Connecting with our legacy at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania

On Thursday, May 14, Lafayette alumni, faculty, staff, and community gathered in the City of Brotherly Love to connect and view some of the amazing artifacts held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania as Bicentennial celebrations continued throughout the country.

As part of the event series “Lafayette Legacies: Honoring Our Past, Serving the Future,” Provost Laura McGrane and professor of English Christopher Phillips presented to an engaged audience at the historic venue. Prof. Phillips shared with attendees how he’s used archival materials from the Easton Library Company and other sources to explore the lives and literature of the citizens of Easton who founded the College. Alumni, parents, and friends also had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view original artifacts and documents that built America’s history, including items related to Lafayette’s return visit to Philadelphia and his impact on our College’s founding.

English and classics major Lonan Jennings ’27, who conducted summer research with Phillips, spoke to the crowd about how the opportunity has been a highlight of his experience at Lafayette. Jennings is planning to go to graduate school and get a Ph.D. as a result of their work together.

Learn more about upcoming Bicentennial events on campus and nationwide.