Dr. William L. Bird
On Thursday, March 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Library, the Great Falls Writer's Group (GFWG) will host Dr. William L. Bird, Smithsonian Curator of the National Museum of American History and Director of the Division of Political History.
Dr. Bird will discuss his newest book, "Souvenir Nation: Relics, Keepsakes and Curios from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History." He will also explore and discuss the joys and challenges he encountered while writing this and other of his earlier books. "Souvenir Nation" is also a highly-popular exhibit currently on display at the Smithsonian. Both the book and the exhibit examine fifty of the museum's most eccentric objects in political history -- from a chunk broken off Plymouth Rock to the magnifying glass used to examine the infamous hanging chads of the 2000 presidential election.
Kristin Clark Taylor, founder and facilitator of the Great Falls Writer's Group, invites outside speakers and authors to the group's open, bi-monthly meetings on a regular basis. Says Taylor, "Dr. Bird's visit to the Great Falls Writer's Group will hopefully inspire our local Great Falls writers to delve more deeply into the process of recording their own personal history. His comments and insights will not only educate and enlighten our writers, but will hopefully act as a creative catalyst for others. That he is making himself available for Q&A with the audience after his remarks will help make this event feel inclusive and participatory. We're all very excited to have him join us."
The event, a luncheon, will take place at the Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, in the large conference room. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but visitors may wish to arrive a few minutes early, because there is no reserved seating.