![](https://rennamedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Washingtons-Crossing-on-Christmas-Day.jpg)
In-Person Lecture – September 17th
Madison Historical Society
“Washington’s Crossing on Christmas Day: The Story That Inspired the Painting”
Emanuel Leutze’s c. 1850 painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware, created to arouse feelings of patriotism and dedication to a cause, is perhaps the most iconic image of the American Revolution. Three days before the crossing, Washington was told that New Jersey was “totally deranged, without government, or officers civil or military in it that will act with any spirit.” Learn all about the crossing, the painting, the painter, and what it all meant. Join us on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. to hear the fascinating story.
This in-person program at the Madison Community Arts Center, 10 Kings Rd., is free and open to the public. Kindly email the Madison Historical Society at: historyspeakerseries@gmail.com to register, no later than 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.
William (Larry) Kidder has been president of historical societies in Ewing and Hopewell and has given many talks about the Revolutionary War to groups in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. He received his master’s degree from Allegheny College and taught history for forty years in both public and private schools. Larry has been a volunteer at the Howell Living History Farm and is also a consultant and battlefield tour guide for the Princeton Battlefield Society.
Larry is the author of five books focusing on the American including Ten Crucial Days: Washington’s Vision for Victory Unfolds; and The Revolutionary World of a Free Black Man: Jacob Francis, 1754-1836. He has worked on several projects for Crossroads of the American Revolution, including as editor for its Meet Your Revolutionary Neighbors project and consultant for the creation of the Ten Crucial Days Audio Tour.