Spring is a time of rebirth, inspiring us to reconnect, recharge, and renew our minds as we prepare to venture into brighter days ahead. Much like the nature in bloom all around us, spring inspires us to come out of our shells and set forth on a fresh new venture. Whether you try your hand at a brand new hobby or hit the books on a learning adventure, there are countless meaningful and mindful ways to expand our horizons. If you’re a history buff seeking to spring into learning about the rich local history of your own community, you won’t want to miss out on The Old Barracks’ upcoming Spring Lecture Series.

On March 28th, The Old Barracks will kick off their Spring Lecture Series with a discussion with William Kidder, author of The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man. The lecture will take place at 6pm at The Old Barracks campus, located at 101 Barrack St, Trenton, NJ 08608. At the evening’s lecture, William Kidder will discuss Jacob Francis’s experiences as an indentured servant including his time as a soldier during the American Revolution, and later as a free man raising a family. Following the lecture, guests can enjoy a Q&A as well as a book signing with the author. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening.

The upcoming lecture is free to attend, welcoming all to be a part of this fascinating discussion. If you are interested in securing a copy of The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man prior to the lecture, you can purchase it in-store at The Old Barracks’ Quartermaster’s Store, as well as online, linked here: Quartermaster’s Store. This upcoming installment of the Spring Lecture Series kicks off the first of three events the museum will be hosting this season. Other upcoming lectures include:

• April 4th: Jack Kelly, author of God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man
• June 12th: Robert Dunkerly, author of Unhappy Catastrophes: The American Revolution in Central New Jersey, 1776-1782

The Spring Lectured Series is sponsored by The Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the State of New Jersey.

The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man follows the story of Jacob Francis of Amwell township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. This gripping biography follows Francis’ evolution as an indentured servant, a serviceman in the Continental Army, and eventually, his time as a free man. After his enlistment with the army, he returned to Amwell, where he would meet his wife Mary, who was enslaved at the time. Francis freed Mary, and together, the two built a life together, going on to have nine children of their own. An inspiring tale of overcoming adversity, the story of Jacob Francis is a stirring account of some of the earliest pioneers in America’s fight for equity.

For more information on this and other upcoming events at The Old Barracks, please visit their website, linked here: Old Barracks – Home. If you have any questions or would like to learn more regarding how you can support The Old Barracks, please reach out at info@barracks.org or (609) 396-1776 for additional assistance. The Spring Lecture Series is certain to have your mind in full bloom, so be sure to mark your calendars today!

The post William Kidder to Kick Off The Old Barracks’ Spring Lecture Series first appeared on TrentonDaily.