Events

Then and Now Speakers Series 

The Surprising Global Legacy of Anne Frank with Gillian Walnes Perry
Tuesday, April 28 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Gillian will be speaking about, and reading from, her remarkable book The Legacy of Anne Frank which explores the story through a new lens, how learning about a Jewish girl’s experiences in the Holocaust has had a redemptive and healing effect in some of the world’s most violent regions. How has Anne Frank succeeded in bringing together those from different sides in intractable conflicts and breaking down deeply held prejudices against ‘the other’? How has Anne Frank given young people in some of the poorest and most challenging regions aspiration and hope for their own futures?  Gillian will relate fascinating stories about spending a night at the Academy Awards in Hollywood with the heroic helper of the Frank family, how Audrey Hepburn became involved with her charity when it in its early days, and how Anne Frank influenced Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai.  

Who Really Elects the President: The Workings of the Electoral College with Dr. Frank Argote-Freyre
Tuesday, May 5 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Have you ever wondered about how the Electoral College actually works?  In this program, participants will learn about the history of the Electoral College and how it works through a first-hand account. Frank Argote-Freyre is an Associate Professor at Kean University. He is a recipient of a NJCH Honor Book designation.  Presented through a grant from the NJ Council for the Humanities.

1919: The World Series Is Fixed with Evan Weiner
Tuesday, May 12 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
One hundred years ago, baseball’s World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds was enveloped in scandal when several Chicago players conspired with gamblers to throw the games.  Why did it happen and could it happen again? Evan Weiner is a speaker and author with a radio and TV background. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.

Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing The Alliance in the 1960s with Dr. Marc Dollinger
Tuesday, May 19 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
With issues of race and racism dominating the headlines, American Jews have taken a keen interest, even as their one-time reputation as social justice advocates is now often mired in rising tensions with our historic allies in communities of color. Dr. Dollinger's presentation will offer a roadmap for today’s tensions.  Marc Dollinger is the Richard and Rhoda Goodman Chair in Jewish Studies at San Francisco State University. He has recently published Black Power, Jewish Politics: Reinventing the Alliance in the 1960s.  Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.

Woodrow Wilson: Cutting Through The Myths with Eugene Lieber
Tuesday, May 26 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
An in-depth discussion of Woodrow Wilson, including the early days in Virginia, years at Princeton, and the governorship of New Jersey.  Discussion of his presidency will include entry into WWI and its domestic consequences, the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations, his last years, and his impact on the future of the U.S. Eugene Lieber is a retired Associate professor of History at Essex County College and in retirement a highly sought speaker. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.

From Day to Day – the Holocaust diary of a non-Jew with Timothy Boyce

Tuesday, June 2 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
From Day to Day, written by Norwegian Odd Nansen, was the number one bestseller in Norway when published in 1947.  It was translated into English in 1949 and received glowing reviews in the U.S. press, but fell out of print and into total obscurity for over 60 years.  In this fascinating discussion, Timothy Boyce brings Nansen’s diary to life. Timothy Boyce is the Editor of From Day to Day: One Man’s Diary of Survival in Nazi Concentration Camps. Copies of the Book will be for sale with all royalties from the book donated:  50% of the royalties donated to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC and 50% to the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies. Timothy Boyce practiced law for many years, most recently serving as the Managing Partner of the Charlotte, NC office of Dechert LLP, a global law firm.

The 2020 Election and America’s Challenges with Dr. Benjamin Dworkin 
Tuesday, June 9 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
As one of New Jersey’s most astute and widely quoted political analysts, Dr. Dworkin serves as a non-partisan commentator on political developments for media in New Jersey and nationally.  He has appeared on numerous network and cable news shows, and is frequently quoted by all of New Jersey’s major newspapers and radio stations, as well as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, and The Los Angeles Times. Dr. Dworkin is the Director, Rowan Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.

While You’re Away: Love Songs of World War II, a concert lecture with Dr. Diane Cypkin
Tuesday, June 16 • 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Take an hour’s sentimental journey where Professor Diane Cypkin will transport you to the time of the Greatest Generation. By combining her performing and teaching artistry, Dr. Cypkin skillfully tells the stories of the love songs of World War II in a way that is both entertaining and educational.  Dr. Cypkin is a Professor in the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Department of Dyson College of Arts and Science at Pace University. She is the recipient of the Kenan and Carol S. Russet Award for Teaching as well as several prestigious community service awards. Sponsored by The Westfield Foundation.

Price: $8/class, Subscription Price: $56, Member Price: Free, Stay for lunch - Price: $6.50, Recommended Senior Price: $4.50, reservations are needed three days in advance, contact Alison Rivlin at 908-889-8800 x260 or [email protected]