Revealing the whole story of Gerrit Smith: The Practical Dreamer

Описание: Dann examines Gerrit’s benevolence and philanthropy in his pursuit of human rights. Smith operated the land sales business developed by his father Peter in order to have the resources to lubricate social change. Gerrit had a moral vision of the perfect human society within which there would be no social bias, and that each person would be treated equitably. He possessed enough wealth to fuel a level of optimism that encouraged him to act on his belief that he could help to bring about social institutional changes that would reach that goal.

Norm Dann will provide examples of how Smith used this resource of money to support the actions of “front-line” and famous workers for the abolition of slavery and for women’s rights. He will describe how Smith’s voluntary isolation in Peterboro, and his desire to be quiet regarding his philanthropy, resulted in garnering little attention in subsequent history books. The presenter pronounces that it is time to reveal the whole story about the Smith family’s influence on the fabric of social life in America.

Dann, professor emeritus Morrisville State College, lives in Peterboro and is the head docent at the Gerrit Smith Estate, a founder of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, treasurer of the Peterboro Area Museum, and has written ten books on Peterboro - including biographies of each of the Smiths.