Dr. Timothy Neary to discuss recently published book

Dr. Timothy Neary, associate professor of history and coordinator of the American studies program, will discuss findings from his recently published book in a McKillop Library presentation scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2.

“Crossing Parish Boundaries: Race, Sports, and Catholic Youth in Chicago, 1914–1954” explores the history of Bishop Bernard Sheil’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), which saw tens of thousands of children from Chicago of all races and religions participate in sports.

The history of Bishop Sheil and the CYO shows a cosmopolitan version of American Catholicism, one that is usually overshadowed by accounts of white ethnic Catholics aggressively resisting the racial integration of their working-class neighborhoods. By telling the story of Catholic-sponsored interracial cooperation within Chicago, “Crossing Parish Boundaries” complicates our understanding of northern urban race relations in the mid-20th century.

Neary holds a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Georgetown University and master’s and doctoral degrees in U.S. history from Loyola University Chicago. He is the executive director of the Urban History Association.

A book sale and signing will follow Neary’s presentation. Copies will be available for $27 (cash or check accepted).