Smart Talks. Cold Drinks.
Presenting THINK & DRINK – where the curious gather. This ongoing lecture series delivers a wide array of topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. These community-driven events are powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.
Your RSVP below is appreciated to help us preset the room and accommodate as many seats as possible for interested attendees. You will also receive at least 1 reminder email about the event when you RSVP.
December 4: The Surprising & Jolly History of Santa and Christmas Traditions in America
speaker: Erica benson, the third place historian
From Dutch settlers’ tales of Sinterklaas to Coca-Cola ads, shopping malls, and holiday parades, the Santa Claus we know today has a fascinating backstory. Join The Third Place Historian, Erica Benson, for a cozy, story-packed talk tracing how America invented its own version of Santa and reshaped Christmas into the celebration we recognize now. We’ll explore the quirky symbols, surprising traditions, and cultural shifts that turned a winter’s holiday into a national season of cheer.
Speaker Bio:
Erica Benson is a seasoned historian and educator with over a decade of experience teaching U.S. history at the college level. She holds multiple degrees in history, including a Master’s degree in North American history, and brings a deep scholarly background to her work in both academic and public history.
A recipient of the prestigious James Madison Congressional Fellowship, Erica has participated in numerous elite history seminars and institutes, continually advancing her expertise in American political and social history. Her commitment to historical education extends beyond the classroom—she is a contributing writer for the National Women’s History Museum, -and an advocate for gender equality issues and the Equal Rights Amendment.
Erica’s work is grounded in a passion for making history accessible, engaging, and relevant. Her lectures are known for combining rigorous scholarship with compelling storytelling, offering fresh insights into the complexities of the American past.
