As part of the History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series join us for a conversation with Michael Dougherty, author of The Wreck of the Faithful Steward on Delaware's False Cape.

In the summer of 1785, a group of Irish migrants took to the Atlantic to escape the abuse and persecution of the ruling classes at home. They sought a new life in the United States, a place "where the banner of freedom waved proudly" and "every good was possessed." Their ship was new and sturdy, and its captain had a good reputation. On this voyage, however, it was overloaded with migrant families and a massive cargo of counterfeit coins. By the first of September the ship was lost, somewhere off the mid-Atlantic coast.  Dougherty tells the story of the wreck and the people on board.

Michael Dougherty served for twenty-five years in the federal government focused on law and policy. He is a former Ombudsman for Citizenship and Immigration Services and a former Assistant Secretary for Border, Immigration and Trade Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a shipwreck diver. His home surf break is Indian River Inlet, Delaware.

We invite you to support the author by purchasing a copy of their book from Browseabout Books by clicking HERE. Call-in orders are accepted at (302) 226-2665 or you can stop by the store to purchase a copy. For store hours, please visit their website. Each copy purchased comes signed. Books will be available for sale and for signing at the event.

The History Revival: Coastal Chronicles lecture series is a collaborative effort of the Zwaanendael Museum and Lewes Public Library. The Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay have been an integral part of Delaware’s history, and have connected the small state to global events and issues. Maritime communities and industries have taken advantage of Delaware's coast for centuries. Delawareans past and present have benefited and struggled against the water's constant change. Through lectures, music, and historical theater, the goal of History Revival: Coastal Chronicles is to widen the understanding of maritime history within Delaware.

This lecture series is partially funded by the Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.