Democracy in the Making: The Open Forum Lecture Movement

by Arthur S. Meyers

Overview

In 1908, a remarkable direction in community learning began in Boston and spread across the country, becoming the Open Forum lecture movement. These locally planned, trans-denominational lectures, followed by periods for questions, were characterized as “the striking of mind upon mind.”
This study recovers the movement and shows what can be applied to our time. George W. Coleman brought a deep commitment to free speech in developing the Forum and Mary Caroline Crawford was essential in implementing it.

Understanding this initiative broadens our awareness of personal and community courage and democratic planning. We can regain this informed, reflective, respectful approach, and achieve an America “to be”—a democracy in the making.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761859284
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	11/08/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	188
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Arthur S. Meyers, director of Russell Library in Middletown, Connecticut, has been researching and writing about the Open Forum movement for more than two decades.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1. Perspectives The most marvelous program that ever existed
Chapter 2. Beginning We have plans laid already
Chapter 3. Structure Helping to mould the Boston of the future
Chapter 4. Terre Haute The striking of mind upon mind
Chapter 5. Hammond A sturdy core of thinking, fact seeking citizens
Chapter 6. Du Bois You have given me new strength and vision
Chapter 7. Looking Ahead An America To Be
Bibliography

What People are Saying About This

James J. Connolly

…Meyers does more than simply reintroduce an important piece of our civic past; he also presents us with a model for rejuvenating contemporary public life.

Harold W. Stubblefield

I recommend this book highly for students of adult education and for public officials and civic leaders who want a model of public discourse for civil conversation in a time of polarization.

David Mathews

…A valuable resource…useful not only because it revives this history but also because it illustrates how the past can help to inform the present. The National Issues Forums are certainly a close descendant of this important movement.

Kathryn Kish Sklar

This vivid new window brings forward Mary Caroline Crawford, a woman who shaped progressive public discourse.

Richard D. Brown

…[A] clearly-drawn narrative….connect[ing] this non-sectarian, semi-secular movement to the Chautauqua and Lyceum movements of earlier generations.

Nancy C. Unger

Meyers’ original and exciting investigation [and] deft, nuanced analysis....thoroughly explores the movement’s strengths and weaknesses, providing insights that will be valuable to historians—and to all who seek to develop inclusive solutions to social problems.

Editorial Reviews

I recommend this book highly for students of adult education and for public officials and civic leaders who want a model of public discourse for civil conversation in a time of polarization.

Harold W. Stubblefield

Meyers’ original and exciting investigation [and] deft, nuanced analysis....thoroughly explores the movement’s strengths and weaknesses, providing insights that will be valuable to historians—and to all who seek to develop inclusive solutions to social problems.

Nancy C. Unger

…Meyers does more than simply reintroduce an important piece of our civic past; he also presents us with a model for rejuvenating contemporary public life.

James J. Connolly

…A valuable resource…useful not only because it revives this history but also because it illustrates how the past can help to inform the present. The National Issues Forums are certainly a close descendant of this important movement.

David Mathews

…[A] clearly-drawn narrative….connect[ing] this non-sectarian, semi-secular movement to the Chautauqua and Lyceum movements of earlier generations.

Richard D. Brown

This vivid new window brings forward Mary Caroline Crawford, a woman who shaped progressive public discourse.

Kathryn Kish Sklar