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Henry Wiencek Lecture: A Paradox to Posterity

September 8, 2008

Award-winning historian Henry Wiencek, newly arrived in Chestertown for a year's residence as Washington College's first-ever Patrick Henry Fellow, shared little-known stories about the daily experience of slavery at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in the Casey Academic Center Forum.

Wiencek's lecture, "A Paradox to Posterity: Jefferson and Slavery at Monticello," offered a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most insightful commentators on the American past—and present—writing today, as well as peek inside the process of researching a major work of history.

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OIT Services Technician Jeff Hamm checks the sound and projection equipment before the event.
OIT Services Technician Jeff Hamm checks the sound and projection equipment before the event.
College President Baird Tipson greets Margaret Nuttle, class of '69, whose mother Margaret Henry Penick Nuttle established the Barksdale-Dabney-Henry Fund, responsible for a $1.05 million dollar gift to the college.
College President Baird Tipson greets Margaret Nuttle, class of '69, whose mother Margaret Henry Penick Nuttle established the Barksdale-Dabney-Henry Fund, responsible for a $1.05 million dollar gift to the college. The donation enabled Washington College to purchase an 18th-century house that will be used as a residence for visiting fellows of the C.V. Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience.
Adam Goodheart, Director of the C.V. Starr Center for the American Experience, introduces Henry Wiencek and his work, and announces him as the first Patrick Henry Fellow.
Adam Goodheart, Director of the C.V. Starr Center for the American Experience, introduces Henry Wiencek and his work, and announces him as the first Patrick Henry Fellow.
Nationally acclaimed author Henry Wiencek begins his talk by remarking how honored he is to be standing at a podium with Washington's name on it. Although he planned on discussing his forthcoming book dedicated to Jefferson, after observing Washington's presence on campus, Wiencek decided to give the first president a bigger spotlight.
Nationally acclaimed author Henry Wiencek begins his talk by remarking how honored he is to be standing at a podium with Washington's name on it. Although he planned on discussing his forthcoming book dedicated to Jefferson, after observing Washington's presence on campus, Wiencek decided to give the first president a bigger spotlight.
Wiencek reads a passage from his book An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America, published in 2003.
Wiencek reads a passage from his book An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America, published in 2003.
Wiencek, after reading a passage from his new manuscript, comments on his surprise with some of the information he discovered during his preliminary research for the book, which he will be working on during his time as a Patrick Henry Fellow at Washington College.
Wiencek, after reading a passage from his new manuscript, comments on his surprise with some of the information he discovered during his preliminary research for the book, which he will be working on during his time as a Patrick Henry Fellow at Washington College.
Wiencek takes questions from audience members.
Wiencek takes questions from audience members.
After the talk, guests were invited to a reception outside the Casey Academic Center forum.
After the talk, guests were invited to a reception outside the Casey Academic Center forum.
Wiencek autographs an attendee's copy of An Imperfect God, which was being sold following the event by the book store.
Wiencek autographs an attendee's copy of An Imperfect God, which was being sold following the event by the book store.

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