Talks
I have given over 70 talks globally at social clubs (Harvard, Yale, Nassau Club at Princeton, Union League, Montauk Club), museums (Museum at Eldridge Street) historic libraries (Society for Mechanics & Tradesmen, Historic Associations (Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation), temples (Park Avenue Synagogue, Actor's Temple), companies for employee activities, and private events.
Irving Berlin: From Penniless Immigrant to America's Songwriter
This talk summarizes Berlin's life and improbable rise to become one of America's most prolific songwriter. We discuss songs like Alexander's Ragtime Band credited for popularizing Ragtime, Astaire & Rodgers films, and God Bless America. I play original recordings and film clips.
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New York in the Progressive Era: Social Reform and Cultural Upheaval, 1890-1920
This talk explains the significance of the Progressive Era (1890-1920) as a reaction to the excesses and rampant inequities of the Gilded Age. We discuss often overlooked topics like "suffragents," animal rights, land management, anti-monopoly movements, and innovative solutions like settlement houses. We draw lines to present-day headlines. I show a video of transportation in 1911.
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Lillian Wald: America's Great Healthcare and Social Reformer
Lillian Wald is best known for starting the Henry Street Settlement and Visiting Nurse Service. Though not a household name, her deeds are. She started school nurses, playgrounds, child's labor office at time of rampant child exploitation, and service-based care. The talk investigates social reform, outcomes, Wald's life, and legacy. This talk is popular as part of women's history and LGBT events.
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New York's Original Penn Station: The Rise and Fall of an American Landmark
It was one of the most beautiful and ambitious architectural and engineering feats ever taken. Built in 1910, the original Penn Station was said for New Yorkers to be like having ancient Rome in their backyard. Yet, about a half-century later, it was torn down. This talk through historic photos, narratives, and oral histories examines how this station was built, its European influences, the engineering feats, and the ways and historic preservation movement arose from the station's ashes.
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Jewish New York: A History and Guide to Neighborhoods, Synagogues, and Eateries
This talk takes attendees through the history of Jews in New York from 1654 to the present. It delves into the stories behind many Manhattan neighborhoods, old synagogues, and eateries like Russ & Daughters, Yonah Shimmels', and Katz's Deli, and presents lasting often humorous anecdotes as told through oral histories.
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Jewish South Florida: A History and Guide to Neighborhoods, Synagogues, and Eateries
This talk takes attendees through the history of Jews in South Florida from the improbable development of Miami Beach and Miami to the first pioneers of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. It showcases rarely-seen photos of old Jewish neighborhoods, recounts key Jewish personages over the decades, investigates the stories behind old synagogues and their architectural and communal significance, and eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Wolfie's multiple delis, and many more, and presents lasting often humorous anecdotes as told through oral histories.
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