MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Historic Preservation will host author Joseph R. Millichap for a free public talk Thursday, Oct. 3.

Millichap, a professor emeritus of English at Western Kentucky University, will give a presentation on his new book, “These Vivid American Documents: Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, and FSA Photobooks,” published by the University of Tennessee Press and chronicling the work and impact of Farm Security Administration photographers.

The free event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at the The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, located at 225 W. College St. Millichap will be signing copies of the book, which will be for sale following the presentation.

The book, which releases Sept. 25, offers an insightful exploration of the work of renowned photographers Walker Evans and Dorothea Lange. Millichap examines their contributions to the Farm Security Administration and the impact of their photobooks on American culture and history between 1935 and 1944.

The FSA, a subagency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was created to combat rural poverty in the wake of the Great Depression.

“The press is thrilled to publish this new take on the iconic work — both visual and written — that was carried out by the Farm Security Administration,” said Katie Hannah, director of the University of Tennessee Press. “Dr. Millichap’s keen analysis brings renewed attention to an important New Deal agency and provides new understanding of the interplay between images and text during the Modern Period.”

The presentation will delve into the significance of the photographers’ visual documentation of American life and how their work continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about photography, art and social history.

For more information about the event, contact Walt Evans at wevans10@utk.edu, or visit utpress.org/events.

About the University of Tennessee Press

The University of Tennessee Press is the Volunteer State’s book publisher, committed to preserving and promoting the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Tennessee and the region.

Through a focused publishing program, UT Press strives to deepen appreciation for the communities, ecosystems and histories that make Tennessee unique.

The mission is to enlighten readers, foster cultural dialogue and improve the quality of life for the people of Tennessee and around the world.

About the Center for Historic Preservation

Established in 1984 as MTSU’s first Center of Excellence, the Center for Historic Preservation works with communities to interpret and promote their historic assets through education, research, and preservation.

Working within state, regional and national partnerships, the center focuses its efforts on heritage area development, rural preservation, heritage education and heritage tourism through diverse, inclusive preservation practice and programs.

To learn more, visit www.mtsuhistpres.org.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)