SG575: The Victorian Fern Craze with Rare Book Specialist Stacy Stoldt
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Stacy Stoldt of the Chicago Botanic Garden is a rare book specialist and a true gem of information in the world of horticulture. As luck would have it, we had a fascinating chat back in November of last year. Stacy gave me a glimpse into her work as a librarian at the Botanic Garden and we also discussed one of the exhibitions she curated about the Victorian Fern Craze.
If you are convinced that the world would be a better place with just a few more ferns - you’ll love hearing Stacy chat with me about one of evolution's stalwart survivors: ferns.
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Interview Questions
Garden news roundup.
Time Stamp 20:05
Stacy, why don’t we start by having you tell us about what you do for the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Time Stamp 50:15
How did you end up as a rare book specialist?
Time Stamp 52:15
When you’re starting a new exhibition, do you need to spend some time getting to know the vision before you can move forward?
Time Stamp: 56:55
How do you procure rare books?
Time Stamp: 1:02:15
Is there a movement of some kind that’s working towards digitizing these rare books?
Time Stamp: 1:10:15
Are people overly protective over their collection because they found it hard to procure or is it more of a question of lack of funding to get these rare books?
Time Stamp: 1:15:25
There is no copyright issue here on these rare books. At what point does it become public property or open to the public?
Time Stamp: 1:18:45
How does Stacy help other people digitalize the rare materials? Does she show people fascinating finds or do they pick and choose what interests them the most?
Time Stamp 1:19:30
A quick intermission from me setting the scene for the core of the interview -- the discussion on the Victorian Fern Craze.
Time Stamp 1:26:25
Stacy, tell us about the Victorian Fern Craze
Time Stamp 1:31:50
When you’re giving the lecture, are you personally presenting it or is there someone else who comes in to discuss it?
Time Stamp 1:35:45
This fern fever had a somewhat scientific name that was made up by Charles Kingsley. He called it, “Pteridomania”.
Time Stamp 1:40:30
Who was the first person to really start this fern craze?
Time Stamp 1:46:45
Can you highlight some of the books that are in your collection that talked about this craze?
Time Stamp 1:47:40
Do you have anything else from your lecture or your notes that you’d like to highlight for the audience?
Time Stamp 1:56:55
What exhibits are next for Stacy and the Chicago Botanic Garden?
Time Stamp 1:57:10
Websites:
“But wait! There’s more!” | My Chicago Botanic Garden
Lenhardt Library Staff | Chicago Botanic Garden
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Jennifer Ebeling
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