The Lewes Historical Society’s Lewes Lunch and Learn program on January 20th, features Stuart Forman with “Caesar Rodney and the American Revolution”

Lewes, Delaware- January 5, 2017- During the next Lewes Lunch & Learn program, on Friday, January 20, at noon in Hotel Rodney, Stuart Forman  will present “Caesar Rodney and the American Revolution.”

On July 2, 1776, despite having melanoma, Caesar Rodney rode 80 miles to Philadelphia to cast the deciding Patriot vote for Delaware.  This was a very significant event, as it was also the deciding vote for independence, separating from England. Speaker Stuart Forman will highlight the complicated character of this early American’s identity as a Founding Father, which was much more than just the act of his famous ride.

Remembered as a lawyer, politician, militia leader, Continental Congressmen, and Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Caesar Rodney was not alone in “wearing many hats” and working alongside multi-talented Delawarean colleagues Thomas McKean and John Dickinson. Also discussed will be an often forgotten controversy linked directly to Lewes- was there any truth in famed poet George Alfred Townsend’s writings that Caesar spent significant time in Lewes with Loyalist woman, Sarah Rowland?

Forman in his lecture will describe and help attendees imagine the “powder keg” environment that would have surrounded the election of 1777 in Lewes, comparing the charged nature of the country’s current election transition of the office of the President.

Stuart Forman is a retired international tax attorney and CPA with an interest in the international aspects of the American Revolution.

The Lewes Historical Society hosts a Lewes Lunch & Learn series, which includes various topics relating to the history of Lewes and surrounding area. This series is led by local history buffs, heritage area experts, and museum professionals. Lectures will take place on announced dates, beginning at noon in the downstairs meeting room of the Hotel Rodney at the corner of Second and Market Streets, Lewes, Delaware. These events are free and open to the public.  Space is limited.  Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. It is suggested that attendees bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy during the lecture.

These programs are sponsored by Hotel Rodney.

For a complete listing of the Lewes Lunch & Learn series, and to learn more about The Lewes Historical Society, please visit www.HistoricLewes.org or call 302-645-7670.

Image Attached: Pictured is a statue of Caesar Rodney at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.