The last lecture in the “Rebels with a Cause” series, “Laura Ingersoll Secord: Rebel for the Wrong Cause?” is scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd at 2:00 pm at Saint James Place, 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. The series is co-sponsored by the Great Barrington Historical Society and Saint James Place.

This lecture will answer the question of why a historical marker for Laura Secord was placed on grounds of the Mason Library, and will explore the political aspect of how history is passed down.

Caroline McCormick, President of the Friends of Laura Secord, will provide the Canadian perspective on Secord’s role in the War of 1812. Karen Kiaer, Chapter Historian of the Shelter Island NY chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), will focus on genealogy methods and resources and will provide a genealogy workshop after the presentation.

Caroline McCormick is the president and founder of the Friends of Laura Secord, organized to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of Canadian heroine. Since its inception, the group has established Laura Secord Legacy Trail (roughly 20 miles), commissioned the construction of the 60 foot “Bridge at Laura’s Crossing,” and organized events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Laura Secord’s courageous walk.

The group was also instrumental in the minting of a new coin and stamp honoring her. Caroline is a proud direct descendant of Great Barrington-born Laura Ingersoll Secord.

Karen Kiaer has written a detailed account of the Ingersoll family in her book Ancestors Through My Eyes: The Story of An American Family – The Ingersolls of Massachusetts, New York and Michigan: 1620 – 1920. According to Ms. Kiaer, “I wrote the book to provide a simple genealogy model of how to follow the story of one ancestor over ten generations.” Her presentation will focus on the methods and resources available to those that want to research their own families. She is also a descendant of Laura Ingersoll Secord.

In preparing for this lecture, McCormick and Kiaer discovered they are 7th cousins once removed. Their most recent common ancestors were Thomas Ingersoll (1668-1732) and Sarah Ashley (1673-1705).

In addition to the lecture and workshop, the program offers a guided tour of the Saint James Place Sanctuary and Parish House, as well as refreshments which include Laura Secord chocolates. Saint James Place is handicap accessible and free parking is available across the street at Berkshire Community College South.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please go to www.gbhistory.org or call 413-591-8702. To reserve seats ($20 per lecture) mail your check to Great Barrington Historical Society with “Rebels with a Cause” and “Laura Secord” in the memo line to:
Great Barrington Historical Society
P.O. Box 1106
Great Barrington, MA 01230

Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $20, or through eventbrite.com here.

Seating is limited.