten list entitled "Hampton Institute Library School Stories About Negroes for Children list". This item is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, the Dunbar High School Library Papers.
The list is sorted alphabetically by author last name and includes recommended titles to include in a library serving African Americans in the early 1900s.
The paper by James M. Elson, presented to the Sphex Club in 2000, explores Patrick Henry's role in the Virginia Convention of 1788, focusing on his opposition to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Elson details Henry's political philosophy, his eloquent speeches, and his influence on the inclusion of a Bill of Rights. Despite Henry's fears of a centralized government, the Constitution was ultimately ratified.
Dr. Thomas Tiller's presentation, "Hearing Voices," examines the evolution and impact of race relations and equality movements in the United States, contextualized within the framework of America's three historical reconstructions. The paper discusses the recent resurgence in racial justice activism, its historical precedents, and the potential future implications for societal change and reforms in areas like policing and reparations. The title refers to the many messages about our civil rights deficits we have received and not attended to, and the author highlights the step-forward, step-backward nature of civil rights efforts in the US.
Thomas C. Tiller's lecture outlines the complex history and contemporary challenges of nuclear weapons under eleven U.S. presidents. It covers the inception of nuclear arms during FDR's term, emphasizing the scientific breakthroughs and the ethical dilemmas faced by leaders, particularly Truman's decision to use atomic bombs on Japan. The narrative progresses through subsequent administrations, highlighting shifts towards deterrence, arms control efforts like SALT and START treaties, and the end of the Cold War. Tiller also discusses the modern nuclear threats from countries like North Korea and Iran, the proliferation risks, and the renewed global dialogue on nuclear disarmament, referencing significant contributions like the Wall Street Journal op-ed by Shultz, Perry, Kissinger, and Nunn advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons. The paper concludes by questioning the financial and moral costs of nuclear armament and echoing Eisenhower's call for a reevaluation of priorities towards peace and prosperity.
Scanned images of Manuscript Collection 1521.
The Henry Louis Amonette Letter to Marie is held in physical format at Jones Memorial Library in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The original letter is 12 pages, handwritten on ivory paper in black ink. The letter is dated 27 February 1919 and is addressed to "Marie", presumably a young student or penpal.
Henry Louis Amonette was born in 1893 in Amherst County, Virginia. He graduated from Lynchburg High School in 1913. During World War I, Amonette served as private, first class in the Ambulance Convoy Service in the Sanitary Service Unit No. 649 of the First Division. He died in Lynchburg in 1958.
The letter shared Amonette's reminiscences of serving in Europe during World War I.
Included with images of the handwritten letter is a four page typed transcription.
Julie Doyle's lecture at SPHEX on November 3, 2011, titled "Here Come the Kleagles," ventures into an unexplored segment of Notre Dame's history, revealing its unexpected intersection with the Ku Klux Klan's activities in the 1920s. Doyle unveils how Notre Dame, a symbol of Catholic education and values, became a battleground against the KKK's resurgence, highlighting a lesser-known chapter of the university's legacy. Through detailed recounting, she illuminates the courageous stand taken by Notre Dame students against the Klan's attempt to parade through South Bend, Indiana, thereby challenging and overcoming the Klan's message of hate and bigotry.
Lewellys F. Barker's paper, Heredity and Environment from the Medical Viewpoint, presented on 4/7/1923, delves into the impact of heredity and environment on medical conditions, exploring the balance between genetic predispositions and external factors in disease development. Barker emphasizes the role of internal secretions in physical and mental development, and discusses the implications for medical treatment and societal health.
he paper titled "Hoaxes, Swindles and Cheats" explores various historical and modern deceptions, swindles, and hoaxes, examining their evolution and impact on society. The author discusses numerous cases, from the Cardiff Giant to the Piltdown Man, illustrating how these events often start as innocent pranks but can escalate into large-scale frauds or cultural phenomena. The discussion includes both humorous anecdotes and serious scams, highlighting the thin line between playful trickery and harmful deceit.
Ellen G. Nygaard's presentation "Home Grown" traces the history of the Central Virginia Training Center (CVTC), originally the Virginia State Epileptic Colony, and its evolution through the 20th century. It outlines the institution's initial role in housing individuals with various deficits and its subsequent involvement in the American Eugenics movement, including involuntary sterilizations legitimized by the Supreme Court case Buck vs. Bell. Nygaard discusses the shift towards more humane and enlightened care for individuals with special needs, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of providing appropriate care in the 21st century.
Ellen G. Nygaard's talk, "Home Sweet Home?", discussed global and U.S. refugee resettlement programs, emphasizing her experiences with the Lynchburg Catholic community's 2004 project aiding Bantu refugees from Somalia. Highlighting challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and societal prejudice, Nygaard concluded with insights on overcoming personal biases and the importance of love and family. The paper underscores the complexities of refugee assimilation and the resilience of displaced individuals.
