Learn about Pennsylvania’s role in America’s history as the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Hear about the British Invasion of Pennsylvania in late August 1777 until the arrival of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge December 19, 1777, with author Thomas McGuire. July’s virtual Learn at Lunchtime program will include details about the Battle of Brandywine, the Battle of Paoli, the Battle of Germantown, the Siege of Fort Mifflin and the army’s arrival at Valley Forge.

Thomas McGuire is a native of the Philadelphia area whose history activities began at the Valley Forge Historical Society Museum and Valley Forge National Historical Park. A graduate of Villanova University, he has been teaching history at Malvern Preparatory School since 1980. He has also served on the Board of Educators of the Museum of the American Revolution.

He has authored six books: The Surprise of Germantown [Thomas Publications, 1994]; Battle of Paoli [2000]; Brandywine Battlefield State Park Trail of History Guide [2001], The Philadelphia Campaign Volume I and Volume II [2006-07]; Stop the Revolution: America in the Summer of Independence and the Conference for Peace [2011].

Tom also researched for David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book John Adams and its sequel 1776. He was Vice President of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund and guest-curated the Chester County Historical Society’s exhibition – War Comes to Chester County 1777-78.

Presentations begin at 12:15 PM and are followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration is required to attend the free, virtual program. Click here to register now.