Examine George Washington’s life and legacy in New Jersey, reading along in Ron Chernow, Washington: A Life with a State Park Service historian in a series of virtual monthly meetings.

Reading in advance is NOT required. Although offered as a series, each lecture stands on its own and assumes no prior knowledge. New participants are always welcome.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022 online at 7pm: Triumphal President

George Washington enjoys a triumphal procession across the Assunpink Creek in Trenton where he earlier fended off the British during the Ten Crucial Days of 1776-77. Gen. Washington visits Boxwood Hall before his final entry into New York for inauguration as the first President of the United States. After the capital relocates to Philadelphia, George and Martha Washington use visits to New Jersey to defy the manumission laws of Pennsylvania, continuing to hold in slavery their servants from Mount Vernon even while presiding over a republic purportedly rooted in liberty.

Suggested reading: Ron Chernow, Washington: A Life Part Five: The President, Chapter 46: The Place of Execution – Chapter 54: Running into Extremes