Dr. Richard Kurin

How does one define the history of our great nation simply through the selection of objects? When Dr. Richard Kurin, Under Secretary of History, Art and Culture at the Smithsonian, set out to do so, he chose Thomas Jefferson’s Bible, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and, of course, the Declaration of Independence, among 98 others. Kurin’s selections and the stories behind each were compiled into the incredible coffee-table book The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects. In the MAC’s newest exhibit, 100 Stories — A Centennial Exhibition, a similar approach was taken as museum curators selected items of historical significance to our little part of the U.S. As part of the exhibit, Kurin is visiting the museum for a lecture and book signing. Seating for the event is limited, so get there early.