Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Independent but Intertwined

Independent but Intertwined

On July 4th, Americans celebrate our Independence Day, and the anniversary of our declaration of ‘no more rule by redcoats’.  At the time – a mere 245 years ago – the United States and Great Britain were bitter enemies.  But today, there is a ‘Special Relationship’ between the two, and both affirm the other as their most important foreign ally.  What would become the United States was hardly the only territory that chafed under the rule of the British Empire.  The peoples of Ireland, India, China, Apartheid South Africa, Aborigines in Australia, and more had grievences with the Crown.  Immediately after the Revolutionary War, average Americans viewed Great Britain as synonymous with everything bad in the world, and vice versa.  … Continued
International Connections

International Connections

With COVID-related restrictions, students were not able to participate in international study travel.  International and intercultural dialogue is an important skill to enrich any education, and students benefit from engaging in meaningful experiences with people of different backgrounds.  During the Pandemic, online options like those facilitated by ZOOM have been vital – and Global Circles is a new opportunity for IU East students to connect with peers abroad. The program is free and only a two week commitment, with half of the time spent live and half in asynchronous communication.  Dr. Julien Simon is the faculty advisor for the program, and can be contacted at jjsimon@iue.edu.  Topics are structured and related to student life and global issues (particularly the impact … Continued
A Pride Worthy Archives Update

A Pride Worthy Archives Update

IU East LGBTQ+ Archive Just in time for Pride Month, we added several new items to the IU East LGBTQ+ Collection. Current Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, Dr. Nathan Froebe, recently premiered his new song cycle titled “In Paths Untrodden” on Facebook Live. This song cycle consists of ten poems by Walt Whitman and depicts the navigation of an LGBTQ+ relationship in the messy aftermath of romantic separation. Dr. Froebe composed this music over the last eight years, pulling from his own personal experience, and wrote the voice parts for two ungendered voices. The IU East Archives now has the performance, the performance program, the musical score, and Dr. Froebe’s interview on how and why he created this song cycle … Continued
Celebrating Pride and African American Music Appreciation Month

Celebrating Pride and African American Music Appreciation Month

June celebrations are myriad and interesting, with lots of opportunities for discovery and learning.  This month, we celebrate both African American Music Appreciation Month and LGBTQ Pride Month.  African American LGBTQ musicians have contributed some of the most recognizable songs in American history, as well as serving as examples of successful artists who in many cases lived their truths openly.  Here, we profile a handful of artists spanning over 100 years of recorded music. Gertrude “Ma” Rainey Ma Rainey was born in 1886 with the full name of Gertrude Melissa Nix Pridgett, likely in Columbus, Georgia.  Her potent version of the blues was confrontational and influential, and she worked with some of the most famous artists of her (and any … Continued
Maps Maps Maps

Maps Maps Maps

Maps are useful historical documents, as the world is constantly changing. A map depicts what an area looked like at a given time as roads and buildings come and go and geographical locations evolve. The David Rumsey Map Collection contains rare 16th-21st century maps of North and South America, as well as maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. These maps range from atlases and globes to pocket maps, maritime charts, and books of exploration. Currently, in the David Rumsey Map Collection, there are over 107,000 items with extensive cataloging that are freely available to the public. Here are just a few maps that can be found within the collection.  Ah, Paris! The city of lights. From 1911, … Continued