Tag: University of Chicago

  • Saturday, February 24 – Saturday, March 2 – History and Gardens of the Caribbean

    Join a balmy Caribbean winter escape aboard the brand-new superyacht Emerald Azzurra. Sail to seven island paradises, once vital stops on transatlantic trade routes, and rediscover often-forgotten links between the Caribbean and the birth of the United States. From Barbados, sail to the little-visited yet spectacular island of Dominica and tour an 18th-century military fortress surrounded by virgin forest, shimmering rivers, and dormant volcanoes. Call at Nevis, the birthplace of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, and visit his childhood home. Spend a day among the white-sand beaches of St. Barthélemy (“St. Barts”), with opportunities to swim in the warm Caribbean waters. On magical Antigua, visit the famous Nelson’s Dockyard and a restored 17th-century sugar plantation before calling at Montserrat, described as “a modern-day Pompeii” and home to a stunning botanical garden. Step ashore for a day in the archipelago known as Îles des Saintes, site of the most significant naval battle ever fought in the Caribbean between the British and the French. Before disembarking upon return to Barbados, meander through a magnificent garden in Soufrière, a town on the island of St. Lucia. This Harvard Alumni trip (open to all) is co-sponsored with the National Trust for Historic Preservation the University of Chicago Alumni Association, and Johns Hopkins Alumni Association. Activity Level 3. Dates February 24 – March 2. Study leader Kay Kaufman Shelemay is the G. Gordon Watts Professor of Music, Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard. She plans to lecture on Caribbean music at home and abroad, and about Caribbean musicians and their global impact. For pricing and information on registration, visit HERE

  • Saturday, February 24 – Saturday, March 2, 2024 – Gardens of the Caribbean

    Join a balmy Caribbean winter escape aboard the brand-new superyacht Emerald Azzurra (serving up to 100 guests). Sail to seven island paradises, once vital stops on transatlantic trade routes, and rediscover often-forgotten links between the Caribbean and the birth of the United States. From Barbados, sail to the little-visited yet spectacular island of Dominica and tour an 18th-century military fortress surrounded by virgin forest, shimmering rivers, and dormant volcanoes. Call at Nevis, the birthplace of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, and visit his childhood home. Spend a day among the white-sand beaches of St. Barthélemy (“St. Barts”), with opportunities to swim in the warm Caribbean waters. On magical Antigua, visit the famous Nelson’s Dockyard and a restored 17th-century sugar plantation before calling at Montserrat, described as “a modern-day Pompeii” and home to a stunning botanical garden. Step ashore for a day in the archipelago known as Îles des Saintes, site of the most significant naval battle ever fought in the Caribbean between the British and the French. Before disembarking upon return to Barbados, meander through a magnificent garden in Soufrière, a town on the island of St. Lucia. This Harvard Alumni Trip cosponsored with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, University of Chicago Alumni Association, and Johns Hopkins Alumni Association will take place February 24 – March 2, 2024 – a year away, time to plan!

    This is a fairly active program that involves walking (in some cases on some uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets and on sandy beaches), and standing during visits to museums, gardens and historic sites. In several places on the itinerary the ship will moor in harbors, which requires use of tenders and/or Zodiacs to access the island and staff will always be present to assist accordingly. (The intention is to have the ship secured to the dock for both embarkation and disembarkation) The temperatures during your time in the Caribbean will be tropical, with daytime highs into the 80’s and evenings in the 70’s Fahrenheit. Any rain encountered will most likely only be temporary showers and the sun is very strong. It’s recommended you pack a hat, sunblock, and insect repellant. Casual dress is appropriate most of the time and comfortable walking shoes are essential. For welcome and farewell dinners, country club casual is customary, as is resort style clothing. Please refrain from shorts, t-shirts and flip flop sandals in the dining room at dinner. The Emerald Azzura has two elevators, granting access to all levels of the yacht. Full information is available on https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/caribbean-2024

  • Kate Fichter Named New Executive Director of The Esplanade Association

    The Esplanade Association is pleased to welcome Kate Fichter as its new Executive Director. Kate has extensive experience in civic design, project management, and long-term planning, having worked for both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. A native Bostonian, she grew up in the Back Bay and has known the Esplanade since her childhood. She is a graduate of the
    University of Chicago and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Kate will be taking over from Margo Newman, The Esplanade Association’s Executive Board Chair, who has graciously been our interim volunteer Executive Director for the past year. Kate’s duties will include direction of all the operations of the organization, including capital projects, program activities, park care, and advocacy. To read more about The Esplanade Association, visit www.esplanadeassociation.org.

    http://www.eot.state.ma.us/massdotnewsletter/images/36/KateFichter.jpg

  • Wednesday, February 27, 6:00 pm – Jurassic Mothers from China: Origins and Evolution of Mammals

    Paleontologist Zhe-Xi Luo, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago, will discuss both the origins of modern mammalian biological adaptations in the deep times of the Mesozoic—dominated by the dinosaurs—and how Jurassic fossils discovered in China shed light on the earliest evolution of placental mammals. The Wednesday, February 27 program is part of the Evolution Matters Lecture Series, supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit. Free and open to the public. Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Free event parking for evening lectures in the 52 Oxford Street garage.

  • Wednesday, May 2, 6:00 pm – Why Evolution is True and Why Many People Still Don’t Believe It

    Jerry Coyne, a professor of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Chicago and author of the seminal book, Why Evolution is True, is one of the world’s most eloquent defenders of evolutionary science in the face of legal, religious, and cultural opposition. In this Wednesday, May 2nd talk beginning at 6 pm, Coyne will explore the multifarious evidence for evolution, why Americans are so resistant to accepting the theory, and what can be done to make the country more evolution-friendly. Free and open to the public, Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Free parking available in the 52 Oxford Street garage. Part of the Evolution Matters lecture series. Supported by a generous gift from Drs. Herman and Joan Suit.  For more information visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu.