About the Center

Programs

Upcoming Events

Center Contacts

Quarterly Journal

Mailing List Request

Support CFI

Faculty Colloquium

Media Information

Public Scholars at
Hanover College

Hanover College Homepage

Map to Hanover College

Lodging Information

CFI Site Map

 



Ben Franklin was a Great Success

This year's Crowe Academy, "Benjamin Franklin, American Sage" was a tremendous success. During informal exit interviews, participants indicated it was the best ever. In addition to the excellent programming, our participants were treated to a visit by our special guest, Ethel Mathias.
Click for larger image

Pictured at right: Mike Brown '91, Ethel Kohleman Mathias '29, Ann Leslie Inman '86 and Cathlynn Nigh '86


Click for larger image

Mathias and her companion, Cathlynn Nigh pictured above during the lecture

 

Ms. Mathias recently celebrated her 100th birthday, is a resident of Versailles, Indiana and Hanover alumna from the class of 1929. She is an active member of the local Daughters of the American Revolution which is one of the reasons she attended the Crowe Academy about Ben Franklin. Mathias enjoyed lunch with the participants and a lecture by Hanover Philosophy professor, John Ahrens, "Benjamin Franklin and the Philosophers."

 

In addition to professor Ahrens, Hanover College Physics professor, George Nickas demonstrated "The Science of Franklin" which participants said was "electrifying." George Boudreau a professor of history from Penn State Capital College presented Franklin's life in images and pictures followed by Sheila Skemp, professor of History at the University of Mississippi who spoke about Franklin's family life including his estrangement from his son, William.

 

On Saturday evening, participants were treated to another special guest in the form of a French double manual harpsichord (pictured below) which was built by Ted Robertson. Mr. Robertson was on hand to answer questions about the design and construction of this instrument.

 

Carla Williams, Head of User Services at the Cook Music Library at IU gave a lecture about early American music followed by a concert that feratured soloist, Rebecka Valentine from IU. Ms. Williams played the piano and the harpsichord to the delight of participants.

 

In addition to all this, participants managed to watch a PBS documentary and the movie, "1776." between meals and socializing. All in all it was a fabulous time.


Click for larger image

Next year the theme for Crowe Academy will be, "IN the Good Old Summertime" and will feature Hanover faculty members and other specialists on the history of leisure in American Culture. Back by popular demand, Dan Murphy, professor of history at Hanover College will be a featured speaker. Space is limited so register now.

To request a brochure or for more information about the Center for Free Inquiry, contact us at cfi@hanover.edu or call at (812) 866-6848.


Copyright 2006 Hanover College