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Historical Society Launches Book Club
- August 7, 2012
- on 8/7/2012
- MoJo: want2dish
Submitted by citizen journalist Duane Doxzen
The Historical Society of Frederick County is launching a book club this fall featuring the book “Betsy Ross and the Making of America” by Marla R. Miller, associate professor of history at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
The book peers behind myth and legend to present the fascinating life of Betsy Ross, proving that she was more important to our nation’s history for her revolutionary spirit than because she sewed a flag, while exploring Revolutionary America.
“We selected this book because of the parallels to local Civil War heroine Barbara Fritchie, whose legend is the subject of the Museum of Frederick County’s current temporary exhibit,” stated Historical Society program coordinator Kristen Butler. “In both cases one defining event has overshadowed the real women behind the stories.”
Miller’s “Betsy Ross” is the first comprehensive biography of the American patriot and has been widely praised for its thorough research, deft and accessible writing style, and engaging tone. It has received a number of rave reviews.
“It really is a great read,” said Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, the Historical Society’s executive director, who read the book earlier this year. “Miller takes you through Ross’s life, showing how her relationships and occupation made her the woman she was. You come away with a deeper understanding of Colonial life and how it shaped her.”
The Historical Society’s book club will meet every-other Thursday from Sept. 20 to Nov. 1 (Sept. 20, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, and Nov. 1), beginning at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Frederick County History, 24 East Church Street, Frederick.
Book club participation is free and open to anyone interested. Registration is requested. Those who register can preorder a copy of the book at a 20% discount off the regular cover price. Copies also will be for sale in the museum bookstore.
The Historical Society’s P. Newman Lecture on Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. will feature Marla Miller discussing her book. The lecture is free and open to the public.
For more information about the book club or to register, contact Kristen Butler at kbutler@frederickhistory.org or (301) 663-1188 x105. Information about it and other Historical Society of Frederick County programs also is available at www.frederickhistory.org.
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