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Tag: American Old West

Marilyn Aronson

Topics: Communication, Education, Environment, History, Literature, Medicine/Healing, Native American, South Dakota, Veterans/Military History, Women

Community: Beresford

Program Types: Book Club to Go, One Book South Dakota, Pre-recorded Program Video, Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s)

mcarlson@iw.net | 605-957-4371

Radio Comes to South Dakota: Radio’s Role in the Great Depression, World War II, and TodayHow do we understand radio’s history in America? What effect did radio have during the Great Depression and World War II? How did radio come to South Dakota, its role in the Sioux Falls Air Corps Radio School, and radio’s role today. Is podcasting replacing it? Q&A follows presentation.

The Doctor Is In–The Rise of Women in The Medical Profession
The doctor is in, and there is over a 30% chance that you will be treated by a female physician. Statistics show that women now constitute a majority in the ranks of doctors 35 years old and younger, a transition that is likely to put pressure on healthcare institutions. This presentation traces the progress of women in the medical profession, beginning with Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, America’s first trained female physician. The theme outlines women’s progress, including the tremendous impact of 10 female physician pioneers.

The Vietnam War Through Literature, Film, and Veterans’ Stories
On April 30, 1975, the last Marine left the American Embassy in Saigon. Thus, ended America’s most controversial war. Fifty years later, we have often forgotten the lives and stories of those who fought so bravely. This presentation shows “war time images” through the novel, short-story, poetry, film, and veterans’ stories. Stories from Vietnam veterans in our own area are given.

World War II Comes to South Dakota—Preserving the Story
This presentation explores the harsh lessons taught by war; the work of the local commanders of the South Dakota National Guard in calling both active and inactive members into active service; the hurried mobilization which affected South Dakota families, dramatically; the involvement of South Dakotans in the all-out war effort; the free courses and special training programs used as incentives for young people to help in the all-out war effort; the early work of the Civil Air Patrol and its licensed pilots; the iconic stories of some fearless SD pilots; and stories by South Dakotans who fought in World War II on various battle fronts.

A River Runs Through It: The Missouri River Is an Enigma
Aronson discusses how modern technology has tried to tame the mighty Missouri River and harness its energy. She discusses the building of the six giant dams on the Missouri River and explores which groups benefitted most and least from the flood control projects.