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Book Discussion, Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World

Presented by San Bernardino County Museum at San Bernardino County Museum

July 8, 2009

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The San Bernardino County Museum will host a book discussion in its Reading Discoveries program on Wednesday, July 8 at 7:30pm. The group will discuss “Indian Givers: How the Indians of the Americas Transformed the World,” by Jack Weatherford. This discussion is free to the public. The discovery and conquest of the New World changed the Old World forever, from economy and diet to the concept of personal freedom. Anthropologist Weatherford examines the many contributions made by New World natives. “Weatherford lists the tremendous contributions which have been made by the Indian civilizations of the Americas to world culture. He shows the impact of gold and silver, agricultural techniques, medicine, and government on European history,” said Barbara Weathers in School Library Journal. “The book makes for fascinating, thought-provoking reading, showing that Locke and Rousseau were both influenced by the concepts of power and government held by the people of the Americas before they produced their great documents of the Enlightment. Weatherford also shows how the spread of the potato to Europe saved many lives from the malnutrition which had haunted them when grain crops had previously failed. He has a far-reaching scope and even suggests a fascinating theory on the purpose of Machu Picchu. By showing how the world was changed through these contributions, the author gives a greater appreciation of the Indians of America to readers.” The book details histories of many of the foods that originated in the Americas that have become staples in the cuisines of cultures all over the world. “Food being one of my favorite subjects, of course I loved these chapters,” said Jolene Redvale, curator of education at the Museum and the discussion group facilitator. “However, my common understanding of American history is being challenged by the unique perspective the author takes on the influences of various Indian tribes on the development of various aspects of American government.” The Reading Discoveries book discussion program meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30p.m. In August and September, the group will read "On the Origin of Species, 2nd edition" by Charles Darwin where they will discuss the book through chapter 7 on August 12, and chapter 8 to the end on September 9, 2009. The discussion is open to the public free of charge. For more information about the discussion group, contact Jolene Redvale at (909) 307-2669 ext. 252 or e-mail jredvale@sbcm.sbcounty.gov. The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462. #####