The Virginia Historical Society hosts a rare live taping of the public radio history program BackStory with the American History Guys. And, please note that admission is free.

BackStory with the American History Guys is a unique, interactive radio program distributed by VFH Radio at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities that includes listener calls, interviews with guest scholars and experts, wide-ranging discussion, and produced features.

On each program, internationally renowned historians and hosts Edward Ayers, Brian Balogh, and Peter Onuf pull a topic from the headlines and use it to drill down into America ’s past.

Who:

• Edward Ayers: 19th-century historian, author and editor of ten books, and President of the University of Richmond
• Brian Balogh: 20th-century historian, author of two books and editor of numerous articles and essays, and Director of the National Fellowship Program at the Miller Center of Public Affairs and historian at the University of Virginia
• Peter Onuf: 18th-century historian, author and editor of eleven books, and Thomas Jefferson Professor of History at the University of Virginia

Topic:

The History of Taxation: From the very beginning, Americans have been arguing about whether their taxes are fair and just. The American History Guys will explore taxation’s complicated and turbulent history—from the Stamp Act of 1765 to the Tea Party Movement of 2010—and discuss Americans’ attitudes toward the Tax Man.

The American History Guys take “calls” from the audience, so visitors should come prepared with questions about the history of taxes in America .

When:

Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 6 p.m.

Where:

Virginia Historical Society, 428 North Boulevard , Richmond 23220

Cost:

This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Seating is first come, first seated. There is free parking in the Virginia Historical Society lot.

– The information above was provided by Jennifer M. Guild at VHS.