Prof. Timothy Snyder to speak at Williams College on ecology and the Holocaust
Williamstown — Timothy Snyder, Bird White Housum Professor of History at Yale University, will present a talk titled “Black Earth: The Ecological Politics of the Holocaust” as part of the Confronting Climate Change Initiative at Williams College on Monday, Sept.19, at 7 p.m. in Griffin Hall, room 3. The event is free and open to the public.
Snyder’s most recent book, “Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning” (Tim Duggan Books, 2015), presents a new explanation of the Holocaust that highlights the role of environmental concerns and demagogic exploitation of those fears and he concludes that, due to growing current preoccupations with food and water along with political unrest, today’s society is coming to resemble that of the early 20th century period that saw the rise of Nazi ideology. His talk will look at the structural causes for how Hitler’s ideology could and can function, and how similar risks might be faced today due to climate change and state collapse.
Timothy Snyder received his B.A. from Brown University and his doctorate from the University of Oxford. He has written five books and co-edited two, and has published essays in numerous publications including the Journal of Cold War Studies, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Review of Books, the Wall Street Journal, and the Times Literary Supplement. His book “Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin” (Basic Books, 2010) earned him 12 awards including the Emerson Prize in the Humanities, a Literature Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the Leipzig Award for European Understanding, and the Hannah Arendt Prize.
For building locations on the Williams campus, consult the online map or call the Office of Communications at (413) 597-4277.
–E.E.
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350Mass Berkshires to hold monthly meeting
Pittsfield — 350Mass Berkshires will hold its monthly node meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Pittsfield Open Space and Natural Resource Program Manager Jim McGrath and North Adams Administrative Officer Mike Canales will discuss what their communities are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. A discussion will follow on what actions can be taken within local cities and towns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the work of municipalities. A snack potluck will precede the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the meeting are asked to RSVP online.
–E.E.
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BerkshireSPEAKS to present third annual event
Great Barrington — The third annual BerkshireSPEAKS will take place on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 1:30 pm at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. This year’s event will feature speeches and stories from Berkshire trailblazers and visionaries Soldier On CEO John Downing; Multicultural BRIDGE founder and CEO Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant; author, journalist and radio host John Hockenberry; realtor, teacher and arts supporter Nancy Kalodner; “The Magic Tree House” series author Mary Pope Osborne; and Massachusetts State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli. A reception with the speakers will follow the presentations. Tickets to BerkshireSPEAKS are $18 at the door. For tickets and more information, call Hevreh at (413) 528-6378.
–E.E.
