The Mullica Hill library will host local historian Will Krakower on Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m.
Krakower’s lecture – “The 10 Crucial Days in the American Revolution” – will explore events that took place from Dec. 25, 1776, to Jan. 3, 1777. He is an historic educator at Washington Crossing State Park and Princeton Battlefield State Park.
The time period Krakower will address saw the Colonies on the verge of defeat in the Revolutionary War. To restore morale, Gen. George Washington began a campaign into New Jersey.
“Attendees will explore the military strategy, leadership and historic events surrounding Washington’s daring campaign, including the battles of Trenton, Assunpink Creek and Princeton,” said Andrew Brenza, the library’s head of adult services.
“These victories restored morale and helped re-ignite the Revolutionary cause during one of the war’s darkest periods.”
The first of the 10 days in Krakower’s presentation was marked by Washington’s famed crossing of the Delaware, a feat immortalized in the famous 1851 painting by Emanuel Leutze. The historian will offer library guests a look at the stories and people that made moments like that legendary.
Krakower is a historical reenactor at Princeton Battlefield State Park, one of many who recreate the Battle of Princeton. That event, too, is approaching its 250th anniversary in January.
“With the battle, and the war, hanging in the balance,” says the American Battlefield Trust, “Washington personally led fresh troops onto the field, while grape shot and canister from Joseph Moulder’s artillery battery forced the British back towards William Clarke’s farmhouse. Washington’s counterattack broke the British line and quickly turned into a rout.
“Further toward town, two smaller engagements at Frog Hollow and on the grounds of what is now Princeton University, also resulted in British retreat,” the trust added. “Washington had won a great victory, defeating an inferior force of British regulars, but Col. (Charles) Mawhood was also praised for delaying the Americans long enough to rescue most of his supplies.”
The library presentation is free but requires registration on the Gloucester County Library System’s website. Photographs may be taken during the lecture, so those who would rather not be in photos are asked to let an organizer know.
George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, depicted in this painting by Emanuel Leutze, will be one of the topics discussed at Will Krakower’s lecture on a crucial time during the Revolutionary War at the Mullica Hill library.
