Purchase College to Host Author Talks in Harrison

HARRISON, N.Y. -- Historian Eric Foner and author Esmeralda Santiago will address the issue of slavery this fall when they visit Purchase College for a lecture series.

Foner is author of the new book "The Fiery Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery" and will discuss how Lincoln's views on slavery evolved throughout his life at the Burt Sachs Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Santiago will discuss her new book "Conquistadora," which offers a picture of slavery in Puerto Rico on Wednesday, Nov. 2 as part of the Royal and Shirley Durst Distinguished lecture series.

Both programs will be held at Purchase's Performing Arts Center (PAC) recital hall from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They are free and open to the public.

“These programs are an exciting extension of the wide range of offerings at the Purchase College that involve writers and writing,” said Louise Yelin, chair of the college’s school of humanities and a literature professor. “They complement our extensive curriculum in creative writing, dramatic writing, and journalism along with our newly launched Writers Center.”

Both events will include a question and answer session followed by a book signing and reception in the upper lobby of the PAC. The Burt Sachs Memorial Lecture is sponsored by the Purchase College School of Humanities with support from the Friends of Humanities and contributions by the family and friends of long-time chair of the Friends of Humanities Steering Committee Burt Sachs.

Santiago's lecture will include a discussion over her new novel and her life and work with writer Marilyn Johnson, a senior fellow and one of the founders of the Purchase Writers Center.

This lecture is sponsored by the Purchase Writers Center, the Latin American Studies program, and the Creative Writing and Literature Boards of Study. It is supported by the Shirley and Royal Durst Endowment in Literature and the Arts.

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