The Columbian Exchange changed the world. And the presentation of this topic from history will change the way people in Merrill participate in the “Unlocking History Series” May 14 at 7 p.m. because it will be the first Merrill Historical Society public education program in the Carl and Jane Bierman Wing of the new Merrill History & Culture Center, 103 E. 3rd St.
Brett Barker, Associate Professor of History, UWMC, Wausau, will open the series in the Exhibit Hall as part of the Historical Society’s celebration of Wisconsin Museum Week May 12-18.
Barker has been a UWMC faculty member since 2002. He teaches a variety of courses on the subjects of the Civil War, American Indians and Wisconsin. He holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Barker will engage his listeners in an entertaining exploration of the Columbian Exchange that took place 500 years ago. That’s when the Eastern and Western Hemispheres came into sustained contact for the first time in millennia. As Europeans explored the Americas, the plants, animals, and diseases from each hemisphere began to mix in a way not thought about in present time. For example, if people imagine that Italians have always used tomatoes and peppers in their cooking, or that oranges have always grown in Florida, they might be in for a surprise.
People attending will be able to take a look at the facilities in the new center and view two displays – the art work of Merrill High School students and a portion of the center’s Native American pottery artifacts.
The Unlocking History Series is open to the public. Admission is free for Merrill Historical Society members and students. A suggested donation of $5 is requested from non-members.
Historical Society memberships will be on sale. Membership levels are Individual $17, Senior Individual (62 and older) $14, Family $22, Senior Family $19, Organization $16, Business $26, and Sustaining Member $50. Lifetime Memberships are Individual $200 and Family $300.
For more information, call 715-536-5652.