Old Barracks hosts fall lectures by history authors

TRENTON, N.J. – A discussion about “The Power of Objects in

Eighteenth-Century British America” was the first of the fall lectures at Old Barracks in Trenton this season.

Sponsored by the Society of Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey, leading historians and authors will speak on a variety of subjects, which started Saturday, Oct.13, and will end Nov. 15 at the Old Barracks.

This is the fourth fall that the Old Barracks Museum is offering these free lectures, says Lauren Ronaghan, program coordinator.

“The lectures are to promote the studies of historians on subjects relevant to the history of the Old Barracks Museum,” Ronaghan states.

She continues that, “by inviting authors and historians to speak, we hope to elevate their visibility to the general public and spark interest in our visitors into studying and reading more about the history of our state and nation.”

There will be two more lectures this fall, following the lecture on the book, “The Power of Objects in Eighteenth-Century British America” by Jennifer Van Horn.

“Valley Forge” by Bob Drury is the next free lecture scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m., with reception at 6:30 at the Old Barracks.

Drury’s well-known work, “The Heart of Everything That Is, “ has been the #1 New York Times best-selling book.

His “Valley Forge” book is called “one of the most inspiring—and underappreciated—chapters in American history: the story of the Continental Army’s 6-month transformation in Valley Forge.”

The last lecture in the fall series is by Mark Maloy, who will discuss his book, “Victory or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton, December 25, 1976 – January 3, 1977 on Nov. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m. for reception, and lecture at 7 p.m.

Maloy book explores the incidents that led up to George Washington’s victory in the face of defeat, on the road to the Declaration of Independence in the United States.

Ronaghan said that attendees do not have to read the books before attending the lectures, and encourages those who have at least vague interest to come out.

“The lectures are meant to appeal to people who have an interest in the topic discussed, even if it is a marginal interest and they are not historians,” she states.

— Follow Michelle Dryden on Twitter @Michelle_Dryden