Monthly Programs

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

Saturday, July 19, 10:00 am, Monthly Program via Zoom.
Secularism and the Problem of the Sacred in the History of Technology
A presentation by Enrico Beltramini
Despite the growing scholarly work at the intersection of religion and technology, how to characterize their relationship remains a matter of dispute for historians of technology. Some have argued that the problem arises arises from using poor terminology, and from giving primacy to technological knowledge over religious knowledge. Enrico Beltramini takes a different view. He argues instead that the cause of this dispute stems from competing ideas about our basic understanding of the universe. The history of technology is founded on a secular understanding, while religion wants to sustain a post-secular worldview that protects the sense of the sacred. Enrico argues that the harmonization of religion and history of technology requires a reconsideration of the theoretical apparatus that governs the religion-secular divide. Enrico’s presentation is based on his essay “When Religion Meets History of Technology. Secularism and the Problem of the Sacred,” History and Technology , Vol. 39, Issue 3-4 (2024), 316-327. This essay is a response to an essay by Jennifer Karns Alexander in an earlier issue. After a full academic career, first in Italy and later in California, Enrico accepted early retirement from teaching during the COVID pandemic while at Notre Dame de Namur University. He now maintains an academic affiliation with the university, dedicating himself to research, writing, and active participation in scholarly conferences.
You are welcome to invite friends and colleagues to attend.
The presentation will be recorded, and posted on YouTube. If you don’t want to be on the recording, just make sure your video is off. And please remember to mute your microphone!
Top