“WHY MARGARET FULLER MATTERS” TRAVELING DISPLAY

“Why Margaret Fuller Matters” is a series of text-and-image panels designed to answer the fundamental question of why this great nineteenth-century figure remains important two centuries after her birth. Multiple copies will allow various libraries, community organizations, and Unitarian Universalist congregations to present the display during Fuller’s Bicentennial year, 2010.

For those who have heard of Margaret Fuller only through her connection with her colleagues, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott, Elizabeth Peabody, and other Transcendentalists, the display will allow them to honor Fuller’s own ideas and contributions. For those who have never heard of Fuller, the display will reveal how her work impacted the actors of the “second revolution” of the nineteenth century—those who dedicated themselves to applying the ideals of the American (“first”) Revolution through courageous actions grounded in revolutionary philosophy and literature.

The ten colorful 24-inch x 18-inch foam core panels that comprise “Why Margaret Fuller Matters” include: an introductory panel; brief sketches of her key colleagues; a chronological telling of her life and her views on women’s rights, education (especially female), class, slavery, American Indian rights, religion, Transcendentalism, her world view as a trans-nationalist, and her vision of a just world.

The Margaret Fuller Bicentennial Committee believes that this major figure matters because virtually every woman in the Western world who has determined her own destiny, who has forged her own spiritual life, who votes, who enjoys legal rights and full citizenship, who has sought political office, and who is free to use her intellect and talents freely without condemnation stands on Margaret Fuller’s shoulders. There are few individuals in our past to whom we can point and say, “That one person changed the course of history for the better.” Margaret Fuller was such a person.

The author and designer of the display is Bonnie Hurd Smith, who created a similar display on Emerson during his Bicentennial year in 2003. Smith, the author of numerous books on historical subjects, particularly women’s history, also is an accomplished graphic designer.

To arrange for this display at your location, please contact Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson at info@margaretfuller.org or call 339-206-0829. We suggest a donation of $200 for use of the display, or you may purchase a set of panels for $500. Your contributions support the development of ongoing resources on Margaret Fuller.

www.margaretfuller.org

 TRAVELING DISPLAY REQUEST FORM

Display Location ___________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

Website___________________________  Phone ________________________

Contact Person _________________________________________________

Email _____________________________ Phone ________________________

Plans for display: Please describe the setting, events you envision happening in conjunction with the display, and audiences you plan to invite to participate.

Dates and length of time requested:

• If the display is being shipped, it will arrive Wednesday or Thursday. You ship it out on Monday, using either FedEx or UPS to arrive by Thursday at the new location.
• Let us know if one weekend will be enough or if you want it for a second week. In some cases, a third week may also be possible.

1st choice ________________________________________________________

2^nd choice ________________________________________________________

3rd choice ________________________________________________________

Costs:

• Shipping costs via Federal Express will vary depending on the distance, generally $15 – $25. Please initial your agreement to cover shipping costs. ________________
• Donation: Please estimate the amount of your donation  ___________________

Please make donations payable to UU Women & Religion and send to:
c/o Patty Clark, Treasurer, 3224 Timmons Lane #165, Houston TX 77027

Thank you!