What is the value of studying history? Is it to understand how the world we live in came to be, or can it offer practical advice for the choices we make going forward?

Maury Klein '60 will delve into these questions during his lecture "Learning from the Lessons of the Past" at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, in Alumni Hall Room 302 on the Knox College campus. The program is free and open to the public.

Klein will lead an interactive program on how our country's history has defined who we are, and how the worst moments of that history can repeat themselves if we fail to learn from previous mistakes.

Klein is the author of 18 books on 19th century American history, the stock market crash of 1929, and the American railroad industry. He has also written essays, book reviews, and many articles for publications ranging from scholarly journals to Sports Illustrated.

Klein's visit is part of Knox's Professional in Residence Series, which brings alumni from around the world back to campus to offer insights and advice to help students discover their passions and launch meaningful careers. Other planned events with Klein include a coffee talk for history students and faculty, a "How Knox Influenced my Life" luncheon for all students and faculty, and office hours with students.

This Professional in Residence event is made possible by the Office of Alumni Relations, the Bastian Family Career Center, and the history department.

Upcoming presentations for faculty, staff, and students this fall include:

• Amy Bueschlein '89, special agent to the FBI, "From Flunk Day Planner to FBI Special Agent" on September 28 
• Michael Lincoln '75, lighting designer and artistic director, College of Fine Arts at Ohio University, "Success After Knox ... Pursuing Your Passion" on November 2

About Maury Klein 

At Knox, Klein majored in history, was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. He went on to earn a master's degree and doctorate at Emory University. Klein then joined the faculty of the University of Rhode Island as a history professor, teaching there for 44 years.

Klein has also enjoyed a successful theatre career, acting in more than 20 university and professional productions and serving for four years as chairman of the University of Rhode Island's theater department. He credits Knox as the place where he kindled a love of theater.

In 2001, Klein was awarded both an Alumni Achievement Award and an honorary degree from Knox. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2011.