Every first Wednesday at 1:30pm, join us for our monthly Senior Wednesday event at the Museum of World Treasures! 

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Event Details:

• Date: October 2, 2024
• Time: 1:30 PM
• Location: Museum of World Treasures [get directions]

Cost:

• Museum Members: Free
• Non-Members: $4 per person plus tax

Attending Information:

• Open to all ages
• No need to register; simply walk in!
• Light refreshments provided.

this month's talk - The Americas' First Successful Slave rebellion: Panama 1581

Almost fifty years before 1619, enslaved Africans in Panama fled slavery and fought to secure their freedom. After over thirty years of struggle, close to 500 Africans forced the Spanish to grant them freedom and the right to self-governance.

 My talk explores African resistance to slavery in sixteenth century Panama. Enslaved individuals frequently fled their enslavers and formed their own maroon communities beyond the reach of Spanish authorities. For almost half a century, these maroons successfully defended their freedom at times even allying with Spain’s enemies. Their determination helped them secure a negotiated peace that granted them freedom and self-governance.

About the Speaker - Prof. Robert Schwaller

Professor Robert Schwaller has extensively researched the development of race in Latin America and the historical experiences of Africans, their descendants, and indigenous peoples. His first book, Géneros de Gente in Early Colonial Mexico: Defining Racial Difference, explores the intellectual and social development of racial labels in early colonial Mexico. His current project tentatively entitled Maroon Conquests examines the earliest instances of marronage (slave flight) in Hispaniola, Panama, and Mexico. He teaches courses focused on the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, specifically the colonial period and issues of race. He is currently on KU’s executive committee of the Latin American Area Studies Program, and in 2012, he was recognized by the Center for Teaching Excellence as a Celebration of Teaching Honoree. Having lived many years in and around Latin America, Professor Schwaller enjoys introducing students to the varied peoples and cultures of this region.

What are Senior Wednesdays?

Senior Wednesdays are informational and entertaining sessions, designed for active seniors and offered by a collaboration of Wichita institutions.

Learn About Other Senior Wednesdays Events

Museum of World Treasures is a proud to host the afternoon Senior Wednesday on the first Wednesday of every month.