Lecture with Curator of the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
You probably know Andrew Carnegie the philanthropist and industrialist that founded Carnegie Museums and hundreds of libraries around the world. But do you know Andrew, who was once a young boy growing up in the small village of Dunfermline, Scotland?
Travel back in time with Kirke Kook, curator of the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, to Carnegie's early years to discover the place and the people that began shaping the young industrialist's future. Kirke will also discuss the ways that the Birthplace Museum is furthering Carnegie's legacy, including an art commission underway by contemporary Scottish artist Calum Colvin, who is creating a 3D portrait of Carnegie for the museum.
In 1895, the birthplace cottage was bought as a surprise 60th birthday present for Andrew Carnegie by his wife Louise and then let out to tenants. With the creation of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust in 1903, a caretaker was installed and in 1908, the cottage was opened to the public. After the death of her husband, Louise proposed and funded the erection of a Memorial Treasure House adjoining the birthplace, and the linked buildings of the cottage and memorial hall were formally opened in 1928.
About Kirke Kook and the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum:
Kirke Kook is the Curator and Manager of the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline, Scotland. She read for an undergraduate degree in Scandinavian Studies (with Scottish History) at the University of Edinburgh and has postgraduate degrees from the University of St Andrews in Museum Studies and History of Photography. Before taking the post at the Carnegie Birthplace, she worked for National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Parliament’s Art Collection.
This event is part of Member Appreciation Week. Come early to visit the Member Hospitality suite from noon to 4 p.m. and enjoy interactive experiences for the whole family at the Carnegie Museums' 124th Birthday party!