Over the last nine decades, the Walt Disney Company has transformed every facet of the entertainment business—from the creation of feature length cartoons like Snow White, Bambi, and Pinocchio, to television programming like The Wonderful World of Disney, from theme parks that span the globe to Broadway musicals like The Lion King, from challenging Netflix with their new streaming service Disney+, to ownership of the greatest collection of franchise movies (from Stars Wars to Toy Story to The Avengers) under the control of a single studio in Hollywood history. This presentation examines this remarkable story of creativity and media growth, and looks at how the Walt Disney Company grew from a small cartoon studio in 1923 to become the most powerful force in worldwide entertainment.
Presented by author Brian Rose
This talk will celebrate the life and career of Lucille Ball. She rose from humble origins to become one of the most powerful women in Hollywood and the first woman to run a major studio. She also entertained us, and remains one of the best comediennes ever seen. Moderately successful in “B” movies, it was television that solidified her career. I Love Lucy has virtually never been off the air since it began in 1951. The show established her as a major television star, but also set the model for the situation comedy. Three more series followed, and Lucy kept doing what she did best, making people laugh. She has received every award there is for television, and numerous honors and recognition. Though she died in 1989, we still love Lucy!
Presented by performing arts professional Marc Courtade
Attention all parents! Are you concerned about how you will afford your child's college education in the future? Start planning now by attending the college funding workshop presented by Jodi Bloom, a Certified College Funding Specialist, Founder of Cornerstone College Solutions.
By enrolling in Cornerstone College Solutions workshop, we will educate you about funding for college. We will cover a variety of options, including 529 plans, FAFSA, Financial Aid, Merit Aid, and strategies to help you save for your child's future education and position your child for discounts on college tuition. Plus, learn about all the changes in the world of college funding.
Starting a college savings program NOW will pay off in the long run. With Cornerstone’s college savings plan, you can rest easy knowing that you are taking a proactive approach to securing your child's future.
Don't wait until it's too late to start planning for your child's college education!
Presented by Alex Clemente
Sponsored by the Kemmerer Library
Every two years, the modern Olympic Games are held, but now you can learn about their ancient predecessor through art. We’ll explore how this religious event in southern Greece—occurring each fourth summer—developed over the course of 1,100 years and see how it helped unite Greek speakers scattered across the ancient world.
Presented by art historian Michael Norris
Presented by Alex Clemente
Sponsored by the Kemmerer Library
Have no time or space to finish up all those craft projects? Take n Makes waiting to be assembled? You are not alone! Join us for some quiet time away from the kids and the dirty dishes. Relax with friends and fellow crafters. Bring along anything you want to work on or enjoy doing the craft I will provide. Register at MadisonNJLibrary.org **Location change - Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison**
Sponsored by Madison Public Library ( Madison Borough).Join us at the Madison Community Art Center to make a fairy wand for your garden or indoor pots. Sparkles in the sun and adds fun to your plantings.
Sponsored by Madison Public Library ( Madison Borough).Presented by Rutgers Master Gardeners
In recent years a spate of books and articles have been published with the phrase “New Gilded Age” or “Second Gilded Age” in their title. All examine current social, political, and economic problems in the United States (growing income inequality, Wall Street malfeasance, and vehement anti-immigrant sentiment—just to name a few) with an eye toward the first Gilded Age (1870-1900). That was a period when America experienced astonishing growth in prosperity, population, and industry, but also urban squalor, political corruption, worker exploitation, Robber Baron ruthlessness, and an alarming growth in the gap between rich and poor. This presentation will examine this first Gilded Age and the key issues it raised, as well as how out of its turmoil the U.S. entered a period (The Progressive Era) marked by wide-ranging reform movements. The last portion will offer a comparison between the first Gilded Age and our current situation.
Hosted by historian Edward O'Donnell
Have no time or space to finish up all those craft projects? Take n Makes waiting to be assembled? You are not alone! Join us for some quiet time away from the kids and the dirty dishes. Relax with friends and fellow crafters. Bring along anything you want to work on or enjoy doing the craft I will provide. Register at MadisonNJLibrary.org **Location change - Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Road, Madison**
Sponsored by Madison Public Library ( Madison Borough).Event is hosted by Kemmerer Library
No other doll has been played with, analyzed, collected, criticized and loved. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard delves into the history of Barbie and her inventor, the passionately creative and intensely competitive Ruth Handler. Learn what inspired Handler to develop Barbie in 1959, how Barbie helped make Mattel one of the world’s most successful toy companies, and what Barbie’s impact has been on American culture
Leslie Goddard is a historian and author who holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and master’s degrees in museum studies and in theater. She has written three books on Chicago history and has been presenting programs on topics in history for more than fifteen years.
Event is hosted by Kemmerer Library
John Kenrick will be giving us an insiders look at the way musicals get from the page to the stage.
John speaks on literally hundreds of topics related to musical theatre and classic films. His schedule has run the gamut from universities and adult education programs to luxury liners and the NYC Fringe Festival. He has given talks for The Classic Stage Company, Temple Emmanuel's Streicker Center, The York Theatre, New York's Jewish Museum, The 92nd Street Y, The Philadelphia Theatre Company, The Museum of the City of New York, the Queensborough NY Library system, and public libraries in Poughkeepsie, Oceanside, Merrick and Lawrence NY.
Trace the history of the Kentucky Derby's beloved traditions, from mint juleps to lavish hats.
Leslie Goddard is a historian and author who holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and master’s degrees in museum studies and in theater. She has written three books on Chicago history and has been presenting programs on topics in history for more than fifteen years.