College of Charleston

On Tuesday, March 13, the Friends of the Library welcomed Executive Chef Sean Brock and Professor David Shields to the Winthrop Roundtable. After a delightful dinner of Bisque a la Creole, Fresh Striped Bass, and Strawberry Cornmeal Cake, Brock and Shields discussed the restoration and preservation of one of the great cuisines of America: the South Carolina Lowcountry cuisine. The evening’s menu was adapted from an original 18th century cookbook and many of the ingredients used were locally sourced. Click here to view a video from the evening!

On February 15, the Friends of the Library launched the Addlestone Authors’ Series with a lively discussion by Ken Burger on his new book, Baptized in Sweet Tea. He captivated the crowd with stories from the heart about living and growing up in the South. The book is a compilation of his columns from his career as a journalist for the Post and Courier. The columns ranged from stories of his childhood to memories of the past, and tales of how he overcame struggles and addictions.

On March 19, we will welcome Stephen Hoffius and Susan Millar Williams for the second discussion on their book, Upheaval in Charleston. Last semester, Steve and Susan’s talk on the anniversary of the Charleston Earthquake in 1886 drew a record crowd. Their upcoming talk will focus on the murder of Francis Warrington Dawson, the editor of the News and Courier at the time of the earthquake and how his demise affected the politics of the Jim Crow era in Charleston. Additionally, novelist Roxanna Robinson, a direct descendant of Dawson and of Harriet Beecher Stowe, will discuss Dawson from the point of view of the family’s legacy of outspoken idealism and moral commitment. On March 22, Robinson will take the main stage and discuss two of her books: Cost and her definitive biography of Georgia O’Keeffe.

This year’s Winthrop Roundtable on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 6:30pm will feature a variety of culture, food, and history.  We are happy to welcome back our featured speaker from the Mackenzie Library Launch, David Shields McClintock professor of Southern Letters at the University of South Carolina, as well as nationally acclaimed chef Sean Brock from Husk and McCrady’s Restaurants. Together they will be discussing the roots of southern cooking and the importance of heirloom farming.  Brock and Shields have worked closely together over the past few years since they both share a passion for southern food, colonial history, and heirloom farming.  The event will be a unique experience for all who attend. Dinner will feature locally grown food and a menu, planned by Brock, featuring historic recipes straight from 18th and 19th century cookbooks.  The evening will be a unique memorable opportunity chance no only enjoy traditional southern dishes the way that they are supposed to taste, but also learn about  heirloom farming and impotance  of locally grown food  to our health, economy and way of life.

After dinner Brock and Shields will conduct a lively exchange about the recent resurgence of southern cooking. As David Shields notes, the current revival of southern cuisine depends upon the preservation and restoration of heritage plants, animals, and agricultural lands. The success of the enterprise is entirely dependent upon the quality of the ingredients that go into the kitchen.

For more information please contact Elaine Savarese at 843-953-6526 or at eksavare@cofc.edu.

For a full list of our events please click here.

On October 18th we hosted a launch of the Mackenzie Library Project featuring historian and University of South Carolina Professor David Shields.  The evening showcased the original and recently restored books from the College’s first library with publishing dates that go from 1633 to 1769.  They were restored by the CofC’s Senior, Brien Biedler, and are a true work of art.

To learn more about the Mackenzie Library Project please click here.

To read a full transcription of David Shields’ address from the event please click here.

And to view photos from the event please click here and view them on our Facebook page.

The Friends of the Library are happy to present their speaker series “Immigration Nation.” Part Two will take place on Monday, November 7 at the Addlestone Library Room 227 with author Marjory Wentworth who will be talking about her book Taking a Stand, The Evolution of Human Rights.  Her book follows the life of Juan Méndez, a former political prisoner in Argentina who moved to the United States to continue his lifelong fight for the rights of others. The narrative addresses issues of torture, detention, exile, forced migration, and America’s policies on these divisive issues.

Click on the link below to hear a little from Stephen Hoffius and Susan Williams as they talk about their book Upheaval: Earthquake and Murder on the Eve of Jim Crow.  Both Hoffius and Williams will be speaking at the College of Charleston on August 31 in the Addlestone Library Room 227 at 6:00 pm about the book.

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Upheaval

A little about the book and event:

The earthquake of August 31, 1886, with three epicenters near Charleston, was the strongest earthquake ever to hit the east coast of the United States. Almost every building in Charleston was damaged and the city spent years attempting to recover from the devastation. Because it struck as Jim Crow politics were beginning, the social scene was as fascinating as the earthquake damage.  The event will be held on the 125th Anniversary of the Charleston Earthquake.

If you are a current Friend of the Library please take a minute to fill out this survey and let us know what we can do to improve your membership!

Click here to take the survey!

Click here to view our new online flip book made from images of the original Mackenzie Library catalogue!

Check out this great video we’ve made to tell you a little more about the College of Charleston Addlestone Library and all that we have to offer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwLqPyzPsiw&feature=youtu.be