The Smithsonian Affiliations Hope Diamond Book Tour makes a stop at the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday, Jan. 13 for an afternoon public program.
Author Richard Kurin, director of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, will present a lecture in the auditorium at 2:30 p.m. in conjunction with his new book “Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem.”
“Dr. Kurin will trace the history of the Hope diamond, from its discovery in 17th century India to its modern day home,” says Julia Hill, director of public programs. “Of course, Dr. Kurin also will discuss the legendary ‘curse’ that has surrounded the mysterious gemstone.”
Kurin will sign copies of his book immediately following the presentation. Books will be available for purchase from the museum’s store, the Cotton Mill Exchange.
A former Fulbright fellow with a Ph.D in cultural anthropology from the University of Chicago, Kurin is also the author of “Reflections of a Cultural Broker: A View from the Smithsonian” and “Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Culture Of, By, and For the People” as well as scholarly chapters and articles.
For more information about the program, call at Julia Hill at (803) 898-4902.
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