Exeter Welcomes Harry Potter Expert
As a great way to brighten the dreary winter term days, for the past few weeks, the Academy library has been host to an exhibit on loan from the National Library of Medicine, titled Harry Potter’s World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine. The exhibit is meant to explain the real history behind the things you see in Harry Potter – alchemy, herbology and the belief in magical creatures such as unicorns and basilisks. This exhibit is free and open to the public.
Beth Rohloff, reference and outreach Librarian, said that the library staff decided to host the exhibit in order to offer the Academy community an enjoyable source of entertainment.
"Since we know many have read Harry Potter and seen the films, we thought the exhibit would be of interest to students, faculty, and staff," Rohloff said.
Rohloff also added that the exhibit will be informative and educational as well, for although the Harry Potter books are based on fantasy, much of the magic in the books directly relates to Renaissance science, which included alchemy, astrology and natural philosophy.
The exhibit, which was originally curated by Elizabeth J. Bland at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, includes banner signs which decorate the walls of the first floor, and provide actual references to the science featured in the Harry Potter series.
"When I first saw all of the banners in the library, it was interesting to me that the library is even able to host these kinds of exhibits," said lower Kelly Lew. "The banners are really interesting in that they explore the making of the science in Harry Potter, and it’s something that I often wouldn’t think about. In a way, they show just how tangible many of the mystical creatures in Harry Potter truly are."
This past Wednesday, Art Greenberg, a chemistry professor at UNH, participated as a guest lectured at the exhibit during its opening reception.
"Over 30 faculty and students attended Dr. Art Greenberg’s talk on the history and symbols of chemistry and alchemy," said Rohloff.
In addition, the library has invited Andrew Slack, co-founder of the Harry Potter Alliance, to speak at assembly on December 12. Slack will speak about how the themes in Harry Potter are connected to our present and future.
"The Harry Potter Alliance engages in what Henry Jenkins, media scholar and fan studies expert, refers to as ‘fan activism,’" Rohloff said.