Join us for the Behind-the-Scenes Speaker Series, a virtual program series exclusively for supporters of the Newberry. These short talks are designed to introduce you to our staff, keep you updated on the latest from the library, and provide you with a behind-the-scenes view of upcoming programs and projects.
Hear from Will Hansen, Director of Reader Services and Curator of Americana, who will share details on the Newberry’s upcoming exhibition, ¡Viva la Libertad!: The Age of Revolutions in Latin America. As revolutions broke out in the United States, France, and Haiti, freedom movements took root in Latin America, where the colonies of Spain and Portugal fought for their own independence. From our perspective today, it’s easy to assume the revolutionary floodgates opened and freedom spread inexorably throughout the hemisphere. But bitter independence struggles lasted decades.
¡Viva la Libertad! opens at the Newberry on April 2 and will transport visitors to the 1820s, when new countries emerged from colonial rule across the Americas. These countries faced many challenges, including how to form new governments, use their resources, and treat their diverse populations. The exhibition will explore these challenges while asking questions at the heart of struggles for independence: What does it mean to declare independence? Who is included and who is left out?
This program will be held virtually on Zoom. A link will be sent to you at the time of registration.
Invitation to the Behind-the-Scenes Speaker Series is a perk of membership in the Newberry Associates, President's Fellows, or Next Chapter.