Skip to main content
  • November 1, 2010
  • Christine Davis Mantai

bicentennialThe Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Travelling Exhibit is on display in Reed Library through Nov. 19 in the Exhibit Area.

Margaret Fuller

Margaret Fuller was:

--First woman foreign war correspondent to serve under combat conditions.

--First American to write a book about equality for women.

--First woman journalist on Horace Greeley’s New York Daily Tribune.

--First editor of The Dial, foremost Transcendentalist Journal, founded by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

--First woman to gain entry to Harvard Library to pursue research.

 

The exhibit has been made possible, in part, by the fund for Unitarian Universalism, the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society, the Carnahan-Jackson Humanities Fund, the Unitarian Universalist Women & Religion, and the Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Committee.

 

In an effort to raise awareness of the impact and life of Margaret Fuller, the Daniel A. Reed Library in collaboration with Dr. Emily VanDette’s English Senior Seminar students will be highlighting Fuller’s work through a discussion series and a Traveling Exhibit entitled, “Why Margaret Fuller Matters.”

The discussions will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Japanese Garden Area of Reed Library (see dates below). 

Margaret Fuller helped educate the women of her day by leading a series of conversations for women (and later men) in Boston, Mass., during the late 1830s and early 1840s. Participants were empowered to read, think and discuss important issues of the day. The Bicentennial Program carries on the traditions established by Fuller, promoting dialogue and further discourse on the issues that continue to affect society today.

Fuller’s efforts will inspire people of all ages to follow her lead and think independently, express their thoughts more clearly, defend their convictions with courage, learn through dialogue, and the free exchange of opinions, as well as be open to change.  


Monday, Nov. 1

Conversations and (Dial)ogues with Margaret Fuller
Presenters: Lacey Daley, Brandy McCaffery, and Carly Salzberg

Abstract: Whether facilitating intellectual exchange and enhancing women's education through her famous Boston Conversations series or innovating the public sharing of ideas and philosophy through her editorship at the Transcendentalist magazine, The Dial, Margaret Fuller played a central role in shaping philosophical, literary, and social dialogue in antebellum America. This session will kick-off the Fuller Bicentennial with a glimpse into the pedagogy and impact of Fuller's conversational series and journalistic style.

From No Money to Young Money: Margaret Fuller a Writer Who Transcends Her Time
Presenter: Tibrisha Faulkner

Abstract: Discover how Margaret Fuller’s ideals on writing can be seen in popular culture today and how her relationships with fellow transcendentalist friends Emerson and Thoreau have surprising parallels to rap group sensations young money, lil Wayne, Drake and Nikki Minaj.

Wednesday, Nov. 3

The Nature of Self: Fuller and Thoreau's “Journeys Into the Wild”
Presenters: Jim Hill, Glen Kaufman and Tiffany Wood

Abstract: Both Fuller and Thoreau's sense of self is strongly bound to place. How did their gender influence this sense of self and how did geographical location fit in? These ideas will be explored and viewed through the lens of Christopher McCandless' journey in, Into the Wild in order to derive historical perspective and contemporary meaning from these literary icons.

Friday, Nov. 5

Scarlet Letters: The Correspondence of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Margaret Fuller
Presenters: Shannon M. McGovern and Aaron J. Padden


Abstract: Come and explore the life, letters, and work of one of America’s literary giants, Nathaniel Hawthorne. Then rediscover the relationship with his lesser known friend, foe, and contemporary, Margaret Fuller and their vital importance to the Transcendental Movement.

A Comparative Discussion on the Lives and Philosophies of Margaret Fuller and Ralph Waldo Emerson
Presenter: Jared Lincourt

Abstract: This presentation will discuss the relationship and ideas of Margaret Fuller and Ralph Waldo Emerson. After explaining some differences and similarities in their views there will be an audience discussion about how their philosophies connect to the Transcendental Movement.

 

Monday, Nov. 8

Margaret Fuller: The Real Mother Nature
Presenters: Christine Botham, Heather Williams, and Erica Yunghans


Abstract: This presentation will include a conversation on a woman’s environment relating to equality, gender and feminism. The discussion will explore the perspectives of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Margaret Fuller’s visits to Niagara Falls.

Wednesday, Nov. 10

Margaret Fuller and the Literary Classics: A Journey of Shakespeare, Mythology, and Philosophy
Presenters: Amanda Hebing, Alexandrea Brode, Audrey Putney and Samantha D’Amaro


Abstract: A presentation and group discussion on Fuller’s roles in creating the modern day “Miranda,” interpreting Greek Mythology, and her impact on women’s philosophical studies and their influences on her.

Friday, Nov. 12

Speaking the Unspeakable: Breaking Societal Boundaries with Fuller, Morrison, and Bannon
Presenters: Chelsea Mink, Sarah Noble, and Lauren Williams


Abstract: This presentation will spotlight experimental writers and their contributions to the women’s’ literary legacy using interactive visuals and excerpts.

Time Warp: The Transcendental/Post-Modern Connection.
Presenter: Faith Jones

Abstract: A discussion illustrating how the transcendental movement both anticipated and influenced post-modern literature of the 20th and 21st centuries.