Lunch and Learn Lecture Series at Graeme Park

This October why not get in the "back to school" mood with an informative talk, lunch and tour of the historic Keith House, when the Friends of Graeme Park present their Lunch & Learn Lecture Series on three consecutive Wednesday mornings. The day will include a continental breakfast, lecture, hot and cold lunch buffet (different hot entree each week) and tour of the historic Keith House. You can sign up for one, two, or all three. The cost is $20/lecture or $50 for the entire series. We have several interesting topics lined up as described below. Check-in and breakfast begin at 10:15, the lecture starts at 11, lunch is at noon and the house tour will follow. Please see our website at www.graemepark.org for more information and the registration form.

October 1

Your Appointment with Dr. Benjamin Rush

Congratulations!  You have managed to survive the 1793 epidemic of yellow fever that has decimated the population of Philadelphia and Dr. Rush has scheduled a follow-up visit with you to review the epidemic and discuss possible treatments.  Meet him at Graeme Park, the Horsham home of the Graeme family and an important rural refuge during the epidemic in the city.  Although he is famous for his massive bloodletting techniques, you probably will not be subjected to that therapy on this particular visit.

Presenter: Dr. Jim Miller: Jim is a retired biology professor and published author. With his scientific career behind him, he’s free to pursue his interests in the arts and humanities, and sometimes plays a doctor at Graeme Park.

October 8

To Normandy and Back Again

One June 6, 1944 Allied forces landed troops on the beaches of Normandy. Nineteen year old PFC Herbert Levy arrived a few days later with the Corps of Engineers where his duties involved building bridges, explosives expertise and more. Herb, who received the French Legion of Honor medal a few years ago, recently had the opportunity to travel back to Normandy with his grandchildren as a guest of the French government for the 70th Anniversary Celebration. His presentation will take you through his wartime duties and his recent trip back .

Presenter, Herbert F. Levy, AIA: After his discharge from the Army, Herb went on to earn his BA in Architecture and his MA in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s been a volunteer researcher and docent at Graeme Park for more years than anyone can remember.

October 15

They Were Soldiers, Too:  Researching Civil War Women on the Home Front

Mothers, daughters, sister, sweethearts, and wives--North and South--had a unique Civil War story often overlooked in the fervor to write of battles and battlefields. Remarkable records survive to tell the stories of women on the homefront; stories of love, leadership, loss, and often divided loyalties played out in row homes, mansions, slave quarters, and plowfields from Maine to Florida.  Come learn of grandmas who really did shoot Yankees, aunties who feigned modesty to conceal contraband in their "dainties,"  spirited mothers who fiercely protected their families, and much much more.  Participants will be equipped to seek their own stories of strong women in the Civil War. 

Presenter: Kellee Green Blake: Kellee is the retired director of the National Archives, Mid-Atlantic Region. She is an accomplished speaker with expertise on many historical and genealogical topics.