Virtual Get-together via Videoconferencing

Topic: From Europe to the Americas: Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art

Tuesday, October 14, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Dr. David Valuska, Commonwealth Speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council

This presentation is a program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council and is being co-sponsored by CAPE and the James V. Brown Library.

David Valuska will present a lively discussion of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art from its European roots to its eventual adaptation in the new world setting of Pennsylvania. Used to add color and beauty to the everyday life of the Pennsylvania Germans, Pennsylvania German folk art, such as scherenschnitte, fraktur, and painted toleware, will be examined. Dr. Valuska will also discuss how the influences of Europe coupled with the American experience created such an enduring expression of folk art.

Dr. Valuska will be in person at the James V. Brown Library, in Williamsport, PA. This presentation is free of charge and open to the public. CAPE members may attend the live event OR connect via multipoint videoconference.

About the Presenter:
Dr. David Valuska is director of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University and a Professor of History. He has done extensive research in both Germany and America on the topic of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Dr. Valuska has been a popular member of the Commonwealth Speakers program of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council since 1998.

Dr. Valuska received his Ph.D. from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Pennsylvania German Society, a Board member of the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Culture Society, a member of the National Regiment 1st Federal Division Headquarters Staff, and a member of the 1st Defenders Civil War Round Table. In 1992, he received the Teacher of the Year award at Kutztown University.

To schedule your campus for the multipoint event, please contact your campus CAPE Operations Committee Representative who can Register Online for your site to participate.

CAPE contact person: Deb Degenhart at degenhartd@acape.org.