The New Hope Historical Society has announced the programs for its ninth annual April Speaker Series.
Most lectures are held on Mondays at 5 p.m. at the Parry Mansion in New Hope.
— The series begins on April with “The Philadelphia Story” about Oliver and Rachel Randolph Parry’s prominent lives in the city during the middle of the 19th century when Mr. Parry pioneered the development of the Spring Garden Neighborhood and his wife helped to establish the first job training program for the poor.
Roy Ziegler, past president of the New Hope Historical Society and author of the new book, “The Parrys of Philadelphia and New Hope,” will focus on the Parrys’ influence on Philadelphia as it was becoming the first great American city.
— On April 11, “Bucks County’s Best Kept Secret: A Visit to the David Library of the American Revolution” will be led by Meg Sweeney, the library’s chief operating officer, assisted by William P. Tatum III, Sol Feinstone Scholar, and Katherine A. Ludwig, librarian.
The program will include the story of the David Library’s unique history, world-class collections and educational programs.
The lecture will be held at the David Library on River Road in Washington Crossing and will include a guided tour.
— On April 18, Richard Pierce — author of the book, “The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit™,” whose parade flag exhibition of the same name has been exhibited throughout the country — will bring together and recount many stories that characterize the spirit of America and honor the flag that symbolizes “our individual freedoms and national unity.”
Mr. Pierce has appeared on cable television news programs and has been featured in a Sept. 11 anniversary tribute show that earned a national Honorable Mention Communicator Award.
He is a guest lecturer and luncheon speaker for business associations, historical societies, school groups and service organizations. He will be showing some of the flag collection he has been gathering for the past 20 years.
— The series will conclude on April 25 with a discussion, “Why Watersheds are Important and Whey the Aquetong Watershed is Very Important.”
This will be presented by Les Isbrandt, immediate past president and founding member of the Aquetong Watershed Association, former president of the New Hope Historical Society and among those listed in Who’s Who in America.
Dr. Isbrandt has more than 25 years of corporate and global managerial experience, with emphasis on developing new drug and consumer products.
Admission to the series is free to members of the New Hope Historical Society and $15 for nonmembers.
Refreshments will be served after each lecture. Reservations are required by March 31. Contact the Historical Society at 215-862-5652 or at [email protected].

