Monday, February 6, 2012

Noted women's historian Susan Klepp speaks during Women's History Month

From Examiner.com: Noted women's historian Susan Klepp speaks during Women's History Month Local students of history and lifelong learners will find opportunity to hone their applied thinking skills at intriguing lectures offered by the David Library of the American Revolution, a specialized research library dedicated to the study of American history circa 1750 to 1800. In a lecture series entitled, “Revolutionary Implications: Social and Cultural Change During the Struggle for American Independence,” noted experts from the tristate and northeast area will speak on topics designed to spark reflection on both history and current times. In observation of Women’s History Month On Sunday, March 4th, 2012, at 3 P.M., Susan Klepp, Professor of Colonial America and American Women’s History at Temple University, speaks on “A Family in Fragments: The Life and Times of Alice, a Bucks County Slave.” March is Women’s History Month, and in observation, Professor Susan Klepp will tell the story of Alice, a slave who ran Dunk’s Ferry on the Delaware River just south of Bristol, Pennsylvania. Building on a short biography of Alice published in 1802, Professor Klepp will put Alice’s life in context, and will examine how Alice’s experiences in slavery and her anti-slavery beliefs inform our knowledge of race and slavery in Early America. History made timely Current events demand historical insights into patterns that can influence personal understanding. The David Library series, designed to explore key moments in the Revolutionary era where seemingly minor developments impacted the future course of the struggle, and the fate of the new nation, holds timely relevance in light of today’s global conflicts. Ideas are opportunities Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes once indicated, “Man’s mind stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." These lectures bring history into the arena of fresh ideas through exposure and scholarly perspectives. The David Library’s lecture series brings relevant opportunities to inquiring minds, young and old. The David Library emphasizes concentration and convenience to distinguish itself from every other research institution that has materials on the American Revolution. Without sacrificing historical scholarship, The David Library seeks to bring opportunities for historical research and exploration into its local communities. Opportunities for applied learning and analytical thought do abound in the lecture series. And, all are presented within the convenience of the David Library’s location near both Trenton, New Jersey, and Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. Lecture in Stone Hall followed by reception in the Rose Gallery The David Library lectures are held in Stone Hall of the Feinstone Conference Center on the David Library campus. After each lecture series event, a reception is held in the Rose Gallery. The reception provides for a further time of interaction and the networking of curious minds. Lectures are free to attend, but reservations are necessary The David Library lectures are provided without admission fee and are open to the public. However, it is necessary to make reservations. A reservation to “The Hamiltonian Moment and the Specter of Democracy” can be made by calling 215 493 2233, ext. 100. Full series concludes with talks given by professors from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. Upcoming topics and presenters include Michael W. Zuckerman, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Pennsylvania, speaking on “Manners and the Making of the American Revolution: Dr. Hamilton’s Itineraries” as well as author Brendan J. McConville, Professor of History at Boston University, speaking on “Anti-Popery and the Fall of Royal America, and David J. Silverman, Professor of History at George Washington University, demonstrating that muskets and rifles went far beyond the military dimension, changing key aspects of Native American society and culture. More information on the entire lecture series can be found online. Location and logistics The David Library of the American Revolution is located at 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. For further information on getting to the library, directions are offered online at the David Library of the American Revolution’s website. Nearby restaurants include the Washington Crossing Inn at 1295 General Washington Memorial Boulevard, Washington PA and Francisco’s Restaurant on the River at 1251 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. On the New Jersey side, Erini Restaurant at 1140 River Road, Ewing, New Jersey is nearby.