Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Bull Run

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One hundred and fifty years ago next week, the first major land battle of the Civil War was fought just short distance from Washington, DC. According to commentator and Vermont Humanities Council executive director Peter Gilbert, it was a rude awakening for the North, and only the beginning of a national waking nightmare that would last four years.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Albion’s Seed

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Summer is a good time to explore our roots – both collectively and as individuals.  And while we’re at it, commentator and Vermont Humanities Council executive director Peter Gilbert says there’s a provocative book that explores the historical roots of regional differences in this country.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: King James Bible At 400

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 Four hundred years ago – this year – a hugely important translation of the Bible was published.  According to commentator and Vermont Humanities Council executive director Peter Gilbert, it’s quite a text – and quite a story.  
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Thinking Is Hard Work

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Recently commentator and Vermont Humanities Council executive director Peter Gilbert picked up the autobiography of Albert Schweitzer – whose concerns about the lack of thought or reason in society – are as timely today as they were 80 years ago.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Enlisting In The Union Army

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After Fort Sumter was shelled on April 12, 1861, war was very much on Vermonters’ minds.  Here’s commentator and head of the Vermont Humanities Council, Peter Gilbert, with excerpts from a letter written exactly 150 years ago this Saturday by a resident of Barre, who wanted to enlist and fight alongside his brother.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Challenge Of Statistics

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More than three weeks after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the nuclear crisis continues.  The death toll is already in the thousands – and still rising. Peter Gilbert, commentator and executive director of the Vermont Humanities Council, considers how we respond to such staggering news.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Film Fest Season

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Commentator Peter Gilbert is executive director of the Vermont Humanities Council. With the annual Green Mountain Film Festival coming to Montpelier at the end of this week, he’s been thinking about movies, books, and ideas.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Humanities And Cairo

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Commentator Peter Gilbert is the Executive Director of the Vermont Humanities Council.  He’s  been thinking about what our fascination with daily developments in Cairo tells us about the importance of the humanities here in this country.
Commentary Series
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Gilbert: Lincoln Farewell

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On February 11, 1861, Abraham Lincoln said goodbye to his home state of Illinois and began his journey to Washington, DC.  Commentator and Vermont Humanities Council executive director Peter Gilbert has the story of Lincoln’s farewell.