As we welcome spring, the season of baseball is coming into full swing. Please join us for “The Thrill of Victory” taking place May 5 through May 31. Special programming will be held in conjunction with the Friends of the Frankfort Library’s Annual Meeting on May 12, and ALL programs and exhibits are free and open to the public.
Exhibit: The Thrill of Victory The title is a salute to Victory Field (home of the Indianapolis Indians) and Lou Gehrig. This exhibit explores the history of baseball and features items from the Indianapolis Indians and photos courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, National Archives, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis Indians, and French Lick Resort. The stories of America’s favorite pastime represent the story of America. Stories shared will include Lou Gehrig’s retirement speech, Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox World Series wins, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Cal Ripken, Jr., and many more favorite personalities/athletes. We also plan to present a few favorite baseball films during the month of May.
Tuesday, May 9, author and historian, Alan D. Gaff, will be our virtual speaker and he will discuss one of his latest books, Lou Gehrig: The Lost Memoir. At the age of twenty-four, the already famous New York Yankee Lou Gehrig, decided to document his remarkable story at the suggestion of a sports agent in an effort to grow Lou’s popularity. Lou’s stories were syndicated in newspapers across the country. His columns were largely forgotten until Alan Gaff found them while researching a different topic. Lou’s inspiring biography of his life and career is followed by an insightful biographical essay by Gaff. Register ahead of time at myfcpl.org, and come ready with your history questions for Mr. Gaff. Register early for a chance to have your name placed in a drawing to receive a copy of The Lost Memoir. Winning registrants will be contacted by April 17. All registrants will receive a small custom gift while supplies last.
Friday, May 12 the exhibit continues with a baseball themed evening reception and historical film footage. There will be presentations by the Indianapolis Indians, Conner Prairie and the Indiana State Museum, including vintage items from their baseball collections. The Friends brief annual meeting will be held at 6: 15 p.m. followed by author and freelance journalist, Mark Montieth. Montieth will discuss Extra Innings: My Life in Baseball, the book he wrote with Indianapolis Indians legend, Max Schumacher. Montieth will be available to sign and sell Extra Innings, in addition to his other works about the Indiana Pacers and Purdue Basketball. Thanks to the Indiana Humanities and our sponsors, we will be giving away copies of Extra Innings to 10 lucky individuals during the evening, and other special giveaways to patrons in attendance that evening. We are excited to work with these organizations, and we hope to see you on May 12.
These projects have been made possible through a grant from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
May 12 Schedule of Events:
4 p.m. Conner Prairie-Presentation about their Historic Baseball Games, including uniforms and equipment.
4:30 p.m. Indiana State Museum-Presentation on their vintage baseball collection, including uniform worn by Carl Erskine.
5:30 p.m. Indianapolis Indians-Team Representative will share baseball stories through the years and the team is also contributing to the month-long exhibit.
6:15 p.m. Friends Annual Meeting
6:30 p.m. Author, Mark Montieth Presentation and Book Signing
(Baseball Reception beginning at 4 p.m.)