“A Hall of Patriotism for the Union”: Lyceums and the Limitations of Public Discourse, 1825-1845
October 6, 2021
For my Senior Honors Capstone in History at The College of New Jersey, I conducted original research into the American Lyceum movement. You can read the full thesis below, or download a copy here.
In the American Antebellum Period (approximately 1812 to 1861), the lyceum emerged as a popular means of mass education. Similar to today's TED talks, the lyceum would host various literati, scientists, and political figures to give lectures and demonstrations. These lyceum halls sprouted across the young United States in these years, particularly in New England. The people who founded lyceum organizations spoke proudly about how their institutions would promote a "freedom of the mind" amongst an educated citizenry. But did the lyceum movement live up to the dreams of its founders? What happened when the demands of capitalism met unpopular opinions at the marketplace of ideas?
loos-capstone-spring-2019-lyceums-and-public-discourse.pdf