The Morris Museum Launches New Bickford Speaker Series - SmartTalks
By: Stephi Wild Aug. 23, 2018
The Morris Museum launches an innovative, new programming option this season at the Bickford Theatre. SmartTalks is a speaker series featuring engaging humanities scholars and authors who will present thought-provoking talks on topics about which they are both passionate and knowledgeable. Lively discussions will follow each SmartTalk.
"We've known that there's tremendous enthusiasm and interest in a speaker series in the community and we're pleased to broaden the Bickford Theatre's programming to provide another way to enhance the experience of our visitors," states Marsha Baldinger, member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris Museum and chair of the Bickford Theatre committee.
"Think of SmartTalks as a 'university for lifelong learners,' says Cleveland Johnson, Executive Director of the Morris Museum. "We're not looking to attract an audience through celebrity speakers. Instead, we want to fill the house because the lecture topics themselves are not-to-be-missed. We'll cover subjects that are engaging, surprising, mind-stretching, and sometimes even quirky, playful, or even provocative. And the speakers are like that favorite college professor whose breathtaking lectures made the hour seem like minutes."
The full series begins in spring 2019 with diverse weekly SmartTalks on Thursday afternoons at 1:00PM.
Thursday, September 13, 2018, 1:00PM - Do Animals have Rights?
Through a look at the writings of scientists and philosophers as well as the exploration of some case law, explore the arguments and viewpoints regarding the rights (or lackthereof) of animals.
Speaker: Ian Drake, PH.D, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jurisprudence at Montclair State University
Thursday, October 11, 2018, 1:00PM - What is Jazz and Why Does it Matter?
Sometimes called "America's Classical Music," the tradition and history of jazz embodies the essence of freedom and democracy. From its origins within the slaves songs, to the advent of the blues, Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, and other styles, jazz exhibits how each individual (through his/her independence) must function within the framework of a group to better serve the entire community. Through music and discussion, this SmartTalk explores jazz and why it matters.
Speaker: Michael Conklin, Jazz Historian, presently pursuing his Doctor of Arts and Letters degree from Drew University.
Thursday, November 15, 2018, 1:00PM - LOL, a Philosophical Look at Comedy
Since the formal introduction by the ancient Greeks, comedy has been and continues to be more than just laughs. It can be explored from a philosophical perspective and shed light on this aspect of the human condition.
Speaker: Brandyn Heppard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Raritan Valley Community College
To purchase tickets visit https://morrismuseum.org/spoken-word/ or call the Box Office at 973.971.3706.
To become a Member, and receive the discounted ticket pricing, and visit the museum year-round for free visit morrismuseum.org/museum-membership, email membership@morrismuseum.org, or call 973.971.3721.
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