Quarterly Lectures
Showcasing our region's rich history and culture
Each year, ETHS provides quarterly lectures that showcase our region's rich history and culture. Topics range from the early settlements to the tragedy of the Civil War and the dramatic federal projects of the twentieth century, focusing on the extraordinary events from our past and the everyday lives of the people of East Tennessee.
Unless otherwise noted, Quarterly Lectures are free and open to the public and are held in the auditorium of the East Tennessee History Center at 601 South Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
B o o k S i g n i n g & L e c t u r e
David Crockett: Lion of the West
by Michael Wallis
Tuesday. May 24, 2011
Open to the public, East Tennessee History Center Auditorium
Steeped in legend, shrouded in folklore, the real David Crockett--American frontiersman and cultural icon--finally emerges in this engrossing biography. Publishers Weekly
His name was David Crockett, and he never signed it any other way; yet popular culture transformed his memory into “Davy Crockett,” and Hollywood gave him a raccoon hat he hardly ever wore. Born into a humble Tennessee family in 1786, Crockett never “killed him a b’ar” when he was only three. But he did cut a wide swath across early nineteenth-century America—as a bear hunter, a frontier explorer, a soldier serving under Andrew Jackson, an unlikely congressman, and, finally, a martyr in his now-controversial death at the Alamo.
Three times nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, David Crockett journalist and popular historian Michael Wallis’ numerous recognitions include the John Steinbeck Award, the Will Rogers Spirit Award, the Western Heritage Award, and inductions into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, Writers Hall of Fame of America, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. He was the first inductee of the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. His 17 books include Route 66: The Mother Road; Pretty Boy: The life and Times of Charles Arthur Floyd; Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, and Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride.
Wallis’ latest book, David Crockett, is more than a riveting story. It is a revelatory, authoritative biography that separates fact from fiction, providing us with a deeper understanding of a true American hero and the rough-and-tumble times in which he lived. Wallace takes anhonest look at Crockett—balancing his weaknesses in drink, debt, and family life against his successes, such as his election to the Tennessee and U.S. legislatures, and his courage in opposing the Indian Removal.
Books will be available for purchase and signing.
B o o k S i g n i n g & L e c t u r e
Andrew Johnson’s Civil War and Reconstruction
by Paul H. Bergeron, Ph.D.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Open to the public, East Tennessee History Center Auditorium
The East Tennessee Historical Society will host a book signing and lecture for Dr. Paul H. Bergeron on the publication of his newest book, Andrew Johnson’s Civil War and Reconstruction. The event is at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26, at the East Tennessee History Center. A special discount price for the book will be available at the event only.
Timed to coincide with the beginning of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, the book offers a new perspective on the man whose service during the war included roles of military governor, U.S. vice president, and finally the presidency.
Whereas previous books have judged Johnson out of the context of his times or through a partisan lens, this volume, based on Bergeron’s work as editor of The Papers of Andrew Johnson, takes a more balanced approach. Admiring Johnson’s unswerving devotion to the Union, Lincoln appointed him as military governor of Tennessee, a post, Bergeron argues, that enhanced Johnson’s executive experience and his national stature. While governor, Johnson implemented the emancipation of slaves in the state and laid the foundation for a new civilian government. Bergeron also notes Johnson’s close connection with the president, which eventually resulted in his vice-presidential candidacy.
Paul H. Bergeron was the editor of the Papers of Andrew Johnson, volumes 8-16, from 1987 to 2000. He is the author of The Presidency of James K. Polk and coauthor of Tennesseans and Their History. He is professor of history emeritus at the University of Tennessee and a member of the East Tennessee Historical Society Board of Directors, where he serves as a vice president.
The book can be ordered from the ETHS Museum Shop for $50, plus shipping and any applicable tax. ETHS members receive a 10% discount on shop purchases, For information call 865-215-8830. The East Tennessee History Center is located at 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. The lecture and book signing are free and open to the public.