LECTURES
New insights from scholarly research
Many times in the course of my research, I have come across insightful findings that may be expected to be of interest not only for a scholarly audience but also for the broader public. Sometimes they provide new answers to old questions, and sometimes they offer different perspectives that have not yet been taken into account.
I therefore offer lectures to communicate those findings to the society, with the aim of inspiring, enlightening and providing a better understanding of the past. In other words, they are meant to be food for thought.
«… man must want the good and the great, the rest depends on fate»
—Humboldt to Johann Karl Freiesleben, La Coruña, 4 June 1799—
General lectures, as well as academic presentations, can be prepared on a broad array of topics, such as:
Humboldt’s visit to the United States:
Early interest in the US
Reasons for his 1804 visit
Itinerary and activities
Scholarly networks
Exchange of knowledge with President Jefferson
Impact on the development of American sciences
Humboldt & Jefferson:
Personal encounter in 1804 and mutual expectations
Historical context and its impact on their exchange of knowledge and ideas
Similarities and differences between the two representatives of Enlightenment
Spain’s role in Humboldt’s project
Reasons for his arrival in Spain in 1799
Diplomatic negotiations with the Spanish Court
Scientific preparation of his expedition
Expectations of the Spanish Empire
Humboldtian Science:
Humboldt´s methodology and approach to sciences
Transatlantic scholarly networks
Connecting arts and sciences
Political aspects of Humboldtian Science
Significance today
Humboldts navigation between sciences and politics
Quest for knowledge in a world of politics
Collaboration with different political authorities
Humboldt’s political and diplomatic mission
Science diplomacy
Humboldt and the American West:
Humboldt and the scientific exploration of the West
Particular interest in California
Early work on Texas and the American Southwest
Gold rush in 1848
Influence on other explorers.
Humboldt 250:
Overview of Humboldt and his American expedition, his scientific project and his legacy today.
Lectures on these as well as other topics can be prepared for diverse audiences and for different occasions. So far, lectures have been offered in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Australia, for a broad array of institutions:
Academic
Huntington Library, International Center for Jefferson Studies, Center for German and European Studies, Universities, Research libraries, Centers for Innovation and Research, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Centers for European Dialogue, Max-Kade Centers for German-American Studies, Archaeological Institutes, Historical Societies, Institutes of Technology, Humboldt Kolleg, Geographic Societies.
Diplomatic
Embassies and Consulates.
Cultural
Goethe Institute and Goethe Pop Up, Instituto Cervantes, German-American Institutes, German Councils, Ibero-American Institutes, German-Spanish Societies, Casas Culturales, Dora Maar House, Humboldt Associations, German Houses, Foundations, Art Museums, Athenaeums, Historic Patrimony, Historic Offices and Associations, Explorers Club.
Educational:
Schools, Science Institutes, Botanical gardens, History and Nature Museums, Libraries, Nature Parks, Discovery Centers, Casas de la Ciencia.