John Foster

10 22, 2022

See how the Reconstruction Amendments shaped the US Constitution

By |2022-10-19T09:19:38-04:00October 22, 2022|

Dr. Todd Arrington from James A. Garfield National Historic Site and our own Dr. John Foster discuss how the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments shaped our nation’s past and inform its present. They also explain why the amendments were necessary during (in the case of the 13th amendment) and after the Civil War. Finally, Dr. Foster provides examples of how the amendments have been subverted by narrow readings from the Supreme Court.

By the way, all of Foster’s three previous talks in this series can be viewed online:

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe Cold Warthe American RevolutionThe Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.

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09 24, 2022

You’re History, Episode II: Roanoke & Chowing Down on Ron Chernow

By |2022-08-29T17:16:49-04:00September 24, 2022|

Our resident history wonks John Foster and Traci Hoffman like big books and they cannot lie. So when Ron Chernow writes an 1,100-page biography of President Ulysses Grant, they don’t just read it. They want to tell you all about it!

This time, they’re discussing:

  1. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. (Yes, they discuss the musical. No, neither John nor Traci try to sing anything from it.)
  2. The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke by Andrew Lawler
  3. Grant by Ron Chernow
  4. My Dear Hamilton by Laura Kaye and Stephanie Dray Listen

Listen and learn who wrote John’s favorite presidential memoir and why John White was a terrible grandfather. And come back for more You’re History every month.

08 27, 2022

Discover The Federalist Papers

By |2022-08-21T10:11:10-04:00August 27, 2022|

Our resident historian Dr. John Foster continues his discussion of the origins of the US Constitution! This time, he’s talking about The Federalist Papers.

After the US Constitution was written and signed, it still had to be approved – both by the states and in the hearts and minds of the people. Consequently, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay launched a spirited defense of the new constitution in a series of articles from the fall of 1787 to the spring of 1788. These articles became known as The Federalist Papers. Discover their contents and importance!

Also, learn about one of the most fatal “your mother” jokes in US history. I promise … it’s relevant.

Foster’s series concludes on Oct. 11 when Dr. Todd Arrington from James A. Garfield National Historic Site will join us to discuss the Civil War amendments. The program is free to attend. Due to limited space, registration is required. Once registration opens, you can sign up on our website or by calling us at 440-255-8811 ext. 1.

By the way, both of Foster’s two previous talks in this series can be viewed online:

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe Cold Warthe American RevolutionThe Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.

07 30, 2022

You’re History, Episode I: Royal Reads & Brit Hits

By |2022-07-25T14:26:59-04:00July 30, 2022|

Our resident history wonks John Foster and Traci Hoffman welcome you to our new vlog, You’re History!

Traci is fascinated by royal history and John never passes up an opportunity to mention Samuel Pepys, so we’re launching with some royal reads and British hits including

  1. Young Elizabeth: The Making of the Queen by Kate Williams
  2. The History of England Vol. VI: Innovation by Peter Ackroyd
  3. Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey by Nicola Tallis

Discover fun historical tidbits like what Queen Elizabeth I said after the death of Mary, Queen of Scots, or why it’s the Stamp Tax (of all things) that riled up the Americans. And come back for more You’re History every month.

07 2, 2022

Discover the History & Future of NATO

By |2022-06-29T14:36:50-04:00July 2, 2022|

Our resident historian Dr. John Foster explores the history of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and its possible future.

NATO was a bulwark of security for western Europe and North America during the decades of the Cold War. Since 1989, it has been an organization in search of a mission. What can it contribute to global security this century, especially in the light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

In addition to being a reference librarian, Foster has a doctorate degree in history. He has taught history at both high school and college levels. Previously, he has led series on the Battles of World War IIthe Cold Warthe American RevolutionThe Vietnam Wars, and US Presidents of the 20th Century at the library.

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