Richmond IONS May Meeting 2019 (May 18) and Central VA IONS Community Group Meeting, Featuring a Talk by Suzanne Munson.
Where: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, New Parish Hall, 12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238.
When: Saturday, May 18, 2019, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed by a potluck lunch at the conclusion of the program.
Please read all the way to the end or click here for info on our Annual Party on Friday evening!
Richmond IONS May Meeting Program Title:
“Channeling Thomas Jefferson and George Wythe.”
Our May 18, 2019, program will feature a talk by Richmond author, historian and CV IONS Community Group member, Suzanne Munson. She will share fascinating insights gleaned while writing her breakthrough George Wythe biography, Jefferson’s Godfather, the Man Behind the Man (2018).
While writing Wythe’s story, Suzanne became intrigued by the Power of One—the ability of just one individual to set changes in motion to benefit an entire society.
As America’s first professor of law, Wythe addressed the nation’s leadership crisis after the Revolution by turning his law school at the College of William and Mary into the country’s first training program for future statesmen.
About Wythe’s influence
Judged by student achievement in high public office, he was unquestionably the most influential teacher in American history. At his death in 1806, Wythe’s former pupils were virtually running the country.
A leader among leaders, Wythe was a prophet of the American Revolution, signer and organizer of the Declaration of Independence. As well, he was a champion of the Constitution, Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, groundbreaking judge, reformer and humanitarian, and outspoken abolitionist. What’s more, his impeccable ethics provide a refreshing example for leaders today.
In her background research for Wythe’s biography, Suzanne made use of all traditional resources available—personal papers, letters, diaries, and numerous historic books and articles.
At the same time, she also became interested in the work of medium and channel Jana Anna. Jana’s readings formed the basis of a book by Irene Kendig (Conversations with Jerry and Other People I Thought Were Dead). Irene spoke to our IONS group in 2013.
Meanwhile, Jana channels historical figures among other subjects. Suzanne decided to ask her to channel Thomas Jefferson and his mentor George Wythe. She will share the fascinating results with us on May 18. We love it when our members write books, and we especially love it when our programs help inform the content of the books they write.
About Suzanne Munson, Our Richmond IONS Presenter:
Suzanne Munson holds an undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland. Suzanne also earned a master’s degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Moreover, she attended The Executive Program at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
Suzanne teaches courses on the Wythe-Jefferson legacy at UVA, William and Mary, and University of Richmond OSHER affiliates. In addition, she teaches at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. She also gives talks about these two Founding Fathers to various community groups and historical associations.
About our Annual Richmond IONS Party on May 17th
Join us on the evening before our meeting – for our Annual Richmond IONS Party! CLICK HERE for details and directions!
About Richmond IONS AKA Central VA IONS Community Group:
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Upcoming Richmond IONS Meetings:
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