Historian Ralph Nurnberger, who served on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that oversaw the Panama Canal treaties, will examine the sweep of the canal saga. He will address such problematic issues as why Panama was chosen and how the U.S. was able to claim the right to build a canal in another country with the right to keep it “in perpetuity.” He will also discuss the significant efforts by John Hay to resolve a series of diplomatic matters that had to be resolved before the United States could begin construction of the canal.

Cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres will be served with a QA opportunity following the presentation. Meets in the Pavilion.

Advanced registration is required. Email info@thefells.org or click HERE to register!

Ralph is an acclaimed speaker who brings humor, historical background, and current political insights to his presentations. He has appeared on radio and television programs as an analyst on political and international issues. Ralph earned his PhD in History from Georgetown University and subsequently taught as an adjunct at Georgetown for 38 years. He was named Professor of the Year by the Graduate School of Liberal Studies in 2003.  Ralph has spoken at a number of universities and other venues throughout Europe.  In addition to his public speaking and academic careers, Ralph has had positions in and related to the U.S. government (staff on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; US Department of Commerce; Director of “Builders for Peace”, which was established to assist the Arab-Israeli peace process); as a fellow at a prominent “think tank” (Center for Strategic and International Studies – CSIS); and as senior partner in a government relations firm for over 25 years.