In honor of the centennial anniversary of the clubhouse, Columbian Dr. Dan Miller, Historian-In-Residence, will be hosting "Columbian Conversations" throughout the year.
January 17 - Columbian Conversation
January 17 at 11:30 am | Library
Topic: Benjamin Harrison And The American Century—An Unforgettable Night At The Columbia Club
It's the night when two major figures of American public life give clashing views of the American future in the 20th century. A remarkable moment.
First, thank you so much for being part of the kick-off January event. Our group was outstanding for its participation and thoughtful reflections. You brought a lot to the table with your own understanding. Well done.
Second, I'm not sure what you expected from me but this first event is exactly how I handle things in my work as a consulting leadership historian and thus as Historian-in-Residence at the Club. Fast-paced, quick-shifts, application-focused, interactive. Hopefully, you enjoyed the mix.
Third, I'd like to offer a few thoughts regarding our story. My purpose here is to continue to encourage your own reflections on our story. Here goes: I urge you to embrace the full significance of what we encountered.Two starkly different visions of the world's next century and America's place in it. Each offered by a different leader at different stages of life (a point we might have pursued further). Framed within the newly-crafted lighting of the Club's impressive space. Truly historic and richly deserving of remembrance and reflection.
Benjamin Harrison is a powerful cultural resource of untapped value. He is a gift to, of, and from the Club. I think you should pay real attention to this fact—and it is a fact. Combined with the Club's major presence in the city's most unique geographic brand, Harrison's experiences as pre-POTUS, POTUS, and post-POTUS are a rich source of distinction. I've done considerable primary/original research on him and I make my assertion with total certitude.
I am constantly encouraging clients to know the extent of choice in their lives and work. We all have more choices than we assume, something easily forgotten in a world of algorithms and perpetual digitizations. I'll repeat here what I said in our time together: Harrison has a choice in how he will end his toast on that very early morning of December 28, 1899. He could have said nearly anything. And yet—he chooses to forge a strong bond between his world view (the "Alternative AmericanFuture" as I called it) and his view of the Columbia Club. He is an accomplished speaker with several major speeches and speaking moments in his personal history. He knows that the last thing he says will likely be the primary thing his audience will remember. This realization underscores the importance of his decision to invoke the Club's founding spirit within the context of a national and global future. I don't know about you but one word now comes to my mind in thinking about Harrison's choice:
Profound. Thank you again for your involvement with our January event. Thanks to Molly for all her support in making it a reality.
See you next time, and all the best,
Dan
Topic: Benjamin Harrison And The American Century—An Unforgettable Night At The Columbia Club
It's the night when two major figures of American public life give clashing views of the American future in the 20th century. A remarkable moment.
January Columbian Conversations Follow-Up
First, thank you so much for being part of the kick-off January event. Our group was outstanding for its participation and thoughtful reflections. You brought a lot to the table with your own understanding. Well done.
Second, I'm not sure what you expected from me but this first event is exactly how I handle things in my work as a consulting leadership historian and thus as Historian-in-Residence at the Club. Fast-paced, quick-shifts, application-focused, interactive. Hopefully, you enjoyed the mix.
Third, I'd like to offer a few thoughts regarding our story. My purpose here is to continue to encourage your own reflections on our story. Here goes: I urge you to embrace the full significance of what we encountered.Two starkly different visions of the world's next century and America's place in it. Each offered by a different leader at different stages of life (a point we might have pursued further). Framed within the newly-crafted lighting of the Club's impressive space. Truly historic and richly deserving of remembrance and reflection.
Benjamin Harrison is a powerful cultural resource of untapped value. He is a gift to, of, and from the Club. I think you should pay real attention to this fact—and it is a fact. Combined with the Club's major presence in the city's most unique geographic brand, Harrison's experiences as pre-POTUS, POTUS, and post-POTUS are a rich source of distinction. I've done considerable primary/original research on him and I make my assertion with total certitude.
I am constantly encouraging clients to know the extent of choice in their lives and work. We all have more choices than we assume, something easily forgotten in a world of algorithms and perpetual digitizations. I'll repeat here what I said in our time together: Harrison has a choice in how he will end his toast on that very early morning of December 28, 1899. He could have said nearly anything. And yet—he chooses to forge a strong bond between his world view (the "Alternative AmericanFuture" as I called it) and his view of the Columbia Club. He is an accomplished speaker with several major speeches and speaking moments in his personal history. He knows that the last thing he says will likely be the primary thing his audience will remember. This realization underscores the importance of his decision to invoke the Club's founding spirit within the context of a national and global future. I don't know about you but one word now comes to my mind in thinking about Harrison's choice:
Profound. Thank you again for your involvement with our January event. Thanks to Molly for all her support in making it a reality.
See you next time, and all the best,
Dan
February 15 - Centennial Kick-Off
Clubhouse Centennial Anniversary Kick-Off
Overview of Remarks
Overview of Remarks
- The Eyes Of Abraham Lincoln
- A Spirit Of Space
- The Distance Of 100 Years
- The Known And Unknown
February 21 - Columbian Conversation
February 21 at 5:30 pm | Amen Corner
Topic: The Opening Of The New Columbia Club 1924
Go inside American life, the world of Indianapolis, and the Club's culture when the new building opens for business.
Topic: The Opening Of The New Columbia Club 1924
Go inside American life, the world of Indianapolis, and the Club's culture when the new building opens for business.
March 20 - Columbian Conversation
March 20 at 11:30 am | Library
Topic: Two Tools From Club History For The 2024 Election
The 2024 election will be filled with disruptions and tensions. You'll gain two new tools from the Club's history that can help you navigate the turmoil leading up to election night, 2024.
Topic: Two Tools From Club History For The 2024 Election
The 2024 election will be filled with disruptions and tensions. You'll gain two new tools from the Club's history that can help you navigate the turmoil leading up to election night, 2024.
April 17 - Columbian Conversation
April 17 at 5:30 pm | Amen Corner
Topic: A Window On The Civil War: The Circle And The Club's Pre-History
You'll gain new insights into the American nation's horrific Civil War and how it affected people on the spot on the Circle where the future Club will stand.
Topic: A Window On The Civil War: The Circle And The Club's Pre-History
You'll gain new insights into the American nation's horrific Civil War and how it affected people on the spot on the Circle where the future Club will stand.
May 17 - Columbian Conversation
May 15 at 11:30 am | Library
Topic: The Club And Victory-In-Europe Day And Victory-Over-Japan Day (VE, VJ) 1945
The Greatest Generation was coming home after the dramatic and jolting announcements of Nazi Germany and Japan's surrender in 1945. Immerse in the Club's experience of those defining moments.
Topic: The Club And Victory-In-Europe Day And Victory-Over-Japan Day (VE, VJ) 1945
The Greatest Generation was coming home after the dramatic and jolting announcements of Nazi Germany and Japan's surrender in 1945. Immerse in the Club's experience of those defining moments.
June 19 - Columbian Conversation
June 19 at 5:30 pm | Amen Corner
Topic: That Night Indianapolis Roared—The Club Is Born
Benjamin Harrison was really never supposed to win the Republican nomination for President. The place and the people who became the Columbia Club were intimately involved on this summer's day and night.
Topic: That Night Indianapolis Roared—The Club Is Born
Benjamin Harrison was really never supposed to win the Republican nomination for President. The place and the people who became the Columbia Club were intimately involved on this summer's day and night.
July 17 - Columbian Conversation
July 17 at 11:30 am | Library
Topic: Of Colts And Elephants—Two Recent Club American Stories
The Club played key roles in both the relocation of the Indianapolis Colts and the 2016 selection of the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee. Relive the stories.
Topic: Of Colts And Elephants—Two Recent Club American Stories
The Club played key roles in both the relocation of the Indianapolis Colts and the 2016 selection of the Republican Party's vice-presidential nominee. Relive the stories.
August 21- Columbian Conversation
August 21 at 5:30 pm | Amen Corner
Topic: The Circle Turns—The Club And The City Of Indianapolis
Discover the unique relationship over time that has marked the Columbia Club and its place on Monument Circle.
Topic: The Circle Turns—The Club And The City Of Indianapolis
Discover the unique relationship over time that has marked the Columbia Club and its place on Monument Circle.
September 18 - Columbian Conversation
September 18 at 11:30 am | Library
Topic: The Club And American Identity, I—Celebrities And Special Guests
Major American and international personalities have walked the Club's floor. Find out who they are and why they were here.
Topic: The Club And American Identity, I—Celebrities And Special Guests
Major American and international personalities have walked the Club's floor. Find out who they are and why they were here.
October 16 - Columbian Conversation
October 16 at 5:30 pm | Amen Corner
Topic: The Club And American Identity, II—Presidents And Vice Presidents
The Club has affected American political life at the highest levels, including the presidency and vice-presidency. Absorb the stories that have affected American politics.
Topic: The Club And American Identity, II—Presidents And Vice Presidents
The Club has affected American political life at the highest levels, including the presidency and vice-presidency. Absorb the stories that have affected American politics.
