‘Rural Crises and Progressive Traditions: North Dakota Politics in the 1980s’ lecture is Oct. 8

The Robert P. Wilkins Lecture Series presents a lecture by historian Cory Haala, “Rural Crises and Progressive Traditions: North Dakota Politics in the 1980s,” from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Chester Fritz Library.

Cory Haala serves as assistant professor and extension specialist in Civic Engagement and Public History at South Dakota State University. His book, “When Democrats Won the Heartland: Progressive Populism in the Age of Reagan, 1978-1992,” explores the turbulent 1980s, a time when the collapse of the Midwestern farm and industrial economies inspired politicians and activists to call on the region’s progressive populist traditions to rebuild local, state and national Democratic parties. Join us for a lecture and conversation on an unexpected decade in the political culture and economy of North Dakota and the Upper Midwest.

The Robert P. Wilkins Lecture Series was established by the UND Department of History (now the Department of History and American Indian Studies) as a tribute to the long service, dedication to teaching and intellectual curiosity of Professor Robert P. Wilkins (1914-1989). He specialized in North Dakota history, and he and his wife Wynona authored “North Dakota: A Bicentennial History.”