First Fridays: Matters of the Heart

Let’s talk about love! From love letters to break up letters, the course of true love never did run smooth. Join us for the 2024-2025 season of First Fridays as we share matters of the heart from collections across Archives and Special Collections. The December program features presentations from the Andersen Horticultural Library and the Wangensteen Historical Library.

Light lunch at 11:30 a.m. Presentations begin at noon. A tour of the archival caverns will take place after the event concludes. ASL interpreters will be present for all First Fridays events.

Save the date! Event registration will open on Oct. 1.

Herbs for the Heart

Presented by Kristen Mastel, Head Librarian and Curator, Andersen Horticultural Library
How can you activate your senses for love? Wear a satchel of sweet-smelling lavender; sleep with yarrow under your bed; bathe in the fragrance of rosemary leaves; heal your heart with hawthorn. We will explore how herbs tie into rituals and recipes related to love in folklore from around the world.

There’s Something in the Air

Presented by Lois Hendrickson, Curator, and Anna Opryszko, Assistant Curator, Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine
Why do we care about smelling good? From perfume and plant scents to hygiene and odors, we’ll explore what’s in the air at the Wangensteen.

About the First Fridays series

First Fridays is a series of intellectually stimulating conversations from the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries. First Fridays is made possible by a generous gift from Governor Elmer L. Andersen and Mrs. Eleanor Andersen in honor of former University Librarian Dr. Edward B. Stanford.

Event details

What: First Fridays: Herbs for the Heart and There’s Something in the Air
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 | Lunch at 11:30 a.m. | Presentations begin at noon
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library, room 120 and ONLINE | Parking and directions

Notice of photography

Photographs taken at the event may be used in University of Minnesota print and online publications, promotions, or shared with the Libraries community. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know during the event! Thank you.