John Dewey’s many winters in Key West to be focus of lecture by noted author and scholar, Dr Larry Hickman
Late-life love letters. Intimate exchanges with family members. Occasional gossip about neighbors such as Ernest Hemingway. And letters revealing personal thoughts on matters of national and international significance.
The letters and life of John Dewey in Key West, the esteemed American public figure, philosopher, and educator will be the topic of The Studios of Key West next free lecture. Distinguished Dewey scholar, Dr. Larry A. Hickman, will present his talk at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 14, and the public is invited. Generously funded by the Florida Humanities Council, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the event will be held in the exhibition hall of the historic Armory at 600 White Street. An interview discussion will follow the talk, moderated by noted scholar and author, Dr. Robert D. Richardson.
For several months each year between 1938 and 1950, John Dewey found sanctuary from the New York winters in cottages on Flagler, Greene, Dey and South Streets in Key West. Despite his advanced age (Dewey died in 1952 at the age of 92), he produced a quantity of lectures and publications during those years that many academics could claim with pride as the production of a lifetime.
“We are excited about this event,” says Martha Barnes, Program coordinator TSKW. “And are planning a new format in addition to the lecture, which will include an ‘Actor’s Studio’ style taped conversation. Those in attendance will be integral to the experience as members of the live audience, and their questions and ideas will play into the mix.”
Dewey’s letters from Key West provide a unique portrait of the man and the city he chose as his winter home. Dr. Hickman, Director of the Center for Dewey Studies at Southern Illinois University Carbondale since 1993, has authored four books and edited or co-edited ten additional titles, including The Correspondence of John Dewey. Hickman’s most recent publication, Philosophical Tools for Technological Culture: Putting Pragmatism to Work, will be available at the November 14 lecture.
This event is the sixth in the Florida Humanities Council sponsored series of seven lectures exploring the history of the Key West, its place in 20th century culture, and the lives of artists and writers who lived and worked on the island.
The Armory doors will open at 6:30 pm, and the lecture is free and open to all. For details, please contact The Studios of Key West at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org
The Studios of Key West is located in the Historic Armory, 600 White Street, and recently announced an upcoming season of creative workshops, innovative projects, and new partnerships. To learn more, visit the organization’s website at www.tskw.org
