The University of Mary Washington will participate in Virginia250, the Commonwealth’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a series of events beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20, with a lecture on Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
Part of the University’s William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series, the Paul Revere presentation featuring Kostya Kennedy, author of The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night that Saved America, takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. It will examine the complex reality behind one of America’s founding legends, revealing that multiple riders participated in the crucial intelligence mission of 1775.
Two additional Great Lives lectures – one in February and one in March – will also honor the Revolutionary War era and U.S. independence.
UMW also will host a Public Square Debate on what it means to live in a democracy on March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Hosted jointly by Mary Washington and Germanna Community College, the debate will follow a Braver Angels format – where the goal isn’t to win but to understand, encouraging civil discourse on civic questions. Students are invited to register online to attend the debate and help choose a debate resolution.
“It’s done in a way that gets people to come together to consider their own positions in the spirit of others,” said Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter. “It aligns perfectly with UMW’s ASPIRE values.” Read more about UMW-hosted events related to the Virginia250 celebration.