BHA Speaker Series: James Selkirk and Wartime Community

Program Type:

Author Talk, Performance, Other

Age Group:

Adults
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Event Details

A recording of this program can be found on the Library's YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/2gj_T5ewBeE

Please note:

  • Registration is optional, but is advised due to limited seating.
     
    • Registered patrons will have a seat.
       
    • Waitlisted patrons are invited to use standing room.
       
    • Walk-ins will be admitted if space allows.
       
  • Doors open at 6:30pm. Presentation begins at 7pm.

Description of the Program: This presentation will discuss the close connections formed between James Selkirk and the officers and enlisted men with whom he served during the American War of Independence. As a young man who migrated in 1774 from the Scottish Lowlands to the Province of New York, Selkirk found himself in a new world bereft of friends and family. The outbreak of war and enlistment in the Continental Army enabled Selkirk to create a surrogate community that he lacked in civilian life. This presentation will explore how the bonds of friendship developed by Selkirk proved essential for surviving the numerous hardships of wartime service.

Speaker Bio: Robb Haberman is a historian of early America who studies media and memory in the American Revolution. Robb received his doctorate in history from the University of Connecticut and has held visiting lectureships at Trinity College and Colby College. Robb also worked for seven years at Columbia University as an associate editor for the John Jay Papers where he helped produce volumes four through seven of The Selected Papers of John Jay. Robb now teaches at Fordham University and his current book project explores the wartime experiences and life writings of James Selkirk, a soldier in the New York Line who served for over seven years in the Continental Army. Robb has received fellowships to research Selkirk’s life from the American Philosophical Society and the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati. His forthcoming book entitled Writing in the Service of His Country: The Revolutionary War Memoir of James Selkirk will be coming out soon with Westholme Publishing.

About This Series: The Town of Bethlehem Historical Association (BHA) has been incorporated as a not-for-profit membership organization since 1965. Along with upkeep of collections and exhibits at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse Museum at 1003 River Rd. Selkirk, the BHA is pleased to continue its long tradition of presenting fall and spring series of talks by distinguished local speakers on a variety of topics designed to stimulate an appreciation of our historic heritage. This series of historical talks is presented through a partnership with the Town of Bethlehem Historical Association.

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