Nebraska Council on Economic Education to present Burt Folsom lecture

Well-known and prolific writer Burt Folsom will speak May 20 at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in a free public lecture presented by the Nebraska Council on Economic Education.

Folsom will speak at 6:30 p.m. at Mammel Hall, 6708 Pine St. The lecture will be preceded by a 5:30 p.m. book signing and followed by an 8 p.m. reception.

A native of Lincoln, Folsom is the author of six books, including "Myth of the Robber Barons," now in its fifth edition, in which he explains the role of market entrepreneurs and political entrepreneurs. His May 20 lecture will focus on his latest book, "New Deal or Raw Deal? How FDR's Economic Legacy Has Damaged America" (Simon & Schuster, 2008).

"Burt Folsom is a dynamic speaker that will bring a unique perspective to the economic policies of the New Deal Era. We are thrilled to have a native Nebraskan come back to talk to us about a pivotal moment in US History. Come learn about the past to help make a better future," said Roger Butters, president of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education.

Folsom studied at Centre College before receiving his B.A. at Indiana University. He holds a master's degree from the University of Nebraska and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Murray State University, Northwood University, and holds the Charles Kline chair in history and management at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich.

He also serves as senior historian at the Foundation for Economic Education and writes a quarterly column for the foundation's publication, The Freeman.

His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Business History Review, Investor's Business Daily, the Washington Times, and countless other publications. He has made numerous television appearances. On talk radio, he is a frequent guest of Rusty Humphries, Michael Medved, and many others.

Folsom and his wife, Anita, write for their blog at BurtFolsom.com, and they are co-authoring "FDR Goes to War" (Simon & Schuster, 2011).

The Nebraska Council on Economic Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the economic and financial literacy of Nebraska's students. The goal of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education is achieved through economic education programs, courses and workshops for educators across the state. The Nebraska Council on Economic Education, housed on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, has five centers located at the University of Nebraska campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney, and Chadron State and Wayne State colleges. Additional information on the Nebraska Council on Economic Education can be found at www.nebraskacouncil.org.

WRITER: Sheri Irwin-Gish, UNL College of Business Administration, (402) 472-3382