Great Lives

The Great Lives Lecture Series at UMW returns in 2027, bringing history to life with more top biographers. FREE & PUBLIC. Held at 7:30 p.m. The William B.

on most Tuesdays & Thursdays in Dodd Auditorium, featuring Q&As and book signings. Biography is the most intimate approach to history, and the most entertaining. Crawley Great Lives lecture series at the University of Mary Washington reveals how extraordinary people – some born to privilege and power, others from modest backgrounds – shaped art, literature, science, government, and the human exper

ience. Great Lives lectures are held most Tuesdays and Thursdays during the Spring semester, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium on the UMW campus. Lectures are free.

08/13/2026

New Recording Now Available !🎬

Missed our lecture on Gertrude Bell?
Author Janet Wallach's March 12 talk (in conversation with Professor Nabil S. Al-Tikriti) is now available to watch online!

Gertrude Bell experienced the dismissive, demoralizing attitudes of men towards women in the early 20th century. Defying societal norms, she was acclaimed as an archaeologist and an expert in Middle Eastern cultures and politics. Venerated by the Arabs as an “honorary man” and known throughout the world as an extraordinary person, Bell played a crucial role in the First World War and the creation of modern Jordan and Iraq.

Watch now: https://www.umw.edu/greatlives/lecture/gertrude-bell/

08/09/2026

Every great life begins with a great story.

Behind every familiar name is a journey of perseverance, innovation, and impact. At Great Lives, we explore the stories behind history's most influential people and discover the moments that shaped their legacies.

Great Lives returns in 2027. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for another season of lifelong learning.

08/05/2026

Great stories deserve great storytellers.

Each season, Great Lives welcomes acclaimed historians, bestselling authors, journalists, and scholars who bring history to life through engaging lectures and fresh perspectives. Their expertise transforms familiar and unfamiliar names into unforgettable stories.

While you wait for Great Lives to return in 2027, revisit your favorite lectures in our recording archive at umw.edu/greatlives.

08/02/2026

History is best experienced together.

Each Great Lives lecture brings people together to explore remarkable stories, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives on the individuals who shaped our world. Learning becomes even more meaningful when it is shared with others.

Great Lives returns in 2027. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming season at umw.edu/greatlives.

07/30/2026

Now Streaming!🎬

Missed our lecture on Desi Arnaz?
Author Todd S. Purdum's March 10 talk is now available to watch online!

Purdum offers a captivating presentation examining the groundbreaking Latino artist and businessman known to millions as Ricky Ricardo from I Love Lucy. Beyond his iconic role, Arnaz was a pioneering entrepreneur who fundamentally transformed the television landscape.

Watch now: https://www.umw.edu/greatlives/lecture/desi-arnaz/

07/26/2026

History belongs to everyone, no matter one's age or background.

Whether you discover the biography of a historical figure for the first time, or revisit a familiar story with a new perspective, every Great Lives lecture offers opprtunities for enlightenment. Curiosity has no age limit; neither does learning.

Great Lives returns in 2027. Until then, watch recordings from past lectures at umw.edu/greatlives.

07/23/2026

Watch Now!🎬

Missed our lecture on Jemima Boone?
Author Matthew Pearl's February 26 talk is now available to watch online!

The exciting story of Jemima Boone’s kidnapping vividly illuminates the early days of America’s westward expansion, and the violent and tragic clashes across cultural lines that ensued.

Watch now: https://www.umw.edu/greatlives/lecture/jemima-boone/

07/21/2026

The conversation does not end when the lecture does.

Many Great Lives speakers stay after their presentations to sign books and meet audience members, creating opportunities for meaningful conversation and a personal connection with the authors behind each lecture.

It is one more way Great Lives brings history to life.

Great Lives returns in 2027. In the meantime, explore our archive of past lectures at umw.edu/greatlives.

07/18/2026

History is more than dates and events. It is made up of the people, ideas, and moments that continue to shape our world.

At Great Lives, we put a smile on history by bringing remarkable stories to life through engaging lectures, thoughtful discussion, and unforgettable speakers. Every program offers a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the people behind history.

Great Lives returns in 2027. Until then, explore recordings from past lectures at umw.edu/greatlives.

07/07/2026

Recording now available!🎬

Missed our lecture on Elizabeth Packard?
Author Kate Moore's February 24th talk is now available to watch online!

In the mid-19th century, Elizabeth Packard found herself trapped in an unjust world, silenced by a society that deemed her opinions and intellect unworthy. Braving the confines of an oppressive mental asylum, Elizabeth defied all odds as she fought for her freedom and the rights of countless other women confined against their will. With relentless determination, she became a voice that resonated across the nation, igniting a movement for change.

Watch now: https://www.umw.edu/greatlives/lecture/elizabeth-packard/

Address

Dodd Auditorium, University Of Mary
Fredericksburg, VA
22401

Website

http://www.umw.edu/greatlives/

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