History Revealed: Three Jewish Writers: William Hoffman, Norman Katkov, and Max Shulman

Thursday, May 30, 2024, 6:30-8 pm

Minnesota Jewish Community Center at the Capp Center Theatre | 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St Paul, MN 55116

This is a hybrid event

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Free and open to all.

Join RCHS for History Revealed, our program series featuring presentations and tours from the best of local historians and authors, with topics drawn from the rich heritage and traditions of Ramsey County.

RCHS Editor Meredith Cummings will emcee a memorable discussion on three Jewish writers who made their homes in St. Paul, but who were national figures—William Hoffman, Norman Katkov, and Max Shulman.

William Hoffman (1914-1990) was a well-known and respected author whose works included Tales of Hoffman, Mendel, Neighborhood House: A Brief History of the First 75 Years, 1897-1972 and articles written for the Saint Paul Jewish News, American Jewish World, and other publications.

Norman Katkov (1918-2009) authored tv scripts (Ironside, Bonanza, Ben Casey, and more), plus the novels A Little Sleep, A Little Slumber; The Judas Kiss, and Millionaires Row, among others.

Max Shulman (1919-1988) was a screenwriter for the tv show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and several films, such as The Tender Trap. His books include Barefoot Boy with Cheek, The Feather Merchant, Rally Round the Flag Boys!, and many short stories.

Readings from their writings, video clips of their films and TV episodes, the stories of their lives as told by family members, and the history of their neighborhoods in St. Paul will be part of the discussion.

Panel Members:

· Meredith Cummings, RCHS editor and panel emcee

· Jon Hoffman, son of author William Hoffman

· Steve Trimble and Paul D. Nelson, historians and coauthors of “Three Jewish Writers” in Ramsey County History magazine (Fall 2019)

· Daniel Shulman, son of author Max Shulman

For a link to the article, see: Ramsey County History magazine, 54, no. 3 (Fall 2019)

Featured image photograph and design courtesy of Summit Images, LLC – Robert Muschewske and Leaetta Hough.