Join us in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) at the Central Library to learn more about the Indianapolis native who helped put Indiana on the literary map.
Culture, History, and Society: Rare Books and Special Collections—Charles Major (1856-1913), lawyer and legislator, was one of the foremost practitioners of Indiana’s Golden Age of Literature. Most of his novels were historical romances set in England and France, but he also wrote several books set in Indiana. Several of his books were made into plays and films and were bestsellers in the early 20th Century. Born in Indianapolis, Major spent most of his adult life in Shelbyville. Join us in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) at Central Library to explore the life and legacy of the author who helped put Indiana on the literary map. Registration is required.
Presented by: Ray Brown is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis. He holds a BA from Marian University and an MA from Western Illinois University, where he had an assistantship. He also completed 45 graduate hours beyond his master's degree. His 41-year teaching career included positions at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Northwest High School, several years at Broad Ripple High School, and instruction for the Woods External Degree (WED) program at St. Mary of the Woods College. His teaching experience spans humanities, AP English, US History, standard English, and Theory of Knowledge within the International Baccalaureate program. He is a member of the Italian Heritage Society of Indiana, where he leads their book club, and serves on the Marion County Historical Society board. He is also an active member of St. Michael Catholic Church. His interests include reading, attending cultural events and museums, travel, gardening, Indiana history and literature, movies, music, and dining out.
Parking: The Central Library has a parking garage available to patrons during their time at the Library. Garage pricing information is detailed here. The garage can be accessed on Pennsylvania Street.
This free in-person program will be held at Central Library in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR). Made possible by the Marion County Historical Society.
Age Level: Adults
Contact: Special Collections Librarian Montoya Barker
AGE GROUP: | Seniors | Educators | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Lecture/Panel Discussion | Indianapolis Special Collections Room |
TAGS: | Marion County Historical Society | iscr programs | iscr lectures | indianapolis special collections room | history programs | Golden Age of Indiana Literature | culture history society | Charles Major |
As the hub of the Indianapolis Public Library system, Central Library showcases renowned architecture and services. The original 1917 building, designed by Paul Cret and constructed of Indiana limestone in the Greek Doric style, was considered one of the most outstanding secular buildings in the U.S. Its six-story glass and steel-framed addition, designed by Evans Woollen, opened in 2007.
