Dr. Michael Campo, founder of the Italy Elderhostel Programs, is
probably the best person to introduce me as a lecturer:
"Anne Robichaud
is an exceptionally gifted and well-informed lecturer, as well as
guide, coordinator and tour leader. Take your choice: in each of
these capacities she is stellar. Her conducted walks and talks through
Umbria and central Italy are unforgettable whether dealing with
art, historical monuments and culture or folklore, local customs
and the vernacular architecture of farmhouses and medieval dovecote
towers. She possesses a bottomless store of informational anecdotes
about past and everyday life in Italy deriving from her long residence
in Assisi (where she is somewhat of a legend) as wife of an Italian
husband and mother of three bright and charming children. If she
hasn't scheduled her demonstration of Italian body language, get
her to do so; she is a wonderfully funny mimic as well as a highly
professional scholar. She is both intellectually stimulating and
warm and friendly. Under her expert leadership your experience will
be memorable." Dr. Michael R.Campo, founder and former director of Trinity College's
Elderhostel Programs in Italy and John J. McCook Professor (Emeritus)
of Modern Languages and Literature at TrinityCollege, CT
LECTURING IN ITALY
As I "started out life" as a teacher, moving into lecturing
was a natural process. I lectured for many years for the Elderhostel
Assisi programs (serving also as site co-ordinator) and I have also
lectured for the Smithsonian and National Trust tours here in Umbria
- on aspects of contemporary Italy and the art and history of Umbria.
Other lecture venues here in Italy have included: tour groups of
Tauck World Discovery Tours, Backroads, Butterfield and Robinson,
Country Walkers, Earthbound Expeditions, BCT, and Wilderness Travel.
I have presented lectures at various American university study-abroad
programs here in Italy.
LECTURING IN THE U.S.
I lecture annually in the U.S. during my winter coast-to-coast tour
- which also includes cooking lessons
(of Umbrian rural cuisine in private homes). Please see U.S.
Events page for 2008 tour schedule.
LECTURE TOPICS Implications of Being Italian: Gestures!
Memoirs of Rural Life in Umbria (New! - our life on the land in the late 70's)
Assisi: Before and After the Earthquake
Rural Life and Architecture in Umbria
Umbria, Inside Out
Folklore and Festivals in Umbria
Italians: Unveiling the Mysteries (a series of 5 lectures - but can be presented individually) The Italian Woman: From the Etruscans to the Present Qualità della Vita, (New! - aimed at showing
Americans caught up in the demands of corporate life what can be
learned from their Italian counterparts about maintaining qualità
della vita in the midst of it all.)
LECTURE VENUES
In the U.S., venues have included: universities, museums, bookstores,
Italian cultural organizations, corporations, arts' associations,
women's organizations, Rotaries, book clubs, cultural/educational
associations of every sort... and, often, private homes. Frequently
my lectures have been used as fund-raisers.
...AND IT ALL STARTED WITH AN
EARTHQUAKE
February, 1998 was the start of my annual U.S. lecture tours, motivated
by the earthquake which struck Assisi in September, 1997, causing
damage to the Basilica di San Francesco... and, as a consequence,
drastic loss of tourism here in Umbria... a tragedy for the populace
as Italy's main industry is tourism. So... I set off for the States
to try to set the record straight.
The decision to "go" was made in December of 1997, thanks
to the encouragement of 4 Elderhostel couples - on the East Coast,
in the Midwest, on the West Coast - who scouted lecture venues...
while I prepared slides and my talk. Alitalia and the consortium
of hoteliers here in Assisi financed all travel.
Result: I left for the States in late January, 1997, ready to lecture
at 26 venues, among them Trinity College (Hartford, CT), Vassar
College, Smith College, New Haven Arts Council, American University
(D. C.), University of Texas-Austin, USC, Portland Fine Arts Museum,
Loyola University (Chicago), Elvejium Museum (Madison, WI), Museo
Italo-Americano (San Francisco, CA).
Memoirs of Rural Life
This talk results from a recent illumination: I have a story which must be told. The story of a long (millenary!) chapter of rural history which closed not long ago. My Sicilian husband Pino and I were most fortunate to live a rural lifestyle which had been the backbone of the Italian economy for a millenium and abruptly concluded in 1977: rural life based on a feudal system of farming called mezzadria (sharecropping). We of course did not realize that we were living a way of life which was about to conclude - or I would have photographed, kept a diary.
I did not take photos in the spring when we women washed our sheep's wool down in the creek in preparation for carding which was in preparation for the quilt-making and pillow-making (but then, have you ever photgraphed yourself doing loading the washing machine?). Nor did I photograph us hunting the wild mushrooms, on the trail of the wild asparagus, picking and cleaning wild greens to cook for dinner (but then, have you ever photographed yourself at the grocery store?).
I have very few photos but many vivid memories. Friends and tour guests, people in my Elderhostel classes and those who have attended my lectures - here and in the US - have often said, "Write the book! Under the Umbrian Moon will outsell Under the Tuscan Sun!"
No book is planned - for now, I am writing down the memories as short articles, posting them on this website. The stories MUST be recorded - about a way of life long-gone and as a tribute to our dear and wonderful farm neighbors, all, who surrounded us with love and support and so generously taught us so very much about rural life - no, life.
NB"Memoirs of Rural Life"
may be presented as a single lecture, though the subject is rich
and best treated in a series of lectures (4-5). Assisi: Before and After the Earthquake
(written in January 1998)
Because of my strongly- rooted ties to Umbria, I find the present
situation here dramatic: the earthquake has NOT devastated Assisi
but the catastrophic mass media coverage certainly has, bringing
the region of Umbria to its knees, economically. The medieval splendor
of Assisi enchanted over 4,500,000 visitors last year… and
now the city is empty (incidentally, a wonderful time to visit!)
as the result of widespread mass media “misinformation,”
e.g.,”…80% of churches and homes have been demolished…”
(from a California newspaper, October 1, 1997). UNTRUE. Approximately
70% of the medieval homes in Assisi have “interior lesions”
(some minor) and must be restored according to the stringent anti-seismic
building codes (those so-restored prior to the earthquake suffered
no damage). But for the visitor, Assisi, remains the jewel of the
medieval hilltowns. A recent group of visiting Americans here in
Assisi (interviewed on RAI International TV) acclaimed its beauty
while expressing astonishment that the city is in fact INTACT (based
on U.S. press reports, they’d come with expectations of a city
in ruins)! The locals are most concerned (and justly perplexed)
about the dramatic fall in tourism which has left most of the town
unemployed. I have had hundreds of calls, emails, faxes, letters
from concerned people all over the world who so love Assisi - requesting
precise information about the true situation and all asking how
to help.
This 1 1/2 hour slide/lecture presentation is my attempt to respond
to both of these needs and will therefore be two-fold: aimed
at sensitizing people to the need for assistance in restoration
of our rich artistic patrimony, yes, while also awakening the viewer
to the extraordinary treasures of medieval Assisi. My lecture will
be accompanied by slides, including many taken inside the damaged
monuments of Assisi, immediately after the earthquake of September
26, 1997. See comments.
Implications of Being Italian:
Gestures
This presentation (which will welcome participant involvement!)
is targeted at unveiling the grande mistero of how a country
in which 80% of the people cultivated the land until the late 60’s
has become the 7th strongest industrialized economic powerhouse
in the world today. This lecture encompasses the concept of la
famiglia (so key to understanding the Italians!), the position
of the woman in society and in the work force, education, political/economic
scene, religiosity (or not!) of the Italians... using Italian gestures
to accentuate and underscore all aspects...!
I often present this lecture to tour/study groups here in Italy.
Aim: to encourage visitors to observe the Italians as keenly
as they are observing the art, architecture, landscape... in order
to return home with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the
Italians - who have made Italy what it is today.
I am frequently asked to present this lecture in the U.S. Aim:
to enrich one's understanding and appreciation of the Italians -
and therefore, all future trips to Italy…OR to help put into
perspective all that has been seen on a recent Italian trip AND/OR
quite simply to entertain and educate via a most fascinating, simpatico
topic! See comments.
Rural Life and Architecture in
Umbria
Since coming to live in a stone farmhouse here in Umbria many years
ago, I have had a passione for the rural architecture. My husband
Pino restores stone structures, both urban and rural, and his insights
have been invaluable in my research on this slide lecture. My presentation
traces the origins of Umbria's rural architecture from the medieval
castelli to the colombaie (dovecote towers) to the
present casa colonica (farmhouse) Aim: This presentation will MOLTISSIMO enhance anyone's
trips to Italy by encouraging observation of - not only the urban
architecture - but the bellissimo rural architecture. See
comments.
General Comments
"Dear Anne, Our YPO members very much
enjoyed your presentation on "Implications of Being Italian:
Gestures", and found your ideas to be thought provoking. They
gave your presentations an excellent rating of 9.0 overall which
is very high by YPO standards, and especially for a first time presentation
at a University (this is a tough audience)! I hope that we can
continue a relationship with you as a presenter to YPO audiences
across the globe. Here’s hoping that we get another opportunity
to work together on a future YPO event, wherever that may be." Laurie Cruciger, University Education Manager, Young Presidents'
Organization , Irving, TX (March 2004)
"Hi Anne, I have been showing everyone
at work and other friends my Umbrian photos as well as regaling
them with stories of dovecotes, farming, baking bread and gesturing
a l'umbrienne to say nothing of the Calendimaggio festival.
One of the attractions for me (aside from being in a medieval setting)
of taking that short trip to Umbria was the addition of having lectures
from a person who had lived there and knew about the area. However,
I never expected to have someone with the depth and breadth of your
knowledge guiding us on our explorations. The 'sense of place'
that you conveyed in your lectures and your trips with us was inspiring
to me. Your enthusiasm about Umbria, Italy, and life in general
is really uplifting. How can I ever say thank you? Grazie
mille!" Ramona M. Davis, Oakland, CA(Oct. 2004)
"Anne Robichaud is one of our all time
favorite speakers. Her knowledge of subject plus an infectious
enthusiasm keeps an audience riveted and wanting a return engagement.
A former President of our group said she was the best speaker we
ever had." Laura Waste, President, Leonardo Da Vinci Society, San Francisco,
CA
"When Anne Robichaud
had completed her slide-lecture to the 500 plus members of The Morning
Forum of Los Altos last November, her passion in expressing her
love for her adopted home was contagious. We all wanted desperately
to join one of Anne's tours to learn more! Ms. Robichaud's warmth
and the depth of her insider knowledge and her love of family and
home make her one of the best persons to speak about Umbria and
its overt as well as hidden delights. We hope to see her again when
she is traveling in California." Cecilia J. Keehan, (past) President, Los Altos Morning Forum,
Los Altos, CA
"Anne Robichaud is a compelling and knowledgeable
speaker on many subjects in Italy. Each time I have heard her I
have been captivated and have learned a lot! I am so impressed with
her presentation which is informed, thoughtful, and full of wonderful
stories of her life in the Umbrian countryside." Carol Field, author of The Hilltowns of Italy, The
Italian Baker, Celebrating Italy, Italy in Small Bites,
Focaccia: Simple Breads from the Italian Oven, and In
Nonna's Kitchen: Recipes and Traditions from Italy's Grandmothers.
"My wife and I have attended several
of your lectures during your annual visits to San Francisco and
thoroughly enjoy your unique blend of style and content. Your
Assisi art history and city lecture brought the town to life for
us and was the catalyst for our visit there two years later.
Your lecture on the earthquake and its impact on the cathedral and
its frescos made an impact of another kind. We became interested
in church art in Italy and visited the exhibit af artifacts from
Assisi when it came to San Francisco last year." Creighton Casper, San Francisco, CA Lecture - Assisi: Before and After the Earthquake
"Your talk last week to the Los Altos
Open Forum was a tour-de-force. I learned more about Assisi
since the earthquake than I managed to from all internet searchings
and newspaper scourings... and thank you again for all the wonderful
information you provided." Diana Reynolds Roome, Palo Alto, CA - journalist
"We were delighted
to have Anne Robichaud give a lecture at the Monterey Museum of
Art on the Resurrection and Restoration of Assisi - after the Earthquake
in November, 1998. The lecture was very well attended. Anne was
informative, educational, entertaining and overall delighted
the group that came that evening. I recommend her highly."
Sandra Still, Director of Education, Monterey Museum of Art,
Monterey, CA
"Annie Robichaud's
lecture on Asissi made the city come alive. Her knowledge of the
people, culture, and history make for a rich and informative lecture.
It was a 5 star evening enjoyed by all." C. Horan, Carmel, CA
"I arrived at the Book Passage - the
largest bookstore in Marin County, California - at 7 p.m. for Anne
Robichaud's 7:30 p.m. lecture on Assisi. Because it was a Saturday
night and raining, I expected to be one of the few people there.
As I walked in, I realized that the place was standing-room only!
Anne had made a similar presentation a year earlier and apparently
the news of her lecture ('Assisi: Before and After the Earthquake')
tonight had spread.
Her enthralling lecture was accompanied by a series of slides. Anne
then described the day of the devastating earthquake. She was also
able to provide a detailed commentary in pictures and words of the
efforts to repair the damage. We saw experts from around the world
trying to piece together hundreds of thousands of pieces: the frescoes
from the collapsed vault. We saw the detail of what seemed to be
an impossible task.
Anne ended the lecture with a moving poem written by her daughter
(age 12 at the time of the earthquake), accompanied by slides of
daily life in Assisi. When the lecture was over, the audience erupted
in a standing ovation. It was a very educational and emotional
evening." Frank Carbone, San Rafael, CA
"Wide World Books & Maps had the pleasure
of hosting Anne Robichaud's slide presentation on the restoration
of the Basilica at Assisi. She drew a a very full-house and handled
the over-flowing crowd with calm and grace. What we were treated
to was an Italian history lesson that sparkled with Anne's warm,
informative style. While explaining the significance of the
Basilica to a Western lay audience, Anne also told us about food
and culture, and brought a sense of Italy's beauty to our store
that evening. My only regret is that she lives in Italy and we can't
do presentations with her more often." Holly Smith, Events Coordinator, Wide World Books & Maps, Seattle,
WA Lecture - Implications of Being Italian: Gestures
"I had the great pleasure of hearing
Anne Robichaud lecture's lecture on 'Gestures'. She had an audience
of more than 500 in the palm of her hands, literally, as she
delighted them with a talk on gestures and how using them relate
to life in Italy. She was a sensation!" Lois Levine, San Carlos, CA
"Anne, Everyone at JDB Associates who attended
your mini lecture on Italian Gestures commented on how much they
enjoyed the evening with you and especially how much they learned.
It was a great presentation that left us all wanting to see Umbria
with you and Italian life through your eyes. Most of us have traveled
throughout Italy for many years, yet we all were amazed to really
understand some of the more subtle aspects of Italian communication.
I certainly understand why you have such a loyal following... Thank
you for sharing your expertise and enthusiasm with us." Annette Woodward, Director of Sales and Marketing, JDB Associates,
Ltd., Alexandria, VA
"I walked into one
of Ms.Robichaud's lectures on Italian culture in Umbria last October.
I walked out about an hour later when the lecture was finished all
too soon, feeling a lot taller than when I walked in. I was never
so proud of my Italian ancestry. Thank you, Anne. You make me
laugh and cry at the same time remembering my beloved grandparents.
My Irish husband also thought you were great." Gerry O'Brien, Cherry Hill, NJ
"Having made several trips to Italy and
each time become more impassioned by the Italian culture and lifestyle,
it was an absolute delight to have an opportunity to attend a lecture
by Anne Robichaud. Her contagious enthusiasm and personal knowledge
could hold one's interest for many more hours then the one we had!
I look forward to the pleasure of being able to attend future lectures
with Anne..." Jacki Hoyt, Woodstock, VT
"Anne Robichaud's lecture on Italian
regional gestures, 'The Psychological and Social Implications of
Being Italian' is a revelation! It has the rest of us (those
of us who are not Italian) feeling that we are missing out on half
the fun of communication. The Italian gestures that Anne demonstrates
are so expressive, humourous and open-hearted that after hearing
and watching her we want to join the club." Mary Moser, Inverness, CA
The Italian Woman: From the Etruscans to the Present
"To do business successfully in Italy,
to better appreciate your travels to the country, or just to treat
yourself a new, empowering self concept, you really have to understand
the Italian culture and point of view. And no one better provides
that perspective, I think, than Anne Robichaud. Her lecture was
terrific, full of insight on how Italians - specifically woman -
achieve poise and confidence, and how they raise their children
to be the heirs of that perspective. Fascinating and inspirational.
Our group of 500 corporate women responded with a standing ovation
after her lecture in Chicago, January 2000. If you have a chance,
don't miss hearing her!" Linda Sudduth, Omaha, NE Lecture - Rural Life and Architecture in Umbria
"Two years ago, after hearing one of Anne's
lectures on Assisi after the earthquake and another on architecture
in Umbria, I was so impressed that I arranged for her to give her
lecture 'Rural Life and Architecture in Umbria' in Los Altos as
a benefit for the Los Altos Rotary Endowment Fund. It was an unqualified
success. Anne captivated the audience not only because of her vast
in-depth knowledge of the topic, but also because of her charm,
her humor and the smooth professionalism of her delivery. I have
heard Anne talk on four occasions to three different groups and,
on each occasion, the audience has been utterly taken with her and
her topic. Many members of the audience remain afterwards to talk
to her and ask specific questions. She is invariably gracious and
forthcoming in her responses. She leaves her audience wanting
to learn even more about Umbria and Italy in general and wanting
to visit Umbria. She is a most gifted speaker and I have no hesitation
in recommending her to any group." Marge Bruno, Los Altos, CA
