The Great Lives lecture series returns beginning Jan. 24, 2017, with a new name. Originally called the Chappell Lecture Series, reflecting the instrumental role of John Chappell and his family in providing the initial endowment and continuing support for the program, it will be called the William B. Crawley Lecture Series. The name reflects the crucial role played by the distinguished professor emeritus of history who created the series in 2004 and has since served as its director. Chappell initiated the change. “We have long recognized Bill [Crawley] as the architect of the success of Great Lives, and we are grateful,” he said. The 2017 lineup will feature diverse personalities from ancient to modern times and wide-ranging fields of accomplishment. Many of the speakers are the pre-eminent authorities on their subjects, and a number have won Pulitzer Prizes. Harvard historian and Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Annette Gordon-Reed, author of the Pulitzer … [Read more...]