BRITSBURGH FESTIVAL - Commonwealth Dinner: South Africa

This year's Britsburgh Commonwealth Dinner spotlights South Africa.  Dr. John Mitcham, Chair of Duquesne University's Department of History, will speak about the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and share his photos and experiences on a recent tour to the country, which included visits to the legendary Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift battlefield sites.

The dinner will reflect South Africa's rich tapestry of cultures, including menu items of African/Zulu, Boer/Afrikaaner (Dutch), Indian, and British heritage and influences.

Britisburgh member David Frankowski will also display his exquisite military miniatures recreating the defense of Rorke's Drift and other scenes from the conflict.

THE DETAILS:

• 6:00 pm -   Gather and mingle

• 6:15 pm -   South African-Style Dinner

• 7:00 pm -   Talk by Dr. John Mitcham on the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War 

• 7:50 pm -   Anglo-Zulu War Miniatures Disply Intro by David Frankowski

• 8:00 pm -   Time to View the Miniatures

• 8:30 pm -   Program Concludes

BRITSBURGH MEMBERS LOGIN FOR $50 REGISTRATION. To become a member, visit the Britsburgh membership page. 

MENU:  South African dishes reflecting African/Zulu, Boer/Afrikaaner (Dutch), Indian and British Influences.

               Served Buffet-Style

Starter:         Avocado, Melon and Shrimp Appetizer

Soup:            Curry Butternut Squash

Salad:           African Grain

Entrees:        Beef Pie Made with Beer

                     Hoender Pastei (Boer Chicken Pie)

                     Afrikaaner Tomato Bredie (Vegetarian)

Sides:           Zulu Chakalaka (onions, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, bell peppers & baked beans with spices)
                    Served with Mealie Bread (sweetcorn bread)

                   Afrikaaner Boereboontjies (Green Beans and Potatoes)

Dessert:       Amarula Tropical Fruit Trifle (Amarula liqueur is made from the fruit of the Marula tree.)

Glass of:      Red or White South African Wine
                    Coffee or Tea (Hot Rooibos "Red Bush" Tea or Iced Tea)

John C. Mitcham is an Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department at Duquesne University. His field of expertise is the British Empire, with a particular focus on race, international relations, and settler colonialism.  His first book, Race and Imperial Defense in the British World, 1870-1914, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2016 and was a finalist for the Templer Medal.  His current book project, The Empire Club: Imperial Politics, White Supremacy, and the Making of the Commonwealth, is under contract with Oxford University Press.  John is the General Editor of the peer-reviewed journal Britain and the World (published by Edinburgh University Press) and is an Elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

TICKETS: Britsburgh members receive a discounted price of $50.00; Non-members $65.00.

Parking is available in Duquesne University's Visitor Parking Garage on Forbes Avenue.  The street address for the Forbes garage is 1100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Upon entering the garage you will take a ticket and proceed to park. Once you have parked, take the elevator or the stairs to the eighth floor and exit the garage. Proceed straight ahead to the Student Union, take the elevator at the back of the 2nd Floor street level entrance to the 3rd Floor.  Turn right off the elevators then left to access the Africa Room..

For more information on this event, contact Kim Szczypinski, Britsburgh's Vice President (Events) and Secretary at kimberly2859@msn.com

Explore fascinating British-themed topics with the guidance of experts, and enjoy the company and conversation of fellow enthusiasts as a member of Britsburgh! Visit the Britsburgh membership page to join.

This event is part of the 2024 Britsburgh Festival!