Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Doris Kearns Goodwin among Speakers for 35 Jefferson Educational Society Events
Jefferson Educational Society (JES) will examine a contentious 19th century presidential election, child-care policies, and a firsthand account of a Secret Service agent who was present the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated during its spring programming, the think tank announced Wednesday.
The lineup also includes a discussion with presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin in partnership with the Erie County Bar Association. She will discuss her latest book, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s,” during the 2024 annual Law Day Celebration on Thursday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at the Warner Theatre.
The programming kicks off Wednesday, April 10, with historian George Deutsch exploring “America’s Most Contentious Presidential Election: 1876.”
The lineup, which includes two virtual events, runs through May 24. Some programming will be held at JES's satellite locations in Corry, Fairview, Harborcreek, Edinboro and east Erie. All events are open to the public.
Partnership events include:
- Monday, April 15 at 7 p.m.: “A Kennedy Secret Service Agent Breaks His Silence After 60 Years,” featuring retired Special Agent Paul Landis – event in partnership with the Hagen History Center
- Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m.: “The Promise of America: An Immigrant Story,” featuring Akbar Hossain, Pennsylvania Secretary of Policy and Planning – event in partnership with the Erie County Community College
- Friday, April 26 at noon: “Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Erie and Pennsylvania: Examining Local- and State-Level Responses,” featuring Pennsylvania Representative Jim Struzzi (PA 62nd District) and professional public library staff members – event in partnership with the Erie County Public Library
- Monday, May 20 at 7 p.m.: “Navigating the Caregiving Role,” featuring Dr. Belinda Stillman, board certified psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) – event in partnership with LECOM Health
The Community Conversations series will also continue Fridays at noon starting April 12. Events include:
- “Game Changers for Children in Erie: How a Court Case, Pennsylvania Budget Priorities, and Advocacy Move the Needle,” with Donna Cooper, executive director of Children First and Kate Philips, chief executive officer of Parker-Philips
- “Raising the Next Generation: Examining the Findings of the 2023 JES Civic Leadership Academy Cohort on Child Care,” featuring members of the 2023 JCLA cohort
- “Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Erie and Pennsylvania: Examining Local- and State-Level Responses,” featuring Pennsylvania Representative Jim Struzzi (PA 62nd District) and professional public library staff members
- “Inspiring Horizon: Erie Arts & Culture’s Next Chapter Serving Northwestern Pennsylvania,” featuring Anne O’Dell, executive director of Erie Arts & Culture
- “Erie Water Works Historic Lead Line Removal Efforts,” featuring Craig Palmer, executive director of Erie Water Works
- “What’s Really Happening at the Erie International Airport?” featuring Brian Slawin, vice president of the Erie Regional Airport Authority Board
- “The Revitalization of the Burton Elementary School Site,” featuring Gary Horton, founder and chief executive officer of Urban Erie Community Development Corporation (UECDC)
Several JES scholars-in-residence including Dr. Parris Baker and Dr. Michael DeSanctis will also present.
Area history professors Dr. Amy Carney and Dr. Jeffrey Bloodworth will also examine and explore democracy and populism.
Additional information including the full lineup is available here.
