Eliza Scidmore: Washington’s Cherry Tree Visionary and Early U.S. “Friend of Japan”

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About the Event

In the late-nineteenth century, American journalist and travel writer Eliza Scidmore became a recognized Western authority on Japan and its culture. A part-time home in Japan with her brother, a U.S. consular official, gave her a base for reporting from across the region. The results included a half dozen travel books, and her revolutionary idea of creating a cherry tree park in Washington’s Potomac Park. Join author Diana Parsell for an overview of Scidmore, whose gravesite is in the Foreign General Cemetery in Yokohama. 

About the Speaker

Diana Parsell is a writer, editor, and former journalist in the Washington, D.C., area. Her debut book, Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees (Oxford U. Press, March 2023), is the  first-ever biography of the little-known American woman whose deep appreciation for Japanese culture led to her longtime quest to have flowering cherries planted in Washington’s Potomac Park. The book has been featured on NHK’s International News 2023,  and on NBC’s “Today” show, in addition to other media outlets. Visit www.dianaparsell.com for more on Diana and the book.  

To purchase a copy of Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees and enhance the discussion, go to https://dianaparsell.com/books/eliza-scidmore/. Use code AAFLYG6 for 30% discount when purchasing direct from Oxford University Press.   

NHK World  

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230401053824559/ 

NBC “Today” Show  

https://www.today.com/video/meet-the-woman-behind-the-cherry-blossoms-tradition-in-dc-167139397774 

Details

Date:
May 11, 2023
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Cost:
Free – $20.00
Event Category:

Organizer

Japan America Society Of Chicago
Phone
(312) 263-3049
Email
kono@jaschicago.org
View Organizer Website

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