American Tapestry: We Tell Ourselves Stories, Part III: Freedom's Fault Lines: Stories of Race and Gender
What is the "Story of America"? Is there such a thing? Is there only one story,
or are there many stories? In this third part of "American Tapestry," Dr. Andy
Roth continues his exploration of the post-1968 shattering of the American
story by tracing the story of "Freedom's Fault Lines: Stories of Race and
Gender," examining the stories of race in America and women's quest for
full citizenship. From Jamestown 1619 through The Trail of Tears to the Civil
War and The Lost Cause, Jim Crow, the Klu Klux Klan, and the Civil Rights
Movement of the middle-20th century to Steve Bannon and Breitbart News;
from Abigail Adams request that the founders "remember the ladies" to
Seneca Falls to the 19th Amendment and Second Wave Feminism – it's all
here. Note: While this lecture builds on Roth's "1968 in America" series and
Parts I & II of "American Tapestry," it is a self-contained talk that requires no
previous attendance.
– Andy Roth, Ph.D.
A Scholar-in-Residence at the Jefferson Educational Society (JES), Roth delivers presentations about “The American Tapestry Project: We Tell Ourselves Stories”. In this series, Roth seeks to weave together America’s many stories into a tapestry of stories exploring what it means to be an American. The Project includes The American Tapestry Project: a five part series on the story’s major threads; American Holidays: an eight part series on those things Americans love in common; Americans and Their Games: Sports in America History and Culture: a five part series on the role of sports in American history; and The Birth of the Women’s Movement: an ongoing series on the 19th century women who challenged their times and shaped the future. The entire project began with America in 1968: The Far Side of the Moon and the Birth of the Culture Wars.
A frequent speaker at the Chautauqua Institution and at other venues, Roth currently hosts a podcast series on WQLN-Public Radio & NPR1 The American Tapestry Project airing at 4:00PM on the second Sunday of every month. It can also be found online at WQLN/NPR and all major podcast sites, such as Spotify, Apple, and others. Currently, the series is exploring popular music as a window into the soul of America.
A prolific writer, in June, 2022 the Jefferson Society awarded Roth the first ever Ovid Award for the 100+ Book Notes he has written for the Society since March of 2020. The series now numbers 211 and counting. Roth’s Book Notes cover the subjects of the day, with particular emphases on American history and the art of poetry. All can be found on the Jefferson Educational Society website www.jeserie.org/book%20notes. In addition to his Book Notes, Roth recently authored How to Be a Highly Effective Leader: A Primer published by the Jefferson Society in 2026.
Roth’s long career in higher education included service at Erie’s Gannon and Mercyhurst Universities. A nationally recognized expert in enrollment management, Roth authored Saving for College and the Tax Code: A New Spin on the “Who Pays for Higher Education Debate (2001). From 2003 to 2014, Roth served as President of Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate for his leadership and named him President-Emeritus. In 2016-17, Roth served as President of St. Bonaventure University guiding the university through a sensitive transitional period. When not working on his various projects, he enjoys reading, and cycling on Presque Isle. He is married to retired banker Judy Owens Roth.
Roth can be reached at roth@jeserie.org
