Voices from Eastern: Dr. Newton Key
Wednesday, November 4
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | National Medal of Honor Museum | Arlington, Texas
Join fellow Panthers for an unforgettable evening at the National Medal of Honor Museum, one of America's newest and most inspiring cultural destinations. Dedicated to preserving the stories of courage, sacrifice, and service that have shaped our nation, the museum provides a remarkable setting for an evening of history, reflection, and lifelong learning. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the museum while reconnecting with fellow alumni from across the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
The evening will feature remarks from Dr. Newton Key, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Eastern Illinois University. Drawing from his latest research, Dr. Key will explore how crimes were investigated before the existence of modern detectives, tracing the role of the King's Messengers in eighteenth-century Britain and examining how their investigative practices ultimately influenced the creation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Voices from Eastern is a signature speaker series that brings alumni and friends together with the faculty, researchers, alumni, and thought leaders shaping our world. Through engaging conversations and compelling stories, the series celebrates the expertise, innovation, and enduring impact of the Eastern community while fostering lifelong learning and meaningful connection.
We hope you'll join us for this unique opportunity to experience one of the nation's premier museums, reconnect with fellow Panthers, and enjoy an evening that brings history to life in an engaging and unexpected way.
Advanced Registration is required. Eastern Illinois University is committed to providing accessible experience for all guests. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact Alumni Relations at alumeiu@eiu.edu.
Speaker Bio
Dr. Newton Key
Distinguuished History Professor Emeritus
Dr. Newton Key is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Eastern Illinois University, where he taught from 1989 to 2021. During his tenure, he also served as Director of the Faculty Development and Innovation Center from 2016 to 2021 and helped establish EIU's Center for Student Innovation. Throughout his career, Dr. Key inspired generations of students through his engaging teaching, commitment to historical inquiry, and passion for innovation in higher education.
An internationally recognized scholar of the early modern British Isles, Dr. Key's research explores topics including feasting, political plotting, gossip, preaching, print culture, historical thinking, and the social and political history of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. He is the co-author of the best-selling textbook Early Modern England (3rd edition, 2020) and co-editor of its companion sourcebook (2nd edition, 2009).
Dr. Key's current research examines late Stuart political plots, sermon culture, scandal, and the origins of modern detectives, work that has led to invited presentations at institutions including Queen's University, the Newberry Library, and the Institute of Historical Research in London. He remains actively engaged in scholarship while continuing to mentor students and celebrate the accomplishments of former EIU history graduates.
A dedicated supporter of Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Key and his wife have also helped fund active learning classrooms for the Departments of History and English and Booth Library through the Center for Student Innovation, ensuring future generations of Panthers benefit from innovative, collaborative learning environments.