History Archives - Page 2 of 3

Science Talk 3: Galileo and the Science Deniers

Mario Livio A fresh biography of Galileo Galilei which puts his scientific discoveries in context. Disturbed by rampant science denial in America that has only intensified in recent years, I researched the life, ideas, and actions of this brilliant man who encountered similar challenges centuries ago. The result is a fascinating biography filled with lessons relevant for today—whether… Continue reading Science Talk 3: Galileo and the Science Deniers

The Public Domain We Don’t Have

Entertainment industry lobbyists keep pushing copyright life further and further into the future. If copyright in the U.S. hadn’t been extended in 1976 and again in 1998, many more works would now be in the public domain. Join us to discuss the fun mashups we might have had if copyright extension hadn’t passed. Bring your… Continue reading The Public Domain We Don’t Have

History of the Fabric Arts

From horse-drawn felts to drop spindles, bone needles to stone loom weights, our experts consider how historical fabric art processes developed across various regions and what impact fabric technology had in the lives and products of historical peoples. Join art historians and fabric arts specialists as they talk about their favorite historical examples and coolest… Continue reading History of the Fabric Arts

The Future of Work (Post Pandemic Edition)

Just when it looked as if labor was losing any levarage, and wages, working conditions and permanent work seemed on a downward spiral, the world is experiencing post-pandemic labor shortages across sectors, and changes in worker expectations for compensation, safety, and work environment. What near-term labor market changes can we expect to be lasting? What… Continue reading The Future of Work (Post Pandemic Edition)

Creating New Mythology from Hidden History

One of the astounding things about the internet has been the way historians—both amateur and professional—have used it to research, write, and make available histories that have not been accessible before. Histories of the marginalized, oppressed, sidelined, and disappeared are now available as the stuff of story. This panel will discuss the pleasures, possibilities, and… Continue reading Creating New Mythology from Hidden History

Archaeological Fact in Historical Fiction

What was the Ishango bone for? What games did the Romans play with d20s? We may never know, but archaeologists spend a lot of time working it out. For the rest of us, it can be hard to tell the difference between a fact, a likely fact, and a mere educated guess. Learn how to… Continue reading Archaeological Fact in Historical Fiction

Ye Olde Costumes

What did it look like when our ancestors created and wore costumes? The panelist will discuss knowledge derived from theater, historical art, costume parties, tableau, pageants, and early photography.

The Role of New Technology in Preserving History

Understanding and preserving the past can be a challenge. How have new technologies, including developments in remote sensing and physical preservation, allowed us to study the past in a less destructive manner? Where do digital archives fit in? What about preserving digital media as artifacts?

Talking About the Big Heart Award

Worldcon awards the David A. Kyle Big Heart Award each year to a member of the science fiction community for their good work and great spirit. This panel features past winners of the Big Heart Award who will talk about its influence on fandom.

Viewing Disabilities Through a Historical Lens

Crude conceptions of disabled people abound in shallowly-written historical fantasy and popular imagination, but how was disability actually treated in historical cultures around the world? Our panel of archaeologists, anthropologists, historians and other experts sheds a modern, well-researched light on this oft-stereotyped area.