THE SALEM ATHENÆUM LIBRARY HOURS: 337 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970 Tues. / Wed. / Fri: 1 PM to 5 PM (978) 744-2540 - Fax (978) 744-7536 Thursday: 5 PM to 9 PM Email: [email protected] Saturday: 10 AM to 2 PM Web Site: www.salemathenaeum.net DIRECTOR: Jean Marie Procious Salem Athenæum Newsletter SUMMER 2008 FOUNDED AS THE SOCIAL LIBRARY IN 1760

SAVE THESE DATES 2008 Garden Party Summer Salons July 18 - Hale Bradt discusses World War II. a Success August 1 - Charlie Newhall discusses historical documentaries. August 8 - Carlton and Nancy Lutts discuss Beatrix Potter and England's Lake District. August 15 - Janet Barnes will d i s c u s s I r i s h a u t h o r s , Somerville and Ross. August 22 - Richard Scott will discuss digital photography.

Courses September 8 - Course on the American Presidency begins. Dr. Maura Henry, lecturer. Course will run on six consecutive Monday evenings.

October 16 - Course entitled The Sea Life of the World's Oceans will be conducted by Dr. George Buckley and will run for six consecutive Thursdays. Lectures September 23, 7 pm: Dr. Alison Frank, Harvard University, will speak on “The History of Oil” and the political, economic, environmental, social, and cultural implications Carlton and Nancy Lutts and friends of the world!s increasing demand for this commodity

October 9, 7 pm: Dr. Jane The annual garden party was held at the Athenæum June 8 under clear, sunny Kamensky, Brandeis University, skies. Despite hot and humid conditions, everyone deemed the party a success. As discusses her new book The Exchange Artist: A Tale of High- usual, we owe this success to the volunteer efforts of numerous members and F l y i n g S p e c u l a t i o n a n d trustees who contributed time, food and refreshments. Events such as this don't A m e r i c a ! s F i r s t B a n k i n g just happen. It takes the coordinated efforts of many. Collapse. See page 6 for more Garden Party pictures Salem Summer 2008

Oil, the Collapse of the Banking System, New Fidelity Grant & George Washington's Enables Continued Secret Navy to Launch Fall Lecture Series Long-Range Planning If you’re curious about the first events in our fall lecture series, here’s a teaser: Good news to report on fundraising for the Tuesday, September 23, 7 pm: Dr. Alison Athenæum: we have now secured a $15,000 grant Frank, Assistant Professor of History at from the Fidelity Foundation, which will help support Harvard University, will speak on “The History our continued pursuit of long-range strategic planning of Oil” and the political, economic, with our consultant TDC. The grant is designated to environmental, social, and cultural implications fund the second half of our planning project with of the world’s increasing demand for this TDC, and allows us to go forward without using commodity from the nineteenth through the Athenæum operating funds. Many readers are twentieth centuries. Frank teaches two courses familiar with our collaboration with TDC, having at Harvard that are focused on this topic and responded to the firm’s extensive member survey confronts complex questions about oil’s dual earlier this year. (The first half of the TDC project role as global good and as agent of war and was paid for through generous private donations and poverty. through support from Athenæum board members.) With the TDC survey now tabulated – but with Thursday, October 9, 7 pm: Dr. Jane results still being studied – we have gained a Kamensky, Associate Professor of History at fascinating look at Athenæum member usage patterns Brandeis University, will discuss her new book and attitudes. Among its key findings were that our The Exchange Artist: A Tale of High-Flying stronger emphasis on cultural and educational Speculation and America’s First Banking programming, and the growing wealth of that Collapse, described as “the epic story of a programming over the past three years, have garnered founding father of our speculation nation.” Two considerable attention and new visibility in Salem centuries before the collapse of the sub-prime and beyond, bringing new members into the fold, and real estate market, a wily New England attracting strong audiences for nearly all programs. entrepreneur triggered a crisis of value that Other findings are contained in a preliminary report shook the nation’s confidence in money itself. by TDC, available in the Library to members, and Clearly, what goes around comes around. will guide our work over the next several months. Our expectation is that by the end of the project, we Tuesday, October 28, 7 pm: James L. will have developed a long-range plan for managing Nelson, a former professional sailor and the Library, including a set of goals for growing the award-winning maritime author, will discuss his membership and maintaining financial stability. latest book George Washington’s Secret Navy: Concurrent with the long-range planning effort How the American Revolution Went to Sea, with TDC is our new push to secure other outside described by Eric Jay Dolin as “a gripping and grant support, and several other grant applications are fascinating book about the daring and heroic now underway for the benefit of the Library mariners who helped George Washington collections, building repairs, and other upgrades. change the course of history and create a We’ll report back on our anticipated success with nation.” When invited to give this talk at the these efforts. Athenæum, James Nelson replied, “You folks In the coming months, look for news of a members are at ground zero for Washington’s navy. This campaign and of program sponsorship opportunities. will be a terrific event!” As always, we encourage members interested in helping with development and fundraising efforts. —Francie King, Trustee Chair, Development Committee 2 Summer 2008 Salem Athenaeum PREVIEW OF FALL AND SPRING COURSES promises exciting learning opportunities

on “The American Presidency and Even though we are barely past the Presidents through History and Film.” first day of summer, the Education Beginning with the very first feature film Committee is busy assembling the made in the U.S. (D.W. Griffith's “Birth of programming for the Athenæum’s a Nation,” 1915), the American Presidency 2008-09 season. And while we will and Presidents have had starring roles on save the complete line-up for the fall both the big and small screen. From newsletter, we thought you might like “Young Mr. Lincoln” (1939) and “Dr. to see the exciting courses that the Strangelove” (1964) to “All the President's Athenæum will be offering. Men” (1976) and “Fahrenheit The courses have proven to be 9/11” (2004), the office of the President popular among members, attracting a and its incumbents have been lionized, core group of course-takers who criticized, spoofed, and rebuked in major return again and again, regardless of motion pictures, documentaries, and what is being offered. But the courses television shows. How has our have also proven to be an attractive understanding of the American Presidency way of drawing new members from and the 43 Presidents who have served thus far been reflected in and shaped by films the larger North Shore and Greater Boston communities. Therefore, the and television? What happens when Athenæum will offer four courses in politics and Hollywood collide? Aside the coming year, three of which have from the entertainment value, what do been confirmed at this writing. All films and shows about the presidency and presidents offer us? This seminar will will be taught by first-rate instructors, Continued on page 4 whose research and teaching have assess presidential politics, powers, won for them numerous awards and policies, and personalities by exploring key accolades. texts (notably the U.S. Constitution, central legal decisions, presidential speeches, and newspaper reports) as well as by screening clips from a variety of films and shows.

The course will run on six Monday evenings: September 8, 15, 22, 29; and October 6, 20.

The second course will begin on October 16 and run for 6 consecutive Thursdays. George Buckley, Associate Director of the Master of Liberal Arts Program in Environmental Management Dr. Maura Henry within Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education, will lead a course on one of The season will begin with the return the important topics of our time: "The of one of our most popular lecturers, Sea Life of the World’s Oceans." Join Dr. Maura Henry, Associate Professor us for an undersea adventure in which of History at Holyoke Community participants will study the life forms College and an Athenæum trustee. In within the world's oceans while George keeping with the excitement of a pre- Buckley provides them with a "window election autumn, her course will focus Continued on page 4 3 Salem Athenaeum Summer 2008

to the underwater realm." With a n d E m i l y B ro n t ë , e d i t o r o f specimens of sea life and numerous Among the spring offerings is Dr. Approaches to Teaching Emily Brontë’s visual images, he will explore such Sue Lonoff’s literature course on Wuthering Heights, and author of topics as the ecology of bays, “The Brontë Sisters and Their Wilkie Collins and His Victorian mangrove swamps, salt marshes and Novels.” Perhaps the most famous Readers. She is also a founding trustee coral reefs; the deep ocean, seashells of sister-act among fiction-writing of The Center for the Humanities at the world, ocean conservation, families, the Brontës are major The Graduate Center of the City protection and sustainability, the effects nineteenth-century writers whose University of New York, and is of climate change, and other topics of novels continue to fascinate readers, likewise a winner of Harvard’s Petra T. interest to the participants. fans, film-makers, and scholars. Among Shattuck Excellence in Teaching Prize. Buckley lectures on a variety of the novelists of this era, only Jane topics concerning environmental Austen has rivaled their popularity. The course will run on six Thursday science; he is also Vice Chairman, How did these sisters from a little evenings: April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, Board of Directors of Earth Echo English village in Yorkshire become a 21. International (founded by Philippe cultural phenomenon? What makes Course Registration Form on Page 5 Cousteau), and has been the chief their work so enduringly appealing? scientist on over a dozen Earthwatch This course will investigate these expeditions. A producer of an award- q u e s t i o n s a s w i n n i n g participants read N O V A and discuss four program on Brontë novels: Award Granted PBS, he is Jane Eyre and The Salem Athenæum makes Director of V i l l e t t e b y an annual award to a senior at the Marine Charlotte Brontë, Salem High School who is E c o l o g y The Tenant of most distinguished by his or Project in Wildfell Hall by h e r a b i d i n g c u r i o s i t y, B o n a i r , Anne Brontë, and intellectual engagement, and Antilles. A W u t h e r i n g passion for literature. This Dr. Sue Lonoff scuba-diver Heights by Emily year the 10th such award was f o r o v e r Brontë. Dr. granted to Anne Brooke t h r e e Dr. George Buckley Lonoff will also consider the lives of the Grasberger, the first member d e c a d e s , Brontës, the myths that have grown up of the Athenæum to receive Buckley is famous for incorporating around them, and the dissemination of the award. his own photography and marine their work in film, art, and popular specimens into his lectures. He is a culture. CONGRATULATIONS, Sue Lonoff is Senior Associate of the winner of Harvard’s Petra T. Shattuck Brooke! Excellence in Teaching Prize. Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University and KEEP READING! Dates for this course are: October lecturer on Expository Writing and 16, 23, 30; November 6, 13, 20. Victorian Fiction. She is the translator of The Belgian Essays of Charlotte 4 Summer 2008 Salem Athenaeum Adopt a Book Along with our wonderful educational programs YOU CAN HELP and lovely social gatherings, the Athenæum is, at its heart, a rich treasure trove of books. We THE ATHENÆUM strive to both maintain the health of our existing T h e A t h e n æ u m n e e d s y o u r collections and acquire new books that g e n e r o s i t y. D o n a t i o n s o f t h e will appeal to our members' reading pleasures following items will be greatly now and will enrich the collection for posterity.

appreciated: We are delighted to launch a new program in which members can adopt a valuable and at- •One or more laptop computers risk book in our collection (for repairs and •50 new comfortable folding chairs conservation) or a new book (to buy for the •Gift certificates to Staples and collection). Please consider adopting either an other office supply stores. at-risk book we own or a new book that is near and dear to your heart, or one that you •Enery efficient compact fluorescent think everyone should read! For more bulbs for the stacks. information, please contact Jean Marie Procious or Maura Henry.

REGISTRATION FORM FOR 2008-09 ATHENÆUM COURSES (Please return with payment to The Salem Athenæum, 337 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970)

NAME______

MAILING ADDRESS______

PHONE(S)______

EMAIL ADDRESS______

ATHENÆUM MEMBER? YES NO

I wish to register for:

______“The American Presidency and Presidents Through History and Film”

______"The Sea Life of the World’s Oceans"

______“The Bronte Sisters and Their Novels”

Tuition per course: Members, $175$195 Non-members, $195$220

Total amount included: $______

5 Salem Athenaeum Summer 2008

See Garden Party page 1

Garden Party

2008

6 Summer 2008 Salem Athenaeum

DONORS FY 2007-2008

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of our members and Hawthorne Circle Donors who contribute above their annual dues. Laureate ($1000 and up) Miss Jane Phillips Anonymous Ms. Denise Regan Did You Know Dr. Sue Weaver Schopf Mr. William Sano Mr. Edward R. Tufts Patron ($500-999) Ms. Mary Lou Tuttle that the following ten titles are Mrs. Henry P. Binney, Jr. just a small sampling of the rich Mr. Eric Hayes In-Kind Donations,Sponsors and and diverse collection to be Mr. Dana P. Jordan Partners Ms. Joan C. Jordan Ms. Jessica Barnett of Barnett Group, found in the Salem Athenæum's Mr. and Mrs. Willis Stinson, III public relations and design collection of rare books? You'd be Chestnut Street Association, loan of hard pressed to come up with a Benefactor ($100-499) costume for building centennial exhibition Anonymous Cornerstone Books topic or category not covered in Dr. James H. Austin /SPNEA, co-sponsor the Athenæum's collection. Mr. C. Meade Camenga of Pilgrims, Patriots, and Products exhibition Mr. Stephen H. Clark Historic Salem, Inc. There's physical sciences, natural Ms. Lynn Frothingham and Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Lutts, live music at sciences, religion, economics, Mr. David O. Decker the Garden Party history, cartography and much, Ms. Ann Adams Friedgen , loan of Ms. Marla Gearhart paintings and exhibition cases much more. Mr. Thaddeus R. Gillespie and Ms. Elaine von Bruns, exhibition materials Ms. Elizabeth Padjen Wenham Museum, loan of period dress 1. John Calvin's Operum omnium Ms. Debra Hilbert for building centennial exhibition Mr. Darrow Lebovici and 1617 Ms. Margaret Twohey Memorials and Honorary Gifts 2. Carey's General Atlas, 1796 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levesque Ms. Cynthia Glott in honor of the marriage of 3. Denis Diderot's Encyclopedie Ms. Edith Luray Francie King and Bob Erbetta, June 30, 2007 Ms. Donna Mayers 1751-1772 Mr. and Mrs. Francis T. Mayo 4. John Endecott: 1652 document Mr. Charles Newhall signed as Governor of Massachusetts Ms. Octavia Randolph Mr. William Saltonstall 5. Thomas Jefferson's Notes on Ms. Mary Simpson 2007 Fund Donors the State of Virginia, 1787 Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Usovicz Ms. Kate van Dyke Mr. Blake Anderson 6. Andrew Marvell's The Mr. Matthew Whitlock Mr. Randolph P. Barton Rehearsal Transposed 1672 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wilkens Mr. C. Richard Carlson 7. Cotton Mather's Magnalia Mr. Neil L. Chayet Donations ($1 to $99) Ms. Jean E. Dennis Christi American 1702 Ms. Janet C. Bayley Ms. Susan F. Foster 8. Isaac Newton's Philosophiae Ms. Anne C. Bromer Ms. Annie C. Harris Naturalis Principia Ms. Mary Costello Mr. & Mrs. Richard S. Jendrysik Ms. Hannah Diozzi Ms. Francie King Mathematica 1739 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dwight Mr. & Mrs. Timothy W. Lutts 9. Edgar A. Poe's The Raven 1845 Dr. Arthur Errion Mr. & Mrs. Frederick D. Mason, III 10. Joseph Priestley's History of Ms. Jonquil Furse Mr. Charles Newhall Dr. and Mrs. Dale Gephart Ms. Patricia S. Roka the present state of discoveries Mr. and Mrs. George Heinz Mr. William Saltonstall relating to visions, light and Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Korzenik Dr. Sue Weaver Schopf Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levin Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Scott colours 1772 Mr. and Mrs. William Ludlam Mr. Robert N. Shapiro Mr. Richard Luecke and Ms. Perry Mr. Frederic Winthrop McIntosh Mr. Grant F. Winthrop Mr. and Mrs. Edward Margerum Mr. Robert Winthrop Mr. John Neely and Ms. Christine Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Pelletier 7 Salem Athenaeum Summer 2008 Three New Trustees At the annual meeting, the Board of Trustees elected officers for 2008-09. Trip Mason will continue his role as President and Francie King was elected Vice President. Dana Jordan will serve as the Treasurer.

The following three trustees were elected to the Board: Charles Dimino is a retired Salem resident. Charles has a background in teaching and research. Most recently, he has been a board member of a major non-governmental human rights organization and is involved in strategy, policy, and development matters. He was also elected Clerk of the Board.

Sandra Heaphy is a life long-resident of Salem and the CEO of MHP Enterprises Inc. which is based in Beverly. She also manages the Kensington-Stobart Galleries in Salem and in Charleston, South Carolina. Active in the community, she is also a member of the board of directors of the Salem Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Salem Arts Association.

Matthew Whitlock is a VP of MMA Realty Capital which specializes in the financing of multifamily real estate throughout the U.S., and he serves as the Director of Senior Housing for the company. He is a Salem resident and presently serves on the board of the Salem Sound Coast Watch and the Mt. Adnah Cemetery where he concentrates efforts on strategic long-term planning and financial management.

Trustees: Some of our volunteers: Frederick D. Mason III - President Jim Austin - Collections Committee Francie B. King - Vice President Maria Gearhart - Collections Committee Dana Jordan - Treasurer Robert Moulton - Collections Committee Charles Diminio - Clerk Pamela Jendrysik - Garden Coordinator Susan Foster Meg Twohey - Education Committee Sandra Heaphy Jody Smith - Education Committee Maura Henry Elaine von Bruns - Collections Committee Richard Jendrysik Winifred Wilkens - Collections Committee Sue Weaver Schopf Richard Scott

Matthew Whitlock

9 3 2

. O N

T I M R E P

A M

, M E L A S

01970 Salem, MA Salem,

D I A P

E G A T S O P

. S . U

337 Essex Street Essex 337

L I A M

S S A L C -

T S R I F

Athenæum The Salem Salem The D E T R O S E R P