Raising a glass to toast someone at a wedding or birthday dinner is a familiar and usually informal occurrence, but at one time it was a carefully orchestrated ritual. Toasts were planned, revised, given at an event, and then printed in newspapers. During the tumultuous years of the nation’s founding, toasts were used to praise heroes, commemorate events, spread ideas of nationalism, and attack political enemies. They displayed popular opinion at the time of the pursuit of independence. Timothy Symington’s book explores the toasts between the American Revolution and the War of 1812. It is a unique portrayal of the beginning of the United States as a nation. Also, you just might get some ideas for your next toast!
4pm Friday, June 27 at Mason. There is no need to register for this event.
