Mérida English Library lecture series

The Mérida English Library continues its long-standing lecture series in the courtyard through mid-April. Talks are Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Most of the programs are free; for some, there is a nominal suggested donation.

Oct. 4: Christopher Collins Lee, concertmaster of the Yucatán Symphony Orchestra, will discuss his life as an American Grammy-award winning violinist, concertmaster, and conductor who has performed all over the world as an “Official Music Ambassador” of the U.S. Department of State. He will also announce details of the new season of the Yucatan String Quartet at Hacienda Santa Cruz Palomeque.

Oct. 11, 18, 25: Raul Alcocer Mendoza, author of “El Calendario Maya,” offers a three-part series about Maya culture and history. These presentations begin at 7:30 p.m, a half-hour later than most lectures in the series. Here are the three parts:

• Oct. 11: The Life of Tatiana Proskouriakoff
  An homage to a great woman who was ahead of her time and is an inspiration to many. Learn about her contributions to archaeology and Maya epigraphy.
• Oct. 18: Maya Celebration of the Solar New Year
  A discussion on present-day Maya New Year celebrations and where they are held throughout the Yucatán.
• Oct. 25: The World According to the Ancient Maya
  An introduction to the Maya worldview, the different regions of the Maya world and their relationship to the calendar.

Nov. 8:  Marinna Aguirre will discuss Romulo Rozo and Mérida: His story, glory and legacy

Nov. 15: Luis Barrueta – The Vulnerability of Water Systems in the Yucatan, especially in Merida. If you want to learn and see exactly where our water comes from and why it is vulnerable, do not miss this important lecture by the well-respected civil engineer with specialties in hydrology and geohydrology.

Nov. 22: Juan Carlos Lomonaco, music director and conductor of the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra, discussing the history and development of the orchestra. He is joined by Margarita Molina de Patron, co-founder of the Yucatan Symphony Orchestra and president of the board of trustees.

Nov. 29: George Ann Huck – Women of the Yucatan

Dec. 6: Luz Maria Viera Castro – Education in the Yucatán. Learn the truth about the schools here from someone who has spent her life inside the system. What informal and formal education systems exist? How do urban and rural schools differ. Who can become a teacher? Is it true that teaching positions are sold and inherited?

Dec. 20: Pamela Villanueva – Education in the Yucatan

Jan. 10: George Ashley — Mexican History

Jan. 17: TBD

Jan. 24: Maya sites in the Pu’uc Region

Jan. 31: Paulo Afonso – Coastal Ecology in the Yucatan

Feb. 7: Bob Temple – The Independent Republic of Yucatán

Feb. 14: Jorge Rosado — The co-founder of TTT and history buff

Feb. 21: Reginald McGhee will lead a discussion on the former governor and historic figure, Felipe Carillo Puerto

Feb. 28: Rodrigo Rodriguez — Living and Dying in Mexico. What to do if a loved one passes away

March 7 – Dr. Alma Duran on Maximilian, Carlota and the Importance of Yucatán  during the Second Mexican Empire

March 14 – Jorge Rosado on La Mejorada neighborhood in Merida

March 21 – Habitec Solar Energy on The Ins and Outs of Solar Panels in Merida