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Ye Old King's English Coming to Kennesaw State

Visit KSU's Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books to view Georgia's third largest museum-grade collection with over 20,000 documents and items in the collection;

Anniversary celebration for the 400 year-old King James Bible opens with a special exhibit.

The King James Bible, the bestselling book of all time, is being featured at a 400th birthday celebration at the Kennesaw State Sturgis Library beginning on October 4th.  The KSU’s Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books and Archives are sponsoring a special exhibit to honor the impact of this pivotal book which solidified and spread the English language throughout the world.

In 1604, a group of hardy Puritans challenged King James of Scotland to commission a new English translation of the Bible. At the time, the Church of England was attempting to throw off the vestiges of the Catholic Church.

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Until 1604, the Geneva Bible was the most-used and bestselling translation of the Bible. King James assembled a group of 47 Biblical and Hebrew scholars to create something that brought a politically and geographically-divided England together. The familiar flowery phrases, such as “thee” and “thou” and “salt of the earth,” were parts of everyday speech in the early 17th century, but it’s still being used today.

If you’re interested in learning more about the King James Bible, plan on attending one of the special events that are being built around the self-guided exhibit. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

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October 4, 2011 - "The History and Language of the King James Bible" Faculty Panel Presentation

Athenaeum Gallery, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - A series of presentations on the history and influence of the King James Bible with four Kennesaw State University faculty.

  • Dr. Paul Dover, Associate Professor of History
  • Dr. David Parker, Professor of History
  • Dr. Laura Dabundo, Professor of English
  • Mediator - Stephen Bartlett, Lecturer of World History

 

October 13, 2011 - Alumni Behind the Scenes Tour

Athenaeum Gallery, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. - A special behind-the-scenes tour of How God Became English: The Making of the King James Bible, followed by a viewing of the Bentley Rare Book Gallery to explore original artifacts and manuscripts related to the exhibit. This event is open to KSU alumni only. To RSVP, please contact Jennifer Coleman in Alumni Affairs at jcolem42@kennesaw.edu.

October 20, 2011 - "Music, Text, and the 1611 King James Bible" Lecture

Smyrna Public Library, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Dr. Tamara Livingston, Associate Director of Museums, Archives & Rare Books, will be discussing the interplay between early 17th century music, text, and the production of books, as exemplified by the King James Bible. Dr. Livingston holds a PhD in ethnomusicology from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

October 27, 2011 - "Bible Translation: Theory, Practice, and First-Hand Experience" Lecture

Athenaeum Gallery, 7:00-8:30 p.m. - Dr. Brent Strawn, Associate Professor of Old Testament at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, will address the history of the theory and practice of Bible translation, citing several examples including his own recent work on the translation of the Common English Bible. Dr. Strawn holds both a master's of Divinity and doctorate from Princeton Theological Seminary.

October 29, 2011 - The Family Bible: a Historical and Genealogical Resource

Athenaeum Gallery, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Librarians from the Georgia Room at the Cobb County Central Library will join Museums, Archives & Rare Books staff to offer owners of family Bibles information on how to use their treasured family heirlooms as a tool when doing genealogical and historical research. Presentations will provide background on the history of the family Bible, review resources available at the Georgia Room, and offer advice on how to preserve books. The presentations will be followed by small break-out sessions in which guests can discuss particular issues with our experts. Families are welcome!

November 7, 2011 - The King James Conspiracy Book Lecture

Athenaeum Gallery, 7:00-8:30 p.m. - Phillip Depoy, author of the historical thriller The King James Conspiracy, will share his thoughts on the novel's creation, the research involved, and subsequent reactions. Mr. Depoy is the director of theatre at Clayton State University, an EDGAR award-winning playwright, and celebrated author. Copies of The King James Conspiracy will be available for sale.

Visit KSU's Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books to view Georgia's third largest museum-grade collection. With over 20,000 documents and items in the collection, there is something to thrill everyone. Visit https://web.kennesaw.edu/archives/exhibits_kjb for more information.

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