BackStory

June 3, 2009 – Charlottesville, V.A. - The hosts of “BackStory with the American History Guys, ” the new public radio show distributed in Virginia and around the country, delve into the history of joblessness at a live taping at UVA’s Miller Center for Public Affairs, Friday June 19th at 5:30pm.

With unemployment at its highest level in 25 years, the threat of joblessness is on everyone’s mind. But, when did the concept of unemployment arise in the first place? How did industrialization change our notion of “the job?” Are people more or less attached to their professions than they used to be? How has Americans’ search for work shaped our cultural landscape? What has it meant for American workers that there are almost always new immigrants who are willing to work for less?

These are the kinds of questions that will be explored at the free, live taping by “BackStory” hosts Ed Ayers (President, University of Richmond), Peter Onuf (UVa History Professor) and Brian Balogh (UVa History Professor). In the course of the program, the American History Guys will take “calls” from the audience. A reception with the Guys will follow — it is open to the public, but registration is required. (Register at www.millercenter.org/forumreg or 434.982.7319.) More details available: http://millercenter.org/public/forum/detail/4901

vfh Radio produces public radio programs at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities (VFH), online at www.virginiafoundation.org. The VFH, based in Charlottesville, is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the humanities, and to using the humanities to address issues of broad public concern. In all of its programs, the VFH works to make scholarship accessible; to promote understanding and discussion of enduring and contemporary issues; and to broaden the range of educational opportunities available to all Virginians.

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