ith July 4th right around the corner, take a fresh look at one of the key members of the Revolutionary War era Culper Ring: Robert Townsend. He was an essential part of the network reporting on the British to General George Washington as Samuel Culper Jr., but he was also a man of his time, full of contradictions like wanting freedom for his country yet denying that same freedom to those who were enslaved.

Join us for a talk with author Claire Bellerjeau about her new book Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend & Elizabeth. Elizabeth, known as Liss, was enslaved by the Townsend family. Bellerjeau will reveal how she discovered Liss’s existence and then filled in details of an extraordinary life lived during a transformative period in our history. Liss’s story runs parallel with Townsend’s efforts as a key member of the Culper ring. Her history sheds light on the sentiments and values that Robert Townsend both aspired to and fell short of. How did Liss plot a daring escape? What was her connection to the Townsends and why did Robert Townsend seek to rescue this woman who had been sold South? Were the British involved? Of course!

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