Newlin Speaker Series: Book Talk with Dr. Paul Kahan

Thursday, September 24th at 7pm

• $10/person, free for members.

• Join us for a lively discussion of Philadelphia, A Narrative History, written by Dr. Paul Kahan. The book presents a comprehensive portrait of the city, from the region’s original Lenape inhabitants to the diverse Philadelphians of the twenty-first century. From Independence Hall to Eastern State Penitentiary, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross to Cecil B. Moore and Cherelle Parker, Kahan explores how Philadelphia has always been defined by ethnic, religious, and racial diversity. This diversity, however, often resulted in conflict. Those two themes— diversity and conflict— have shaped Philadelphia’s development and remain visible in the city’s culture, society, and even its geography.

• Dr. Paul Kahan is a leading expert on U.S. political, economic, and diplomatic history, with a particular interest in the half-century between Andrew Jackson’s election to the presidency in 1828 and the so-called end of Reconstruction in 1877. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. history from Temple University, an M.A. in Modern American History & Literature from Drew University, and B.A. degrees in history and English from Alfred University. Dr. Kahan has published several books, including Eastern State Penitentiary: A History, Amiable Scoundrel: Simon Cameron, Lincoln’s Scandalous Secretary of War, The Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant: Preserving the Civil War’s Legacy,” and The Bank War: Andrew Jackson, Nicholas Biddle, and the Fight for American Finance.

• Signed copies of the book will be for sale during the talk. Call 610-459-2359 or purchase tickets online.