The Civic Discourse Series, sponsored by Suffolk University and the Boston Athenæum, is an annual series of programs devoted to a topic of national significance. Events take place at the Athenæum and at Suffolk’s Beacon Hill campus. Following the topic for the premier series in 2009, Media and Democracy, and 2010, Literacy and Democracy, the topic for Spring 2011 is Immigrants in America, a subject of vital importance to our society and of mutual interest to the communities served by the Athenaeum and by Suffolk University.
About the Boston Athenæum
Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is the largest membership library in North America. In addition to sponsoring programs for its members and the public, the Athenæum serves as a center for research, with extensive rare book and manuscript collections and an important collection of paintings, statuary, prints, photographs, and drawings. New members are always welcome. For more information visit the Web site or call 617-227-0270.
The Library’s collections related to media and democracy are extensive and include such national treasures as George Washington’s signed copy of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln, and a complete run of William Lloyd Garrison’s anti-slavery newspaper, The Liberator. All events in the Media and Democracy series are free and open to the public by advance reservation. Please reserve early as space may be limited.
About the Suffolk University
Located in the heart of Boston, Suffolk University has served as a beacon of educational opportunity and innovation since 1906. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in more than 70 areas of study and houses a number of research institutes. With campuses on three continents — in Boston; Madrid, Spain; and Dakar, Senegal — Suffolk has expanded its founding vision onto a global stage. For more information visit the Web site at www.suffolk.edu or http://www.suffolk.edu/college/33751.html or call 617-305-6316.
Funding for the Civic Discourse Initiative has been provided by the Daniel and Joanna S. Rose Programming Fund at the Boston Athenæum and by the College of Arts and Sciences at Suffolk University.