Fans of Sherlock Holmes have a special treat in store this summer: The conference, "Sherlock Holmes Through Time and Place," will take place Aug. 9-11 at the University of Minnesota's Elmer L. Andersen Library, home to the world's largest collection of Sherlock Holmes-related material.

The conference is sponsored by the Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota and the Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota.

The conference will feature presentations by a stellar group of international Sherlockians, vendor tables, a silent auction of selected duplicate items from the collections, an exhibit of rare and unique materials from the collections, a dramatic performance by the Red-Throated League of the Norwegian Explorers, and the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections.

The registration fee of $165 per person includes all presentations, Saturday lunch and banquet dinner, refreshments at breaks, and conference keepsakes. Additional Saturday evening banquet dinners for guests are $40 per person.

• Learn more/register

Posted by Mark Engebretson | Permalink

What: Art and Science in Latin America During the Enlightenment

When: March 12 - June 28, 2013

Where: T.R. Anderson Gallery, Wilson Library Fourth Floor

Free and open to the public

Hours and location

During the 18th century, and the Age of the Enlightenment, the kings of Spain funded dozens of scientific expeditions in their American domains to identify and classify native plants and animals. The documentation of the royal expeditions and the local descriptions were illustrated with drawings, watercolors, and etchings. This exhibit highlights the University of Minnesota Libraries' collection of prints and illustrated books produced during that period of scientific activity in Latin America.

Posted by Laura Krueger | Permalink

When: April 1 - June 28, 2013

Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library

Free and open to the public

Hours and location

The Performing Arts Archives presents a backstage look at the Twin Cities performing arts community, with a special celebration of the Guthrie Theater's 50th birthday.

Posted by Laura Krueger | Permalink

What: Beauty in a Briefcase: Images from Horticultural Sample Books

When: April 12 - October 13, 2013

Where: Andersen Horticultural Library

Hours, fees, and location

Nineteenth century nursery firms hired salesmen to travel extensively, taking orders for trees and shrubs to be delivered the following spring. Their marketing tool of choice was the innovative nurseryman's "sample book" or plate-book. Sumptuously illustrated, they are as beautiful today as when first used.

Posted by Laura Krueger | Permalink

What: Exploring Kierkegaard in Minnesota

When: May 9 - August 31, 2013

Where: Government Publications, Basement level, Wilson Library

Free and open to the public

Hours and location.

This exhibit covers four themes to note the 200th anniversary of Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855).

• Kierkegaard's Life and Letters
• Studying Kierkegaard (the scholars with Minnesota, and mostly U of M connections)
• Translating Kierkegaard (accomplished by Prof. David Swenson and his wife Lillian), and also recognizing one of Prof. Swenson's students, Dr. Howard Hong, who with his wife Edna, translated Kierkegaard's entire œuvre and whose book collection is the foundation of the Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College in Northfield MN.
• Collections in MN - featuring U Archives, U Rare Books, Wilson, and digital collections, all at the U of M, plus the aforementioned Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf, and other ways to obtain materials from local libraries.

The exhibit features Kierkegaard's 19th-century published works including books published during his lifetime, scanned copies of hand- and typewritten correspondence between Prof. Swenson and his editors and colleagues, and some memorabilia from U of M programs featuring University of Minnesota faculty and librarians.

Posted by Laura Krueger | Permalink

What: Sherlock Holmes: Through Time and Place

When: July 11 - September 27, 2013

Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library

Hours and location

Free and open to the public

Nobel laureate and Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Philip S. Hench and his wife, Mary Kahler Hench, developed one of the most significant collections of Sherlockiana in the world. Together, they explored the life, times, and places of Sherlock Holmes, including the area near Meiringen, Switzerland and the nearby Reichenbach Falls- site of the epic struggle between Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. This exhibit, mounted in conjunction with the triennial conference "Sherlock Holmes Through Time and Place," displays some of the remarkable material gathered by Dr. and Mrs. Hench as they researched the locales associated with Holmes and the story of "The Final Problem." They helped create what is today a most wonderful travel destination for Holmes enthusiasts.

Posted by Laura Krueger | Permalink