It’s Friday and you know what that means . . . we’re sharing our favorite humanities finds of the week! Have a few you want to share? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below.
Kristen Fuhs Wells, director of communication and development:
- I’m super excited about the idea of this new linguistics museum in D.C. Not entirely sure what one will do at a linguistics museum, but with a name like Planet Word, and free admittance, I’m game to give it a try.
- Have you ever wanted to pick up the phone and talk to someone who’s no longer alive? After devastating natural disasters in Japan, thousands of people have made a pilgrimage to do just that–even though the phone is disconnected.
Jacqueline Cromleigh, communications and community relations manager:
- Get physical at the Met! MetLiveArts has commissioned The Museum Workout. An early morning group journey through the museum, complete with disco music and instructors donning sequined dresses and tennis shoes. I am SO into it.
- 2016 was a big year for Indianapolis. 28.2 million visitors, $4.9 billion in economic impact and 77,800 jobs. There’s a lot to boast about. Watch this video and then share your excitement on social media by tagging #loveindy.
George Hanlin, director of grants:
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Now that the federal government officially recognizes the people of Indiana as Hoosiers, I thought it would be a good time to share this map of state nicknames from 1884. And if you’re one of those who think “Indianan” sounds more dignified than “Hoosier,” well . . . at least we’re not suckers, pukes, or corn crackers.
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From the New York Times comes a touching story of a photo album, a determined researcher, and tales of one family’s journey from the tobacco fields of North Carolina to the dance halls of Harlem.
Bronwen Fetters, executive assistant and program associate:
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Tomorrow is the first day of Chinese New Year, and 2017 is the year of the rooster. It’s my year, people! Learn more about the Chinese zodiac as well as the greetings, traditions, food, and celebratory practices of the holiday in this article from The Daily Telegraph. And if you’re in the Indianapolis area, check out this celebration at the Children’s Museum on Saturday.
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Edith Wharton’s birthday was this week. Learn more about her complicated life in this blog post from the New York Public Library. And then after you’re finished, read Summer or The Age of Innocence with your book club using our free Novel Conversations lending library!
Leah Nahmias, director of programs:
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In 1916, the Doves Typeface was seemingly lost forever after it was thrown in the Thames River. This charming story recounts the designer who was so obsessed he rescued the typepieces from their watery grave.
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An intrepid New York Times reporter tracked down the descendants of the couple featured in the newspaper’s very first “Vows” section. The result is a fun traipse through 150 years of American history and changing definitions of family.
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Columbia University is the latest college to investigate its ties to the institution of slavery. My grad school alma mater, Brown, was the first university to kick off this reckoning nearly 10 years ago with the Slavery & Justice Report.
