2010 Events
Visit our Facebook page for photos from select events. All events are free unless otherwise noted; see the hosting organization's web site for full information.
Zora's Roots
From the PBS web site: "Filmed in high definition, 'Zora's Roots' tells Hurston's story through the people who knew her and the places and events that she brought to the world through her research and writing. The documentary presents the life of this extraordinary woman of letters against the backdrop of the subtropical paradise that shaped her childhood and her life's work—a place to which she returned again and again over the seven decades of her life for research, inspiration and solace." Learn more at http://www.pbs.org/zorasroots/.
9-10 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 26, airs on KPTS Channel 8.
The Big Read Table
See The Big Read Table featuring the book, the tie-in titles, reader's guides, promotional materials and other books relating to the Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance on display.
Monday, Sept. 20 - Wed., Nov. 3, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67206, (316) 315-0421
The Big Read Jump Start
Jump start your Big Read experience by learning more about this reading initiative, Zora Neale Hurston and her book "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Fee. For more information, contact scwestwichita@sbcglobal.net.
10-11 a.m., Sept. 30, Shepherd's Center of West Wichita, 745 N. Westlink Ave., Wichita, KS 67212
Wichita Public Library Monthly Book Discussion
Join one of the Wichita Public Library's monthly book discussion groups as they discuss Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." New attendees welcome!
1-2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1, Wichita Public Library - Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9084
1-2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 303-8181
7-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 303-8181
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
1-2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 25, Wichita Public Library - Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th St., Wichita, KS 67208, (316) 688-9361
The Big Read Kickoff
The Big Read Wichita launches its third annual celebration with a dramatized reading from Zora Neale Hurston’s "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and Southern blues music to set the mood. Books (limit one per customer while supplies last), reader’s guides and bookmarks will be given out to attendees starting at 2 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 2:15 p.m.
2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 2, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4921
Mondays with Zora
Zora Neale Hurston was a woman of many talents. In this four-part series we will view, read, learn and discuss the life and works of Zora Neale Hurston. If you haven’t read all of the works to be discussed, please come anyway and they will be briefly reviewed before the discussion.
Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun (Documentary & Discussion)
This 2008 award-winning documentary tells the story of Zora Neale Hurston’s life and places it into historical contest. First broadcast on the "PBS American Masters" series. NOTE: This session will run an extra 30 minutes longer than the others.
4-6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 4, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
“Their Eyes Were Watching God”
Share your thoughts about Janie Crawford, her friend Pheoby, the love of her life Tea Cake, and the events that shaped their lives.
4-5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
Hurston’s Short Stories
We will be discussing the following short stories, available in various anthologies. See library staff for information on where to find these works: "John Redding Goes to Sea," "Drenched in Light," "Spunk," "Sweat," "The Bone of Contention," "Book of Harlem," and "The Gilded Six-Bits."
4-5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 18, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
“Jonah’s Gourd Vine”
This 1934 Hurston novel is a thinly disguised fiction that mirrors her own family life growing up. It tells the story of John Buddy Pearson, a preacher whose love for women leads to his downfall.
4-5:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 25, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
The Difficulties of Dialect
Why did Zora Neale Hurston use dialect in "Their Eyes Were Watching God"? Find out more about her controversial choice, the reaction to her writing and how it changes our experience as readers. Fee.
10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, LifeVentures, 4407 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-0504
Story Time
10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, McConnell AFB Library, 53476 Wichita St. Bldg. 412, Wichita, KS 67221, (316) 759-4207
Art Start
Art Start is a preschool immersion program that encourages reading abilities, communication, motor skills and visual proficiency for children ages three through five. Classes take place at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays for children with a parent or adult sponsor and on Thursday and Fridays for small preschool groups. Free for 3-5 year olds and their adult chaperones, children over 5 are $3/person. Children under 3 must be in a stroller or front pack. Reservations required, call (316) 268-4929.
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4929
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4929
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4929
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4929
The Big Read Movie Night
Showing of the movie "Their Eyes Were Watching God," starring Halle Berry," based on the book by Zora Neale Hurston. For adults and high school students.
6-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, Derby Public Library, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760
The Big Read: Conversations About the Book
A discussion about "Their Eyes Were Watching God," moderated by Ami Regier, Bethel College Literary Studies Department, and Scott McCloud, Newton High School English Department. For adults and teens.
7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 5, Newton Public Library, 720 N. Oak, Newton, KS 67114, (316) 283-2890
The Big Read - Wichita: An Open Book Discussion
Come one, come all! Let’s talk about “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” Share your thoughts about Janie Crawford, her friend Pheoby, and the events that shaped their lives. All are welcome to attend.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, Wichita Public Library - Orchard Park Branch Library, 4808 W. 9th, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9084
2:30-3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, Wichita Public Library - Rockwell Branch Library, 5939 E. 9th St., Wichita, KS 67208, (316) 688-9361
2:30-3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, Wichita Public Library - Evergreen Branch Library, 2601 N. Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204, (316) 303-8181
2:30-3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, Wichita Public Library - Linwood Branch Library, 1901 S. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67211, (316) 337-9125
7-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 18, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67217, (316) 337-9119
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, Wichita Public Library - Angelou Northeast Branch Library, 3051 E. 21st St., Wichita, KS 67214, (316) 688-9580
7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 26, Wichita Public Library - Westlink Branch Library, 8515 Bekemeyer, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 337-9456
School Age Book Club
5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, McConnell AFB Library, 53476 Wichita St. Bldg. 412, Wichita, KS 67221, (316) 759-4207
African-American Folktale Storytime for Children
Enjoy a special kids' storytime featuring the tie-in picture books and related titles. We'll read stories, do a fun mask-making activity and have a special snack. Appropriate for children aged 4-8. Please RSVP to (316) 315-0421.
2-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67206, (316) 315-0421
Storytime Village @ TKAAM
Kids will enjoy hearing storytellers present the companion titles by Zora Neale Hurston: "Roy Makes a Car" and "Lies and Other Tales." There will also be fun crafts relating to the stories. Free for ages 5-12. For 3-5 year olds and their parents. Free, but reservations required. Call 316-268-4929.
2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 262-7651
Zora Neale Hurston: Queen of the Harlem Renaissance
Flamboyant and outspoken, Hurston joined Langston Hughes and other black writers in Harlem to create a renaissance of African American culture in the 1920s. Her work was forgotten until the 1970s, when she inspired a new generation of black writers. Hurston shares her stories, her life’s joys and tragedies, in this dynamic presentation. Historically re-enacted by Dr. Carmaletta Williams, English Department, Johnson County Community College.
2:30-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 10, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
Senior Wednesday: Black Towns: The Nicodemus Story
Eatonville, Florida, setting for “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Zora Neale Hurston’s hometown, was not the only black town established in the late 1800s. Nicodemus was also formed as an African-American city in Kansas in 1877. Angela Bates, historian for Nicodemus Historical Society, will share more about the history of Nicodemus and contrast it with other post-Civil War racial colonies. Made possible in part by the Kansas Health Foundation.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, Wichita Public Library - Central Library, 223 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 261-8500
The Amazing Life and Afterlife of Zora Neale Hurston and "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Learn background on Hurston's utterly unique place among Harlem Renaissance writers and how her incredible book has risen from the grave. Presenter: Mark David Bradshaw, M.A. in comparative literature, bookseller, Shakespeare nut. For adults and teens.
6-7:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 13, Watermark Books and Café, 4701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-1181
The Big Read: The Movie & Women's Issues
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" will be shown, with talk and snack breaks to discuss women's issues portrayed in the movie; moderated by Ami Regier, Bethel College Literary Studies Department, and Scott McCloud, Newton High School English Department. For adults and teens.
6:15-8:45 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, Newton Public Library, 720 N. Oak, Newton, KS 67114, (316) 283-2890
Adult/Teen Book Discussion and Movie
6:30-9:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, McConnell AFB Library, 53476 Wichita St. Bldg. 412, Wichita, KS 67221, (316) 759-4207
Let's Make a Car
Families are invited to join us on the fourth floor of the Historical Museum for an up-close look at our locally-made Jones Six automobile. Kids are invited to take part in a fun craft activity and storytime as we enjoy Zora Neale Hurston's classic tall-tale "Roy Makes a Car."
2-3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16, Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202, (316) 265-9314
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" Book Discussion
Join us for a passionate discussion of Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." There will be a prize drawing and refreshments. (This event is also a feature event during Barnes & Noble's Educator Appreciation reception from 2-5 p.m. that day.)
3-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 16, Barnes & Noble at Bradley Fair, 1920 N. Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67206, (316) 315-0421
Tales from Zora Neale Hurston
Join Junior Storytellers as they share tales from Zora Neale Hurston’s writings and traditions. For ages 6-10.
3-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 17, Wichita Public Library - Alford Branch Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67217, (316) 337-9119
The Big Read Book Discussion
Join in a discussion of Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" for high school age students and adults.
7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, Derby Public Library, Derby Public Library, 1600 E. Walnut Grove, Derby, KS 67037, (316) 788-0760
Senior Wednesday: Harlem Renaissance
Enjoy poetry and music from the Harlem Renaissance period and view our Harlem Renaissance exhibit. Light refreshments will be served. For active seniors age 55+. Made possible in part by the Kansas Health Foundation.
1:30-3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 262-7651
Family Artventure
Your Artventure begins when you stop by the Welcome Desk to pick up your activity sheet. Your activity sheet takes you through a selection of artworks in our galleries and asks you to solve problems or think of questions. The Artventure ends with a related art-making activity in the studio. No reservations are required for this free event and it lasts about an hour.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, Wichita Art Museum, 1400 W. Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 268-4921
"The Harlem Renaissance" by Dr. J. Edgar Tidwell
From “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and the writings of Zora Neale Hurston to the poetry of Langston Hughes and the explosion of jazz music, the 1920s left a rich cultural legacy of African-American artistic achievement. Learn more about those who contributed to this renaissance and the historical underpinnings of this movement. Dr. J. Edgar Tidwell is professor of English at the University of Kansas.
3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, The Kansas African American Museum, 601 N. Water, Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 262-7651
Letting Down Janie Crawford's Hair: Themes, Symbols, Women, and Hair
Dig your reading fingers into the rich, kinky, fascinating elements of Hurston's novel and learn to appreciate her artful portrayal of a remarkable woman. Presenter: Shelly Watson, Master's in Education, schoolteacher, Roller Derby queen. For adults and teens.
6-7:15 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27, Watermark Books and Café, 4701 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67218, (316) 682-1181
A Harlem Renaissance Fair
Join us for an afternoon celebration of the arts of the Harlem Renaissance. Featuring storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston’s collected Southern folktales by The Griots, 1920s jazz music, poetry readings, and more. Flapper attire is optional, but it will truly round out the experience!
2:30-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30, Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 Museum Blvd., Wichita, KS 67203, (316) 219-1871