Distinguished Visiting Speaker!
American Presidents and the Constitution
Tuesday, May 23
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Jefferson Educational Society
Featuring Distinguished Visiting Speaker Ken Gormley, J.D.
The presidency of the United States is the most powerful position in the American system of government, and perhaps in the world. Yet the Constitution dedicates surprisingly little space to defining the duties or powers of the president. Rather each occupant of the office―the first president to the forty-fourth―has contributed to the story of the Constitution through the decisions he made and the actions he took as the nation's chief executive. Join Ken Gormley, a constitutional scholar and the president of Duquesne University, as he describes how presidents from George Washington and Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama and Donald Trump have added dimension to the U.S. Constitution's description of the role of the nation's chief executive. American Presidents and the Constitution is for anyone interested in a captivating and illuminating account of one of the most compelling subjects in our American democracy.
This program is in partnership with the Hagen History Center.
Important to Note:
- Location: Jefferson Educational Society -- 3207 State St., Erie, PA 16508.
- Date/Time: Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
Lake Erie Pirates: Dodgy Characters at the Cut
Wednesday, May 24
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Jefferson Educational Society
Featuring JES Scholar-in-Residence, David Frew, Ph.D.
Astonishing as it may seem there was an organized band of pirates on Lake Erie. They worked the cut (channel) at the base of Long Point from the 1830s until they were finally brought under control in 1868 by Pinkerton operatives from the United States. Before they were finally stopped, Long Point's pirates had harvested hundreds of thousands of dollars from unwary ships. The story of Long Point's land-based pirates includes a war that almost happened between the United States and Upper Canada, the formation of the Long Point Company, the system of keepers that continues at Long Point and the eventual development of today's Long Point Biosphere. There are many parallels between the characters who became Long Point pirates and the men who "worked" Presque Isle during the same time period.
Important to Note:
- Location: Jefferson Educational Society -- 3207 State St., Erie, PA 16508.
- Date/Time: Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m.
- Admission: $10/person or $15 with a guest
East Erie Satellite Programming!
Changing the Narrative: Overcoming the Challenges to Mental Health Treatment in the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Community
Thursday, May 25
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT)
Featuring Adrienne Dixon, Ph.D.
One in five Americans experience a mental illness each year and more than 50 percent of adults are diagnosed with a mental health disorder, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Research has shown that BIPOC groups are less likely to have access to mental health services, less likely to seek out treatment, and more likely to receive low or poor-quality of care. Social cultural factors such as historic racial trauma and race-based traumatic stress in BIPOC communities are leading contributors to mental health challenges. The session will discuss the complexity of sociodemographic factors and explore opportunities to proactively work towards a more equitable and sustainable community narrative.
Important to Note:
- Location: Erie Center for Arts & Technology (ECAT) -- 650 East Ave., Suite 120, Erie, PA 16503.
- Date/Time: Thursday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m.
- Admission: FREE
Community Conversation!
Revisiting and Reimagining Public Libraries in the 21st Century
Friday, May 26
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Jefferson Educational Society
Featuring Karen Pierce, MLIS
The Erie County Public Library has a plethora of resources – some brand new and some perennial favorites. Let's take a moment to revisit what we have to offer. The partnerships we have within the community are the lifeblood of the library. We wouldn't be where we are today without our patrons, friends, and supporters. Join ECPL Director Karen Pierce in examining how legacy services endure, new resources emerge to meet today's evolving needs, and share their vision for the future.
*Please note: the lecture is free, but we ask you to register 24 hours before the event if you are purchasing a lunch. There will not be extras available for purchase at the lecture. You are welcome to bring your own lunch as well. Thank you for understanding!
Important to Note:
- Location: Jefferson Educational Society -- 3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508.
- Date/Time: Friday, May 26 at Noon
- Admission: FREE, optional $5 lunch (must pre-register 24 hours in advance)
