Join the Department of History and Spencer Abbe from the University of Oregon for a talk on "Bears, Cattle, and Natural Disaster:  The Colonial Dream Cycle on Kodiak, Alaska,1788-1964." 

Tuesday, December 3rd at 3:30 pm in McKenzie 375. Free and open to the public. 

Since the late 18th century, colonists from the Russian Empire and the United States have attempted to create agricultural settlements on the Kodiak Archipelago.  Confronted by tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hungry bears, and a short growing season, these projects consistently floundered only to begin again shortly thereafter.  This presentation examines the role of natural disasters in this unexpected resilience as long-term colonial projects confronted long-term geologic processes. 

The Department of History Seminar Series runs throughout the academic year and features guest speakers from the top universities who share their perspectives on history. Visit history.uoregon.edu for more information about the seminar series.