History Study Group
Curt Hillstrom
Wednesday, October 16, 2019 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Curran's Restaurant, 42nd and Nicollet in Minneapolis
The new book we are beginning is King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa (1999) by Adam Hochschild. This was a prize-winning and popular book from twenty years ago; it is still a good read. For the 16th we will read through Part I (or as much of Part I as you are able). This is one of those history books that can be rather disquieting. Fortunately, our group is so congenial that we make it easy to live with personal distress.
What is a neighborhood and how does change make it better, lessen it, or make it a different world? Step into the past with a presentation illustrated by maps and photographs of historical interest. The maps show what most of south Minneapolis looked like prior to urban development. The photos are of early downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River, as well as historical and current-day images of Tangletown. These maps and photos provide a sense of place, identity, and pride in the city where we live.
Oaxaca is a city and state in southern Mexico that today is a popular destination for foreign and domestic tourists and those wishing to spend the winter months in a warm, sunny climate. Oaxaca has been populated for thousands of years and there is still a large indigenous population that carry on traditions and customs from years past. It is known for its cuisine, its festivals, its archeological sites and its artisans and crafts including weaving, textiles, pottery (green, red, black), alebrijes and mezcal. Charlie Roger has spent a few winters in Oaxaca and would like to share his experiences from there.