Historian to speak on Mennonite response to U.S. Bicentennial

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:26

The public is invited to hear James C. Juhnke, retired Bethel College professor and Menno­nite historian, on the Tabor College campus at noon Tuesday, Oct. 23.

Juhnke will speak about the Mennonite response to the 1976 American Bicentennial in Kansas.

The presentation will take place in the Blue-Gold Room in the student center. Those interested in lunch may purchase a meal from the cafeteria or bring their own meal.

Juhnke has done extensive research at the Center for Men­no­nite Brethren Studies at Tabor College, the Goessel Heritage Center and the Mennonite Library and Archives, Bethel College examining closely the response to the American celebration. It ranged from an extreme patriotic reaction as well as one based in the Anabap­tist tradition of pacifism.

Now retired from full-time work, Juhnke continues to travel and research topics of interest to the Mennonite heritage.

For additional information, contact Peggy Goertzen, CMBS director, at 620-947-3121, ext. 1211.