Between the War for Independence and the Civil War, the young United States forged a distinct cultural profile. In that same period, the human body came increasingly under scrutiny: science, social practice, political contests, and theatrical representations all grappled with the body’s forms, meaning, and expressivity. This research investigates the intricate braiding of political, scientific, and danced representations of the body, focusing particularly on blackface minstrelsy and on ballet in antebellum Philadelphia, a city both representative of national trends and also distinct in its cultural, historic, and geographic position.

The bluebird is one of the most cherished songbirds in the U.S. and has inspired poets, songwriters, playwrights, and movie directors for over 100 years. This course is a “hands-on” guide to bluebirds that provides practical knowledge and proven techniques to increase your chances of being successful with bluebirds in your backyard. New up-to-date techniques will be presented regarding habitat selection, building and installing nest boxes, monitoring techniques, planting flora for bluebirds, and protecting them from predators. The hope is for this presentation to inspire a new hobby or develop an appreciation for a special creation that God has given us to enjoy while on this earth: the bluebird.