News

Robert Mellown to inaugurate Center for the Book speaker series

The University of Alabama - A Guide to the Campus and Its Architecture, by Robert O. Mellown, published by UA Press
The University of Alabama – A Guide to the Campus and Its Architecture, by Robert O. Mellown, published by UA Press

Thursday, November 7, 2013, at 12 noon, Robert Oliver Mellown, associate professor of art history emeritus, will present the inaugural talk of the Alabama Center for the Book Lunchtime Speaker Series in Gorgas Library 205. Dr. Mellown will talk about some of the fascinating history of Alabama’s historic campus from his new book, The University of Alabama: A Guide to the Campus and Its Architecture.

Dr. Mellown, an authority on the architecture of Tuscaloosa and of the UA campus, is the author of numerous articles in Alabama Heritage and The Alabama Review. He has also written detailed historic structures reports for the Alabama Historical Commission on local landmarks including Bryce Hospital, Jemison-Van de Graaf Mansion, Marmaduke Williams House, and the Drish Mansion. In addition, he has participated in historical archaeological investigations of the UA Rotunda, Alabama capitol (Capitol Park), and currently is consultant for the UA Department of Archaeology in the historical investigation of the Downtown Hotel Site. He is a popular speaker for the Tuscaloosa Preservation Society and other venues.

Robert Mellown by Jeff Hansen-UA Photography
Robert Mellown by Jeff Hansen-UA Photography

The Alabama Center for the Book, under the aegis of the University Libraries at The University of Alabama, and the University of Alabama Press, is pleased to invite UA students, faculty, and staff, as well as the public to the first of this lunch-time speaker series spotlighting recent works by Alabama writers. The partnership’s free hour-long sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to learn from and engage directly with authors whose new books illuminate facets of the university, our state, region, and world.

 

From lifelong Tuscaloosa residents to incoming freshmen, all will enjoy this unique opportunity to learn about our storied environs. Room 205 in the east wing of Gorgas Library will be set with tables, and attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch or purchase lunch in the library’s grab-and-go café.

PARKING

Limited parking is available in a reserved area on West Capstone Drive alongside Gorgas House and Morgan Hall. Gorgas Library is just west of this area on the main quad. For other parking options, please visit http://bamaparking.ua.edu/pages/visitor-parking.html.