Needs. Now it is my pleasure to introduce ronald l. Hurst the Vice President of conservation of museums and the chief cura curator. It goes without saying that ron plays a significant leadership role at williamsburg directing initiatives across the foundation and importantly expanding Decorative Arts research. Drayton halls staff is particularly happy to have him here this evening. What began as a series of correspondence grew to Collaborative Research and then finally the 27 objects from drayton hall. Ron has helped contexturalize the architecture of the hall. Ladies and gentlemen, lets give a warm welcome to ron hurst. Thank you, and everyone, im so pleased to be in charleston. I never miss an opportunity to come to the holy city, it is one of those very special places, whether youre interested in histor historic ar chitecture or not. For many people, the popular image stops there. While all of these elements are in fact a part of the early south story, the full picture is so much ri
Energy. I hope we dont have to wait until oil and coal run out until we tackle that. I wish i had more years left. Perhaps edison contributed to us the next best thing. It is described by historian ernest freebug in his book. While the electric light is not a natural subject for the computer history museum, i have invited professor freeberg because of his profound observations about the nature of invention and inventors. The lessons that he draws out speak across the decades to a time and place, here and now in Silicon Valley where edisons approach and the success it produces are quite familiar. In both cases, the world has changed forever because of it. Distinguished officer of humanities at the university of tennessee, the author of other two books and the winner of numerous prizes. His documentaries are heard on public radio and he lectures frequently for the society of american historians. Please welcome me and welcoming join me in welcoming ernest freeberg. [applause] welcome to t
Conservation, and museums and the chief curator at the Colonial Williamsburg foundation. Pastverseas williamsburg curatorial operation, educational conferences, conservation initiatives, and museum operations, including direction of the abbey altar to museum. Ler it goes without saying that ron plays a significant leadership role at williamsburg, directing initiatives across the foundation and importantly expanding Decorative Arts research with a focus on the material culture produced and consumed within the american south. Staff isorial particularly thrilled to welcome ron to charleston this evening. Over the last five years, our and colleagues at Colonial Williamsburg have developed a partnership that stem from the enthusiasm, guidance, and encouragement provided by ron, and the visible side of this collaboration is a groundbreaking new exhibit at the Colonial Williamsburg foundation, curated by ron and margaret richard, which we will hear more about this evening. What began as a ser