Cora Wilson Stewart was one of the most widely known authorities on adult illiteracy in the United States during the first third of the twentieth century. Long before it became popular to decry the problem of adult illiteracy, she was leading public crusades to solve this problem. She gained national and international fame while helping thousands of adults learn the basic skill of reading and writing. The story of her work and life is compelling for the public work she accomplished and the personal travails she faced. This lecture describes the life and times of Cora Wilson Stewart and the movement. It also focuses on her role as a woman and examines society's changing view of the importance of reading. The presentation is enhanced with slides of compelling photographs from the period that attach a human face to this remarkable story.

Requirements for Program: lectern and screen for showing slides