History Lecture Series

“Life’s Uncertain Outcomes” is a history lecture series that considers people’s lived experiences, and how historical circumstances and choices made by individuals and the decisions of others shaped the direction of their lives. Columbia University history professor Karl Jacoby, PhD, will discuss the life of William Ellis, who was born an enslaved person in Texas, then became Guillermo Eliseo, a wealthy Mexican banker and broker. Ellis’ descendants from both sides of the border will be part of a panel discussion.

The series will continue with:

• Nov. 28: William Bauer, PhD, “A Family Story from Native California”
• Feb. 8: David Livingstone, PhD, “War Criminals in Postwar Germany's Police Forces: The 1969 Case of Border Police Officer Wilhelm Radtke”
• March 14: David Nelson, PhD, “Geisha Dreams, Love and Murder: The Life of Abe Sada”
• April 4: Chris Kimball, PhD, “The Buck Stops Here: Harry Truman’s Improbable Path to the Presidency”

The free series is presented by History Department faculty and other experts.