Vermont Humanities Events 

Washington

February 22 — Book Discussion: Women of the Asylum: Voices from Behind the Walls by Jeffery Geller and Maxine Harrison. Part of the Outsiders: Those Who Fell Outside the Cultural Norm series. This discussion series examines the treatment of populations outside the cultural norms of the late 19th and early 20th century America. The books cover the historical conditions and treatments of Native Americans, women deemed mentally ill and locked away, and those considered developmentally handicapped, mentally handicapped and/or genetically inferior. Led by Mary Hays. Waitsfield, Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main St, 9:30 am. Joy Worland, (802) 496-4205.

March 7 — The Door That Led to The Night Strangers: A Novel Born in a Basement. Bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian talks about the inspiration for and the writing of his latest novel.A First Wednesdays lecture. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Montpelier, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, 7:00 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

March 7 — Agatha Christie: Creator of Miss Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot. In this living history performance by Helene Lang, Ms. Christie tells you how a typewriter in Torguay spawned over 80 mysteries and created Miss Jane Marple and Hercule Poirot. Learn about her life and walk in her footsteps in England. Discover why she was so knowledgeable about the poisons used in her stories; what influences in her life informed the creation of her famous leading detectives; some personal information about her family; and why she went to Yorkshire under an assumed name. Hosted by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Central Vermont. Montpelier, Vermont College of Fine Arts, Noble Hall, 36 College St, 1:30 pm. Priscilla Daggett, (802) 454-1234.

March 14 — Book Discussion: Inventing the Feeble Mind by James W. Trent Jr.. Part of the Outsiders: Those Who Fell Outside the Cultural Norm series. This discussion series examines the treatment of populations outside the cultural norms of the late 19th and early 20th century America. The books cover the historical conditions and treatments of Native Americans, women deemed mentally ill and locked away, and those considered developmentally handicapped, mentally handicapped and/or genetically inferior. Led by Helene Lang. Hosted by the Joslin Memorial Library. Waitsfield, Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main St, 9:30 am. Joy Worland, (802) 496-4205.

March 16–25 — 15th Annual Green Mountain Film Festival. This ten-day festival includes multiple film screenings and special events such as discussions and presentations involving filmmakers, writers and other guests. Hosted by the Focus on Film, Inc. and supported by a VHC grant. Montpelier, various locations. Donald Rae, (802) 262-3423 or greenmountainfilmfestival.org.

March 21 — Book Discussion: My Garden (Book) by Jamaica Kincaid. Part of the Farms and Gardens series. Vermonters know as well as anyone the rich metaphors inherent in farming and gardening. These authors dig deep to explore the philosophical roots, family dynamics, and personal enrichment associated with tending and growing. Led by Rachael Cohen. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Montpelier, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, 6:30 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

April 1–30 — PoemCity 2012.  PoemCity 2012 (formerly Poetry Alive) will celebrate poetry with a month-long calendar of events, including author visits, poetry readings, a poetry slam, films, and poems by Vermonters on display in downtown windows and as part of the Montpelier’s Art Walk. Montpelier, various locations. Hosted by Kellogg-Hubbard Library and supported by a VHC grant. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

April 1 — PoemCity 2012 Kick-off Event. Details TBA. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library and supported by a VHC grant. Montpelier, Vermont State House, State Street, 4:00 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

April 4 — They Do Still Write Them the Way They Used To. Refuting the notion that modern poetry is formless and self-absorbed, poet Michael Palma considers contemporary poets who use rhyme, meter, and figurative language to explore timeless, universal themes.A First Wednesdays lecture. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Montpelier, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, 7:00 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

April 11 — Book Discussion: Here and Nowhere Else: Late Seasons of a Farm and It's Family by Jane Brox. Part of the Farms and Gardens series. Vermonters know as well as anyone the rich metaphors inherent in farming and gardening. These authors dig deep to explore the philosophical roots, family dynamics, and personal enrichment associated with tending and growing. Led by Linda Bland. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Montpelier, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, 6:30 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.

April 12 — Vermont and the Civil War. From Cedar Creek to Gettysburg, Vermonters were central to the Union cause. Vermont author and Civil War historian Howard Coffin addresses the Vermont contribution to the Civil War. Hosted by the Washington County Retired Teachers Association. Barre, Aldrich Public Library, Milne Room, 6 Washington St, 10:00 am. Janet Poeton, (802) 476-5965.

May 2 — Why Stephen King Still Matters. UVM English Department Chair Tony Magistrale examines Stephen King within the tradition of the American Gothic, which included writers such as Poe, Hawthorne, and Twain, and considers King’s faith in individualism.A First Wednesdays lecture. Hosted by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Montpelier, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St, 7:00 pm. Rachel Senechal, (802) 223-3338.