History Among Friends Book Talk Series: Miguel Chirinos
As we look towards Hispanic Heritage Month (begins Sept. 15) the MoDH and Friends of the Durham Library proudly present a FREE author talk featuring Miguel Chirinos, discussing his book, Simon Bolivar in the United States of America. The event will take place on September 6th, 2024, at 7:00 PM at The Friends of Durham Library’s bookstore, Books Among Friends (3825 S. Roxboro St.).
Simón Bolívar (1783–1830) was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a crucial role in the independence movements of several South American countries from Spanish colonial rule. Often referred to as “El Libertador” (The Liberator), Bolívar was instrumental in the liberation of what are now Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia (the latter named in his honor). Bolívar’s vision extended beyond national independence; he aspired to create a united federation of Latin American states, similar to the United States of America.
Miguel Chirinos, born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1967, brings a unique perspective to his work. Though his professional background is in Computer Science, Chirinos has long been captivated by history, particularly the legacy of Simón Bolívar. His passion for Bolívar’s impact is reflected in Simon Bolivar in the United States of America, which explores Bolívar’s influence and presence in the U.S. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to engage with Chirinos’ insights and learn more about Bolívar’s historical significance. Attendees will have the chance to hear firsthand about the book and participate in a lively discussion.
Chirinos has also written extensively about notable Latin Americans depicted on Latin American currency. His articles have been featured in specialized magazines and journals, and he is an active participant in international congresses, conventions, and educational programs. Chirinos’ work not only contributes to academic discourse but also fosters a deeper understanding of Latin American history and its intersections with global narratives.
This event is the fifth in a collaborative series between The Friends of the Durham Library and the Museum of Durham History as part of the Museum’s tenth anniversary programming. Events in this series presented with support from Acme Plumbing.
Miguel Chirinos was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1967 and he grew up in the heroic city, La Victoria, Aragua State at northwest of Venezuela. Although Chirinos’ career is in Computer Science, he constantly sought out opportunities to visit historical sites in his country of origin especially related to Simón Bolívar.
Even though Chirinos moved with his family to United States in 1996, his passion for Bolívar’s life never ceased. He has taken special interest in Bolívar’s trip to the United States in 1807 specifically on the east coast. As a result of this research, he is the author of the book entitled “Simón Bolívar in the United States: Bicentennial visit (1807-2007).” The purpose of this work was to inform more in detail an episode in the life of the Liberator Simón Bolívar when he visited the U.S. territory.
In 2009, he participated in a Book Fair in Cary, NC presenting his book in both versions (English & Spanish). Also, he has been traveling and researching about cities and towns named ‘Bolivar’’; also monuments and statues of Simon Bolivar in the United States. In 2011, he organized an exhibit entitled ‘Bolivar Blvd’ at Duke University, showing the legacy of Bolivar in the U.S. territory. Lately, he has been compiling information about Bolivar Post Offices, which is a work in progress.
Currently he lives with his family in Durham, North Carolina, where he began to write articles about notable Latin Americans who has been portrayed on Latin American paper money, including Simon Bolivar. These articles have published in specialized magazines and journals and some are available online. At the same time, he has participated in annual conventions, international congresses, currency shows and educational programs for young people in public schools and local universities.