Presenter: Dr. Richard Kurin $15 Suggested Donation E.A. Johnston Auditorium at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
Dr. Richard Kurin, Acting Provost/Under Secretary for Museums & Research at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., spent more than a decade on the trail of this legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds the Hope Diamond, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Since its discovery in seventeenth–century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue.
During this talk, Dr. Kurin will discuss the impact this diamond has had across different cultures and societies throughout history by going beyond speculation to reveal the truth behind this legendary stone.