EVENTS

Members of the Religious Society of Friends (or “Quakers”) opposed the Townsend Duties along with their neighbors believing the king and Parliament had no right to levy taxes on them. When independence-minded colonists gained control of New Jersey’s government and began preparations for war with Britain, unity ruptured. Local Quakers found themselves caught between rebel-controlled local governments and Philadelphia’s Quaker Loyalists. While some Quakers abandoned their pacifist views to join the military, others held to their non-violent beliefs and were “martyred” by intolerant rebels. Yet, most Quakers tried to avoid conflict and the Haddonfield Friends Meeting enforced political neutrality.

(Presenter: Garry Wheeler Stone)

Not only did George Washington’s army have to fight British soldiers during the American Revolution they had to fight an even more dangerous foe: disease. Diphtheria, malaria, yellow fever, dysentery, and smallpox all had an impact in one way or another on how the war was fought. Washington also had to fight the state houses in the various states that forbade smallpox inoculation once he decided he wanted to have Continental troops inoculated. The community spread of disease in the Revolutionary period had an enormous impact on how the general timed his battles, where he rested, and how he raised troops.

(Presenter: Kelly Jackson)

Phillis Wheatley is the first published African-American poet and first Africa-American female public writer. Her poetry dramatized the condition of black Americans during the Revolutionary Era.  While still an enslaved person, she met with Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, traveled to London and attended social events with many dignitaries. Although shortly after her manumission she died in poverty at age 31, her poetry remains as an eloquent voice of hope for American liberty.

(Presenter: Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre)

This lecture will discuss African Americans during the Revolutionary War, concentrating on New Jersey and Philadelphia. It will cover African Americans’ direct involvement in fighting for the patriots, black loyalists who sought freedom by fighting for the British, and African Americans’ views on the revolutionary philosophy of freedom that left out both free and enslaved black people.

(Presenter: Kendra Boyd)

In both schools and in the media, it is argued that with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, American citizens rose up as one to challenge the king and Parliament.  However, nothing could be further from the truth.  It is estimated that when the war began only one-third of the colonists supported the revolution.  What actually began was our first civil war: a very personal war of battles and bitterness, often pitting neighbor against neighbor.

(Presenter: Herb Kaufman)

The role of Jews in the events of the American Revolution is largely unrecognized, given that they represented a small percent of the total population and that they were scattered throughout the thirteen colonies. Their loyalties like those of their neighbors were divided with a sizable majority favoring the patriot vision of an independent America. However, some Jewish families were divided within themselves in their loyalties. Their participation marked the first time since their exile from Jerusalem that they could take their place alongside Christian neighbors as equals. This talk will discuss Jewish attitudes toward the Revolution and their contributions to it.

(Presenter: Norman H. Finkelstein)

John Adams was a brilliant lawyer and the founding father others “loved to hate.” Although he disliked being refuted, one person boldly challenged him: his wife, Abigail.

Remembered for warning John to “remember the ladies,” her influence led critics to call her “Mrs. President”. Join America’s original power couple for a lively debate.

This talk will provide an overview of Freemasonry’s and individual Freemasons’ contributions to the independence of the British-American colonies. It will cover such topics as: Why Freemasonry’s role has been exaggerated; It’s helping to bind the disparate (religious, social, etc.) elements of the Continental army; and Benjamin Franklin’s use of masonic networks to help secure French aid. It will also elucidate the prominent roles of individual Freemasons in the fields of art, finance, politics, and war.

(Presenter: John Herd Couch Minott)