The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center’s Town and Gown Conversations program bridges the gap between the academic world and townspeople.
About four times a year, notable speakers are brought to the Center to meet with guests, share views, and exchange ideas on topics of mutual concern and interest, including art, the academy, business, history, philosophy, science, journalism, and politics.
DOWNTON ABBEY TOWN AND GOWN DINNER
Sumptuous Settings, Fabulous Fashions, Upstairs/Downstairs Drama, and History
Thursday, August 1, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $75 per person - REGISTER ONLINE (Under History)
Limited seating!
Audiences were drawn to the glamour of Downton Abbey. The creator of the series, Julian Fellowes, treated viewers to sumptuous settings, fabulous fashion, and elaborate dinner parties that were part of the aristocratic lifestyle of the period. This was the backdrop for the drama that took place upstairs, downstairs, and between upstairs and downstairs. Fellowes also wove historical events into the series, especially the Great War, which had a profound impact on British society.
Our guest speaker, Dr. Carolyn Malone, watched this drama as both a fan and a historian. In this talk, she will explore two questions: What were upstairs/downstairs relationships really like? How well did Fellowes incorporate history into this drama?
ABOUT DR. MALONE
Dr. Carolyn Malone is an associate professor of history at Ball State with teaching specialties in Modern Britain, Modern Europe, and Modern European women.
She is currently working on her second book entitled, The Art of Remembrance: Designers, the 'Public', and the Contest over Commemoration in Post-World War I Britain. Her book, Women's Bodies and Dangerous Trades in England, 1880-1914, was published in 2003 in the Royal Historical Society's Studies in History Series by Boydell Press, United Kingdom. She has published in the Journal of Women's History, Journal of British Studies- Albion, and Labour History Review.
Dr. Malone has presented papers on British and labor history at numerous national and international conferences as well as the Berkshire Conference on the History of Women.
ITINERARY
6-6:30 Reception
Front porch facing river
Cheese and fruit tray
Signature wine punch
6:30-7:45 Dinner
1st Floor
Four-course meal
Wine service with dinner
8-9 p.m. Program
3rd Floor
Guests may feel free to dress in period clothing, but it is not required!
Register ONLINE. Find program under "History."
TOWN AND GOWN RECEPTION
Double Feature: An Evening with Authors Keith Roysdon and Jill Blocker
Friday, July 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center
No Charge - REGISTER ONLINE (Under Literature)
Open to age 21 and older
Join us for a captivating evening featuring award-winning writer, researcher, and editor Keith Roysdon, alongside esteemed author and former journalist Jill Blocker. Together, they will engage in a compelling discussion about their latest works and offer insights into their unique perspectives. A reception and book signing to follow the presentation.
Keith Roysdon, a lifelong Indiana resident now residing in Tennessee, will discuss the latest book he co-authored with Douglas Walker, Cold Case Muncie. The book marks the duo's fourth collaboration on crime and justice in Muncie and Delaware County. It delves into the chilling narratives of unsolved murders in the area, providing a gripping exploration of the mysteries that haunt the community. Roysdon will also talk about writing fiction, including recently published short stories.
Joining Roysdon is Ball State alum Jill Blocker, author of What Was Beautiful and Good. Her novel transports readers to the tumultuous era of the First World War, where a young singer's 'joie de vivre' is disrupted by the chaos of conflict. Blocker's narrative explores themes of freedom and resilience, inspired by real-life events that sparked an international art movement. Originally from the U.S., Blocker currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland.
T&G History
Introduced in 1982, the dinner-lecture series was the brainchild of
Mr. Martin D. Schwartz, Dr. Richard W. Burkhardt, and Dr. John T.
Koumoulides, all of whom were active in both community and university
activities. Their vision for the program was to cultivate rich
intellectual and social interactions between the two communities, which
still exists today. Since the beginning, the funding for these
dinner-lectures has come solely from individual donors and
administrative support has been provided by the university.
Donations
Town and Gown Conversations is funded by contributions from individual donors. Usually, four events per year are planned; two during fall semester and two during spring semester.
If you would like to support the Town and Gown program, you may give online, by mail, on the phone, or through other methods.
Please make your gift to the account #3808, “Town and Gown.”