Monthly Programs

Map published by Paolo Forlani, 1565

Most months a member will give a presentation, discussing a current work in progress, the research and writing process, or an area of personal interest and expertise. A collegial Q&A ensues, and the speaker can, if they wish, ask for suggestions for improvement in case they will be giving the talk at other venues. These programs are usually held at 2:00 PM on the third Sunday of the month, except for December; exceptions can be made as necessary. A digital projector and screen are available. Another member volunteers to take notes and write a report for the newsletter, or the speaker may provide a synopsis instead.

We try to have a speaker each month, though this is not always possible. Ideally, we schedule the programs as far in advance as possible. Members who are interested in giving a talk or other program (such as a film or exhibit tour) should email president@tihs.org.

Videos of some presentations can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.

Next Monthly Program

Sunday, January 19, 2:00 pm, Monthly Program via Zoom
The Who, What, When, Where, How and Why of Paraplegic Vivian Edward’s Transcontinental Goat Cart Odyssey, 1907-10
A Presentation by Oliver B. Pollak

1908 Postcard photograph of Captain Vivian Edwards in Kansas at a Santa Fe Trail monument

This story started to ferment around 2001. It flowered in 2022. It grew beyond the 1500 words permitted by the first contemplated publication. It stood at 5400 words by January 10, 2023, without footnotes. eBay provided an image cache and hundreds of digitized American newspapers followed how a man born in Iowa in 1856 was paralyzed from the waist down at the age of four and cast a transcontinental image somewhat akin to the modern accomplishment of the Paralympics. The keys to his success were a sense of independence, the invention of a cart pulled by four goats, and the indulgence of a welcoming audience, especially children. From 1888 to 1916 (8 years after his death) there was talk about publishing a book of his travels. This presentation is not that book, but the best that can be done over one hundred years later. Oliver B. Pollak retired in 2012 from the academic world of the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he taught since 1974. He retired from practicing law in 2016. He and his wife Karen left Omaha in October 2016 and settled in Richmond where they have the riches of their two sons, grandchildren, pleasant weather, the Bay Trail, museums and libraries, cuisine and wine country, a view of Mount Tamalpais, the internet, old and new friends, and visitors. His pen and keyboard cannot be stilled as ideas rush in. This story is designed to display methodology, technology, Disability History, and making a living under very challenging circumstances. It is inspiring and has elements of a Greek Tragedy.
The presentation will be recorded, and the question-and-answer part will be posted on YouTube for IHS members only. If you don’t want to be on the recording, just make sure your video is off. And please remember to mute your microphone!
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