CBMM’s The War of 1812: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Circumstances speaker series begins September 20

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) in St. Michaels, MD begins a new speaker series entitled “The War of 1812: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Circumstances” on Friday, September 20, with later sessions on Friday, October 18 and Thursday, October 24. Seating is limited at all sessions, with pre-registration required.

From 6-7:30pm on Friday, September 20, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Alan Taylor will present “The Internal Enemy” at an off-site location at the Christ Church in St. Michaels, MD. Author of The Internal Enemy: Slavery and War in Virginia, 1772-1832, Dr. Taylor will discuss the slaves who sought freedom by escaping to the British, offering a dramatic instance of the persistent interconnections between American slavery and American freedom.

From 10-11:30am on Friday, October 18, “Stories of Everyday People and the War of 1812” takes place in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium and features University of Delaware adjunct professor Mike Dixon. Dixon will explore the War of 1812 conflict through the eyes of women, militiamen, slaves, and other ordinary citizens impacted by the chaos of the war.

From 2-3:30pm on Thursday, October 24, “The Music of Conflict, Songs from 1812” features musician David Hildebrand in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium. With the War of 1812 spawning a huge variety of songs in America, this program tells the true story of the birth of the Star-Spangled Banner, dispelling several lingering myths along the way. Live musical selections will be accompanied by images throughout the program.

The cost per session is $10 for CBMM members or $13 for non-members, with a three-session pass available at $25 for CBMM members and $34 for non-members. Space is limited, with pre-registration needed by contacting Helen Van Fleet at 410-745-4941. Please note, the first session on September 20 takes place at an off-site location at the Christ Church in St. Michaels, MD. The October 18 & 24 sessions take place in CBMM’s Van Lennep Auditorium. For more information, visit www.cbmm.org or call 410-745-2916.