What are your humanities highlights from the week? Take a look at our team’s favorite finds below!
Kristen Fuhs Wells, director of communications and development:
- Did you know we’re showing our love of reading this week as part of National Arts & Humanities Month? In that spirt, I’m excited about the book On Reading, which presents a collection of photographs that show people reading all across the world. I also especially like the C.S. Lewis quote at the end of the article: “We read to know we’re not alone.” Want to join us this week? Read The Indiana Chant and share it by tagging @INHumanities on social media and #IndianaChant.
- I was a fan of “ghostsigns” before I even knew they had a name. In this awesome example of arts + humanities, artists collaborated with historians to light-project the signs that used to be visible on buildings, exposing the history to tenants and passersby.
Bronwen Fetters, executive assistant and program associate:
- The Nineties called, and they want their necklace back! In the last year or so, choker necklaces have become trendy again, which this “Nineties kid” finds incredibly amusing. However, this article from the Atlantic explains how the choker isn’t just a Nineties fad. They’ve been around the necks of ancient Egyptians, Native American warriors, the women of the French Revolution, 1920s flappers and many others. The article also explores the necklace’s relationship to feminine delicacy, vulnerability, control and power. Fun read!
- In this article from the New Yorker, Rebecca Solnit (author of Men Explain Things to Me) reimagines what the NYC subway map might look like if the streets were named after famous New York women rather than men.
- Need a laugh this weekend? Consult this interactive infographic from the Slate Book Review that shows lots of funny writers’ favorite funny books.
Jacqueline Cromleigh, communications and community relations manager:
- There’s nothing like the month of October. Falling leaves, carved pumpkins and post-season baseball. Cheering on my favorite team (the Cleveland Indians) inspired me to do dig into a bit of baseball history. Interested? I encourage you to dive into this piece on the important defensive strategy used against the iconic Ted Williams. Be sure to read more about the baseball in poetry lineup in Hoboken Historical Museum this weekend and learn more about the items up for auction from baseball’s golden age.
- In honor of Bob Dylan’s recent recognition as a Nobel Prize winner, here’s a look at the singer’s best travel songs.
- If Dylan’s lyrics encourage you to explore, check out this article detailing a few unknown facts about the world’s most visited museum.
Leah Nahmias, director of programs:
- Now that I know what they are, I long to take a tour of England’s “calendar houses,” built by Elizabethans who turned 16th century astronomy, science and mathematical discoveries into architectural wonders. Each house is a “device” designed to mimic the days of the week, months of the year, or days of the year. Maybe the coolest example is Knole House 365 rooms, 52 staircases and 7 courtyards. Egads!
- Speaking of Elizabethan discoveries, you must listen to the BBC’s Shakespeare’s Restless World podcast series, which explores the fast-changing culture, politics and science of Elizabethan England and how these changes shaped and are reflected in the Bard’s plays. There are magical mirrors and martyrs’ eyeballs—what are you waiting for?
- IU Bloomington’s (Re)imagining Science exhibit, featuring works created collaboratively by artists, designers and science researchers on the faculty, looks both beautiful and intellectually stimulating. There are some cool programs timed to the exhibit as well.
George Hanlin, director of grants:
- Just in time for Halloween: If you want to understand a place’s history, focus on its ghost stories. Author Colin Dickey explains on NPR.
- Amid the devastation in the Middle East comes a bit of good news: Through modern technology, experts are able to re-create many of the archaeological treasures that have been destroyed by warfare. The New York Times tells the story.
Keira Amstutz, president and CEO:
- Explore Indiana’s story at the IRT’s Finding Home: Indiana at 200. This unique bicentennial collection features beloved icons and hidden gems. Featuring songs by Hoosier singer-songwriter Tim Grimm, you can’t miss this look at life in Indiana complete with music and history, comedy and drama, fact and fable. Grab tickets.
Want to share a few of your favorite links? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below.
Photo via Slate
Photo via NPR
Photo via IRT
Posted In: Miscellaneous