It’s been called “The Forgotten War,” but fighting in the Korean War was very real for members of the Canadian military in the 1950s. Canadian Forces Major Ross Allan describes the effects of the war and its impact on Canada’s view and place in the world in his presentation, Canadian Experience during the Korean War, March 13 at 2 p.m., as part of a new program series at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College (Mich.).
The 1950s: Affluence and Anxiety in the Atomic Age began in late February and concludes on May 7, 2 p.m., at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township with a special salute to the men and women who fought in the “Forgotten War” in Korea in the early 1950s.
Through presentations, activities and exhibits, the series provides a broad look at the decade, including Cold War fears and atomic anxiety, the rise of suburbia, the heightening influence of television and pop culture, emergence of both the civil rights and women’s rights movements, as well as what was happening locally, such as the preeminence of old Detroit Hudson’s stores, the pre-Motown era local music scene, and even the Lone Ranger.
Highlights of the series include a special Speakers Series featuring award-winning authors and historians:
- Polio: A Look Back at America’s Most Successful Public Health Crusade, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Oshinsky, March 30
- McCarthyism to Terrorism, featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning author Haynes Johnson, April 14
- The Russians are Coming! Eisenhower and the Cold War, featuring author Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of the former Army general who served as president in the 1950s, May 5
Tickets are required for the Speaker Series presentations, all of which begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings. A special package price of $60 provides entrance to all four presentations, in addition to Meet & Greet receptions with each presenter at 5:30 p.m. Individual tickets for each presentation are $15, or $5 for seniors, students, and military personnel; and individual tickets to a single presentation including the Meet & Greet reception are $20. To purchase tickets, call 586.286.2222 or visit www.MacombCenter.com.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information about the cultural center and on the 1950s program series is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com. Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media Contact:
Tish Wirth
Communications & Community Relations
Macomb Community College
586.445.7560
wirthp@macomb.edu