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Monday, August 27, 2018

New Bickford Speaker Series: SmartTalks—Sneak Preview this fall; full series rollout in spring 2019

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SmartTalks

WHERE: Bickford Theatre, 6 Normandy Hgts. Rd., Morristown
TICKETS: Museum Members: $10, Non-Members $15
To purchase tickets visit https://morrismuseum.org/spoken-word/ or call the Box Office at 973.971.3706.

To become a Member, and receive the discounted ticket pricing, and visit the museum year-round for free visit morrismuseum.org/museum-membership, email membership@morrismuseum.org, or call 973.971.3721.

The Morris Museum launches an innovative, new programming option this season at the Bickford Theatre, a speaker series featuring engaging humanities scholars and authors who will present thought-provoking talks on topics about which they are both passionate and knowledgeable. Lively discussions will follow each SmartTalk.

“We’ve known that there’s tremendous enthusiasm and interest in a speaker series in the community and we’re pleased to broaden the Bickford Theatre’s programming to provide another way to enhance the experience of our visitors,” states Marsha Baldinger, member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris Museum and chair of the Bickford Theatre committee.

“Think of SmartTalks as a ‘university for lifelong learners,’ says Cleveland Johnson, Executive Director of the Morris Museum. “We’re not looking to attract an audience through celebrity speakers. Instead, we want to fill the house because the lecture topics themselves are not-to-be-missed. We’ll cover subjects that are engaging, surprising, mind-stretching, and sometimes even quirky, playful, or even provocative. And the speakers are like that favorite college professor whose breathtaking lectures made the hour seem like minutes.”

011215_7805_ian drakeDo Animals have Rights?
WHEN: Thursday, September 13, 2018, 1:00PM

Through a look at the writings of scientists and philosophers as well as the exploration of some case law, explore the arguments and viewpoints regarding the rights (or lack thereof) of animals.

Speaker: Ian Drake, PH.D, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jurisprudence at Montclair State University


conklinWhat is Jazz and Why Does it Matter?
WHEN: Thursday, October 11, 2018, 1:00PM

Sometimes called “America’s Classical Music,” the tradition and history of jazz embodies the essence of freedom and democracy. From its origins within the slaves songs, to the advent of the blues, Dixieland, Swing, Bebop, and other styles, jazz exhibits how each individual (through his/her independence) must function within the framework of a group to better serve the entire community. Through music and discussion, this SmartTalk explores jazz and why it matters.

Speaker: Michael Conklin, Jazz Historian, presently pursuing his Doctor of Arts and Letters degree from Drew University.

BrandynHeppard_RVCCProfPhilosphyLOL, a Philosophical Look at Comedy
WHEN: Thursday, November 15, 2018, 1:00PM

Since itsformal introduction by the ancient Greeks, comedy has been and continues to be more than just laughs. It can be explored from a philosophical perspective and shed light on this aspect of the human condition.

Speaker: Brandyn Heppard, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Raritan Valley Community College

The full series begins in spring 2019 with diverse weekly SmartTalks on Thursday afternoons at 1:00PM.