The 12 annual April Speaker Series will be presented by the New Hope Historical Society every Monday in April at 5 p.m., beginning on April 7 at the Parry Mansion.
Carole Martin, chairwoman of the event, described the series. “We have assembled a program with a wide variety of topics that will range from the work and writing of Pearl S. Buck to medical practices in the American Civil War,” said Ms. Martin.
— On April 7, Douglas Shupinski will focus on the “Ten Crucial Days of the American Revolution,” specifically the timeframe that encompasses the battles of Trenton and Princeton in December, 1777 and January, 1178.
He will discuss the state of the Continental Army at the end of 1777, the execution of Washington’s battle plans during the 10-day period and the effects of these actions on the American Revolution as a whole.
Mr. Shupinski was born and raised in Souderton, graduated from the United States Naval Academy, and was later commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving in various duty stations around the world prior to his resignation in 1989 as captain.
— On April 14, Janet Mintzer, president and CEO of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, will discuss the work of Pearl Sydenstricker Buck from her many years in China to her refuge in Japan and her literary achievements that won her the Nobel Laureate Prize award.
She formed the Pearl S. Buck Foundation to publicize and eliminate injustices and prejudices suffered by children who, because of their birth, are not permitted to enjoy the educational, social, economic and civil privileges normally accorded to children.
— On April 21, Eleanor Miller, who has been a supporter and contributor to the Phillips Mill Community Association for decades, will team up with Charlie Huchet, who has been an active member of the association for many years and has performed in some of the events.
They will discuss the history of the Phillips Mill Historic District and the “amazing and colorful personalities who have called it home over the past century.”
— The Speaker Series will conclude on April 28 with a presentation by Herb Kaufman, a lifelong student of the Civil War era. He is a founding member of the faculty of the Civil War Institute at Manor College, and has taught learning courses on a wide variety of Civil War topics at a number of local universities and community centers.
Mr. Kaufman is a member of the editorial staff of the “Civil War News,” writing both news and feature articles. He also has been a Civil War re-enactor, and has received numerous awards for his continuing work in education and support of the history of the Civil War.
Mr. Kaufman will discuss how medical practices — as portrayed in the movies, on television and in many novels — are created to excite and dramatize the event. This presentation is intended to dispel the myths and explain the differences between the movies and the actual medical practices. Actual Civil War surgical instruments, medicines and books will be used to provide a first-hand look at Civil War medical equipment.
Meet the speakers at the reception following each lecture.
Admission is free to members of the New Hope Historical Society, and $15 for nonmembers.
Contact the Historical Society at newhopehs.org or at 215-862-5652 for reservations.

