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Talks about Hamilton, Bucks slave in free lecture series

David Library of the American Revolution in Washington Crossing to host five talks in winter-spring series.

Alexander Hamilton and the life of a Bucks County slave will be two of the subjects of the winter-spring lecture series at the David Library of the American Revolution in Washington Crossing.

"The Hamiltonian Moment and the Specter of Democracy," a talk by Rutgers–Camden history professor Andrew Shankman, will kick off the series of five free lectures at 3 p.m. Feb. 12. Shankman will discuss Hamilton's role in the shaping of American government in the 1790s and his ultimate defeat by the "terrifying specter of democracy."

The other lectures are:

"A Family in Fragments: The Life and Times of Alice, a Bucks County Slave." Temple professor Susan Klepp will tell the story of Alice, a slave who ran Dunk's Ferry on the Delaware River just south of Bristol. March 4, 3 p.m.

"Manners and the Making of the American Revolution: Dr. Hamilton's Itinerarium." Penn professor emeritus Michael W. Zuckerman will examine Hamilton's travels and cultural shifts leading up to the Revolution. March 22, 7:30 p.m.

"Anti-Popery and the Fall of Royal America." Boston University history professor  Brendan J. McConville's talk about anti-Catholicism  will draw on research for his book, The American Revolution. April 25, 7:30 p.m.

"Blasted: Pontiac's War and the Collapse of the Indian Play-Off System."  George Washington University history professor David Silverman will demonstrate how muskets and rifles changed the Native American society and culture. April 29, 3 p.m.

The lectures will be in the Feinstone Conference Center, next to the library at 1201 River Rd. To make reservations, call (215) 493-2233 ext. 100.