Julie Dobrow’s presentation on March 25 described the lives of Elaine Goodale, born in the Berkshires, and Charles Eastman (Ohíye S’a), born on a Sioux reservation; she discussed their marriage and eventual separation.
Elaine and Charles and their six children lived in three different houses in Amherst for 18 years, from 1903-1921. When they first arrived in Amherst, Elaine and Charles were already both well-known figures from their respective careers as authors, public speakers and reformers of Indian policy, as well as from their unusual interracial marriage which was frequently written about in the press of the day. But the early promise of their marriage dissolved during their time in Amherst, along with their union, itself, the victim of personal tragedies, professional failures and the ongoing tensions of a changing America.
The lecture is now online; you may view it here.
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