What is a Memory Parlor? Simply put, it is an interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and international space in which participants get "work done" on their memories. Inspired by the both the Ancient "Art of Memory" and the Lyceum Movement of the 19th Century, at Memory Parlors, we connect fragmented narratives pertaining to peace, human dignity, law, history, and philosophy, under the protection and shelter of beauty. We believe that in so doing, we decrease alienation and increase connection, belonging, harmony and understanding. Our Memory Parlors acknowledge the need for a space to cultivate our understanding of morally relevant history, i.e., the stories of value-centric ideas and persons who bring those ideas to life. A foundational principle of our Memory Parlors is that history should be learned not only to avoid the repetition of errors, but also to repeat the triumphs of virtue. We believe that history is narrative of past ethics, and is indispensable for charting the course towards a better horizon.

The Cora di Brazzà Foundation organized its first Memory Parlor in 2021 at Art Reach of Mid-Michigan.

Our second "Pop Up" Memory Parlor was held at the Friends Meeting House (Quaker House) in Washington D.C., in March 2022.

Our third Memory Parlor, "Toward Unity" was held at the Philadelphia Masonic Temple on July 19-20, 2023, the 175th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention of 1848.

Our fourth Memory Parlor, "Conscience in Action," will be held at the Philadelphia Masonic Temple on July 17-18, 2024.

For information about each, click on the relevant image above.
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