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“Sharing Our Past — Shaping Our Future” Since 1974 |
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For more information contact VHC or 802.262.2626 |
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Humanities Commentaries on VPR |
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Letter Power (3-14-2008) There's a new history mini-series beginning this weekend on HBO. And Vermont Humanities Council executive director and commentator Peter Gilbert has discovered an interesting connection between the series — and the U S Postal Service. Functions of X (3-4-2008) When Vermont Humanities Council Executive Director and commentator Peter Gilbert thinks about voting, he thinks about ballots, which leads him to think about X — the twenty-fourth letter in the Roman alphabet — and the multiple meanings it has in our culture. Hitler Anniversary (1-30-2008) Exactly seventy-five years ago today, Vermont Humanities Council Executive Director and VPR Commentator Peter Gilbert says there were political developments in Germany that had catastrophic consequences on a global scale. Inauguration Day (1-23-2008) We don't yet know who it will be, but a year from now, we will have just inaugurated a new President. Commentator Peter Gilbert, executive director of the Vermont Humanities Council, reminds us that a few decades ago, Inauguration Day did not happen until March. Keep Cold (1-8-2008) There's been much discussion in Vermont about the possible effects of global warming on Vermont's forests—dulling our brilliant autumn colors and harming or destroying the maple syrup industry. As Executive Director of the Vermont Humanities Council, commentator Peter Gilbert often finds in literature and history connections that resonate with current concerns. Recently he read in a poem by Robert Frost about another risk of warmer winters. A Wreath (12-24-2007) This time of year, beautiful holiday wreaths adorn front doors all over Vermont. They remind commentator Peter Gilbert of a favorite poem. Person of the Year (12-14-2007) Each December Time Magazine chooses a Person of the Year, the person or idea that for better or worse, has most influenced events in the preceding year. Commentator Peter Gilbert takes a look at the last eighty years of world history through Time’s choices. Lost Letters (11-27-2007) For commentator Peter Gilbert, stories of lost and undelivered letters spark the imagination, and remind him of monumental works in literature. Kennedy and Thanksgiving (11-19-2007) This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving, but it's also the 44th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy. Commentator Peter Gilbert recently came across the speech that the President would have given that afternoon and thinks it may reflect important lessons Kennedy learned as president. Northwest Passage (10-26-2007) Recently, the European Space Agency announced that the Northwest Passage is fully clear of ice for the first time since records began. For commentator Peter Gilbert, the news brings to mind centuries of compelling history of Arctic exploration. Adams in Russia (10-16-2007) He's President of the United States and the son of a former President of the United States. He's headed to Russia for a ten-day visit, but it's not George W. Bush. Here's commentator Peter Gilbert to explain. Sputnik (10-2-2007) Recently commentator Peter Gilbert was reminded of a time – not so very long ago – when anything having to do with "space" was still the stuff of science fiction. Gandhi and 9/11 (9-11-2007) On this historic date, commentator Peter Gilbert reflects on the legacy of another September 11th. Baked Beans (8-29-2007) Many family reunions take place this time of year. Commentator Peter Gilbert tells us about what makes his family's reunion special. Mystery Solved (8-21-2007) Commentator Peter Gilbert tells of a mystery in his family that was resolved recently, after decades of doubt. |
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Each month, VHC’s Executive Director Peter Gilbert presents commentaries on Vermont Public Radio that examine current and past events from a humanities perspective. You can read or listen to Peter’s commentaries by clicking on the links below. |
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Office in Montpelier
11 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602 802.262.2626 Fax: 802.262.2620 E-mail: info@vermonthumanities.org |
