As an American icon and subject of ample public discourse, Alexander Hamilton has generated many different ideas and opinions from U.S. citizens for generations. For the past few years, he has achieved an even greater level of fame and reverence through Broadway musicals and a broader cultural re-examination of issues around race, class, and power. Joshua Youngblood, UofA Libraries Special Collections Instruction & Outreach Unit, will share the life and memory of Alexander Hamilton through primary source material and changing historical understandings over two centuries. Participants will deep dive into the digitally available archives and exhibits in order to study the real historical figure and develop a critical perspective to enhance the evolving mythology and popular images. The class will explore other rich online sources available from the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the New York Historical Society, and many universities and museums. A few rare books and other items from the University of Arkansas Libraries will also be available for participants to experience firsthand.

Instructor: Joshua C. Youngblood