‘Spirit of America: Colonial America Exhibition’ at FAU
Rare editions of some of the books and publications that inspired our Founding Fathers will be featured in the “Spirit of America: Colonial America Exhibition” at FAU’s Wimberly Library.
Almanacs by Nathaniel Ames that were printed and sold in the 1700s will be featured in Florida Atlantic University’s “Spirit of America: Colonial America Exhibition” at the Wimberly Library from Feb. 20 through April 28.
Rare editions of some of the books and publications that inspired our Founding Fathers will be featured in the “Marvin & Sybil Weiner Spirit of America: Colonial America Exhibition” on weekdays beginning Monday, Feb. 20 through Friday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Florida Atlantic University’s Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.
The “Marvin & Sybil Weiner Spirit of America: Colonial America Exhibition” features rare editions of 18th century American and British books and documents that cover such topics as colonial assemblies, trade and religion. The exhibition was created from FAU Libraries’ Marvin and Sybil Weiner Spirit of America Collection, which features a rich mix of more than 13,000 items, including rare works from as early as the 16th century.
The collection’s creator, Marvin Weiner, spent a lifetime collecting rare and important documents, tracing the philosophical evolution and historical events that led to the birth of American democracy. Weiner purchased editions of books and pamphlets that Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and other Founding Fathers would have owned.
In 2006, Weiner gifted the collection to FAU, where students and scholars can immerse themselves in the study of such disciplines as history, political science, philosophy and law. A collaboration between the Libraries’ Special Collections and the Department of History allows students to intern in Special Collections, working with materials from the collection.
Jason Sharples, assistant professor of early American history at FAU, said the collection became a major reason he accepted the position and moved to south Florida. Students in Sharples’ class grapple with early American foundational texts through hands-on experience with the collection. Some of his students’ research will be in the exhibition.
“Marvin Weiner envisioned students and scholars researching and exploring the collection,” said Carol Hixson, dean of University Libraries at FAU. “We are thrilled to be able to offer works of this caliber to our students, scholars and the general public.”
For more information, call 561-297-2843 or email lysca@fau.edu.
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