[Bristol-Birds] Andre Michaux portrayal Sunday at Bristol
- From: "Wallace Coffey" <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Bristol-birds" <bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:09:52 -0400
You public is invited to:
"MEETING MICHAUX"
an informative program by
Charlie Williams: his interpretation of Andre Michaux, the famous
French botanist of 1785.
WHEN? April 1, 2007 - Palm Sunday
TIME? 2:30 p.m.
WHERE? Bristol Public Library, Conference Room
SPONSORS? DAR Fort Chiswell Chapter and The Bristol Public Library
COST? No Charge, compliments of the sponsors
Charlie Williams
Charlie Williams, the actor and scholar who portrays Michaux,
"discovered" him after researching the history of a rare tree in NC.
Williams published scholarly papers on Michaux and Magnolia
macrophylla in botany journals. He was the first to highlight
Michaux's work in the Carolina Piedmont.
Williams inspired the first celebration of Michaux's life joining
the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, Belmont Abbey College, the Southern
Appalachian Society, The Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte and Gaston
Day School. The Botanical Journal of Castanea published the symposium
proceedings in May, 2006.
He now serves as chairperson of the North American Chapter of the
Andre' Michaux International Society (AMIS), a network of scholars and
others interested in Michaux. The 2007 Project of the Society is the
Oconee Bell Celebration held at Clemson University, March 16 - 18,
2007 (www.michaux.org) Williams has given 100 presentations on
Michaux in 6 different states and over 35 in costume performances of
his one man play. His research on Michaux has taken him to the
eastern US, Canada and France.
Andre' Michaux
Andre' Michaux, (1746-1802) was the most famous botanist of his
time, or any other time, sent to The United States by his King to
collect seeds, and tree specimens to replenish the depleted forests of
France after so many wars with England.
Michaux knew and interacted with our founding fathers.Thomas
Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Thomas Jefferson
spearheaded a request for him to take a "Trip to the West" that was
similar to the one drawn up for Lewis and Clarke (Michaux never went
on this requested expedition)!
At least 10% of the flowering plants in the Carolinas were named
by him. His travels were very extensive and because of his
prominence, he stayed with prominent people.. He knew and made friends
with William Bartram, famous American Botanist.
His goal was not to gain wealth or power, but to add to the
catalog of human knowledge thereby improving agriculture, botany,
medicine, forestry and horticulture.
Michaux visited Tennessee five times and met with Gov. William
Blount among others. He was the first botanist who visited the
rhododendron gardens of Roan Mountain
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