2016 Chautauqua Workshops
The Cold War: The Early Years
Workshop Location: Tulsa Historical Society
2445 South Peoria
Tuesday, June 7
Noon
Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech: Its Historical Context and Impact with scholar Kevin
Radaker
On March 5, 1946, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, Winston Churchill offered what has
become known as his “iron curtain” speech, which the Soviets came to view as the opening volley of
the Cold War. This workshop will consider the historical-political contexts as well as the impact of
this speech.
5:30 p.m.
The Family of Man – Social Documentary through Photography with scholar Ilene Evans
This workshop looks at the photographic work of Edward Steichen and Lewis Hines and Milton
Rogovin. Each in their own way use photography as an instrument of global social reform to
embrace race, class, gender and cultural diversity.
Wednesday, June 8
Noon
Pete Seeger: After The Blacklist with scholar Randy Noojin
An overview of Pete Seeger’s life and music from his activist work dealing with civil rights, the
Vietnam War, Anti-Nuke and ecological work with the sloop Clearwater, which helped clean up the
Hudson River.
5:30 p.m.
Winston Churchill and the Bomb During the First Decade of the Cold War with scholar Kevin
Radaker
From 1945, when the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan to end the war, to 1955, when he
resigned from his second term as Prime Minister, Winston Churchill often pondered this new and
terrible weapon. This workshop will trace Churchill’s shifting views of the bomb during the first
decade of the Cold War.
Thursday, June 9
Noon
Aliens, Red Scares, and ISIS: America in Times of Fear with scholar Doug Mishler
America’s ideals of liberty and freedom are central to our cultural identity. Yet many events in our
history have challenged and even destroyed those ideals for some, for at least a while. We will
explore how fears over events -- from the British returning in 1799, through World and Cold Wars, to
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9-11 and terrorism today -- have often caused Americans to set aside our ideals in the name of
“security.
5:30 p.m.
The Cold War At Home with scholar James Holmes Armstead
The Cold War effects on the home front, including the development of the military-industrial
complex; maintaining a reorganized, permanent large standing, forward-deployed, integrated military
force; the general effects on domestic politics including race relations, domestic spending, civil
defense, immigration policy, etc. in the US; and the promotion of a federally-supported advanced
scientific research agenda, including early space exploration.
Friday, June 10
Noon
The Cold War and US Foreign Policy with scholar James Holmes Armstead
The development by the US of our overarching and continuing foreign policy of “Containment” and
how that affected US policies towards Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia and the creation of
the various strategic political and military alliances including NATO, CENTO, and SEATO.
5:30 p.m.
Hootenanny: Pete Seeger Sing-Along with scholar Randy Noojin
Lyrics will be provided for this sing-along to Pete Seeger’s favorite songs, including his songs for
children, and the story of their origins.
Saturday, June 11
Noon
Children’s Literature from the Left: 1920– 1980 with scholar Ilene Evans
How do we approach the education of children in a free society? This workshop looks at the values
we teach through the stories we tell and the literature we share with our children about people of
color, immigrants and strangers.
5:30 p.m.
Duck and Cover: The Cold War’s Spies, Lies, Myths and Mistakes with scholar Doug Mishler
The Cold War’s flamboyant lies, misunderstands, and outright foolishness caused Americans to fear
everything from sputnik to spies, to giant ants, and perhaps even the neighbors. Join us in the bomb
shelter to share rations, plywood, and relive those glorious days when everyone had to as they say
“stop worrying and start loving the bomb.” Perhaps this is the end after all!!
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