History talk with Dr. Tom Hanchett–History of Charlotte’s Parks

Historian Tom Hanchett is presenting free monthly history programs at Aldersgate Senior Living Community, 3800 Shamrock Drive.

These programs are open to the community.

Tom Hanchett is a community historian in Charlotte, consulting with community groups and with Levine Museum of the New South. Previously he served as Staff Historian for 16 years at Levine Museum where he curated the permanent exhibition Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers (named best in the Southeast by the South East Museums Conference), and a string of national-award-winning temporary exhibitions including COURAGE about the Carolina roots of the Brown v Board Civil Rights case.

Tom’s writings range widely on urban history and Southern culture.

Coming up:

History Night with Dr. Tom Hanchett: Sorting Out Charlotte
Wednesday, January 9th, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free

“Sorting Out Charlotte” — Tom traces the surprising history of how Charlotte became a city of distinct neighborhoods, based on his award-winning book Sorting Out the New South City (UNC Press, 1998).

History Night with Dr. Tom Hanchett: Rosenwald Schools
Wednesday, February 13th, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Free

“Rosenwald Schools” — In honor of Black History Month, look back at the Rosenwald School program. Funded by Sears Roebuck executive Julius Rosenwald, its matching grants helped African Americans build over 5000 rural schools across the South 1910s – 1930s.

History Night with Dr. Tom Hanchett: Women Changing Charlotte
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free

“Women Changing Charlotte” — March is Women’s History Month, a great time to see how women moved into leadership roles — from TV news to non-profit management to politics — during our lifetime, especially in the 1970s – 1980s. Please share your own memories!

History Night with Dr. Tom Hanchett: History of Charlotte’s Parks
Wednesday, April 10th, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Free

“History of Charlotte’s Parks” — As spring flowers burst into bloom, we’ll explore the movement for public parks in Charlotte. Dr. Hanchett shares new research he is developing for Mecklenburg Park & Recreation as it renovates Independence Park and Pearl Street Park.