Harrisburg, PA – The State Museum of Pennsylvania welcomes Dr. Brent D. Glass who will discuss his new book, 50 Great American Places: Essential Historic Sites across the U.S., at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 26.
From Massachusetts to Florida to Washington to California, 50 Great American Places takes readers on a journey through our nation’s history. Sharing the inside stories of sites as old as Mesa Verde (Colorado) and Cahokia (Illinois) and as recent as Silicon Valley (California) and the Mall of America (Minnesota), each essay provides the historical context for places that represent fundamental American themes: the compelling story of democracy and self-government; the dramatic impact of military conflict; the powerful role of innovation and enterprise; the inspiring achievements of diverse cultural traditions; and the defining influence of the land and its resources. Glass explores these themes by connecting places, people, and events and reveals a national narrative that is often surprising, sometimes tragic, and always engaging—complete with photographs, websites for more information, and suggestions for other places nearby worth visiting.
Glass served as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission from 1987 to 2002 before helming the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC, where he is now director emeritus. He earned his doctorate in history from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in American studies from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College.
Glass will sign copies of 50 Great American Places following his talk.
The event is presented by The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation.
This event is free and open to the public. R.S.V.P. preferred to the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation at (717) 787-2407 or email RA-paheritage@pa.gov.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania, adjacent to the State Capitol in Harrisburg, is one of 24 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. The State Museum offers expansive collections interpreting Pennsylvania’s fascinating heritage. With exhibits examining the dawn of geologic time, the Native American experience, the colonial and revolutionary eras, a pivotal Civil War battleground, and the commonwealth's vast industrial age, The State Museum demonstrates that Pennsylvania's story is America’s story.
Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $7 for adults (ages 12-64), $6 for senior citizens (ages 65 and up), and $5 for children (ages 1-11).
MEDIA CONTACT: Howard Pollman, 717-705-8639