American Inspiration Series presents author, Kristen Richardson

American Inspiration is a new, thought-provoking series of talks by best-selling authors presenting books that explore themes of personal identity, families and immigration, and social and cultural history. The series launched in the Fall 2019 and will continue through 2020 with a lineup of well-known writers discussing their newest releases on a variety of fascinating topics. Additional authors, community partners, guest moderators, and "in conversation" hosts will be added to this website as announced.

Explore the 600-year history of debutante balls when this author, herself from a family of debutantes, shares stories and images from her new book, named a Smithsonian "Best History Book of 2019." The Season traces the social seasons of young women on both sides of the Atlantic, from Georgian England to colonial Philadelphia, from the Antebellum South and Wharton’s New York back to England, where debutante daughters of Gilded Age millionaires sought to marry British aristocrats. Richardson delves into Jazz Age debuts, carnival balls in the American South, and the reimagined ritual of elite African American communities, which offers both social polish and academic scholarships.

While exploring why the debutante tradition persists—and why it has spread to Russia, China, and other nations—Kristen Richardson has uncovered its extensive cultural influence. Don’t miss this experience of The Season.

Others Details

Category: Community | Libraries Speakers: Kristen Richardson