Friends Speaker Series

Much has been written about the Philadelphia campaign, its individual battles and Valley Forge. But what many do not realize is that much of what determined those events was grounded in local civilian life and circumstances. This talk will introduce you to the Quaker aspects and sufferings during the war; the complex issues of food, clothing and medical supplies during the campaigns and battles; and the reasons why the armies fought here. You’ll also learn of the major sickness and bitter family divisions brought to the local population by both the British and American armies.

About the Speaker

Nancy V. Webster, a Delaware County native, is the Curator-Historian of the national Friends Historical Association and Honorary Curator at Swarthmore College. She has taught occasionally at Swarthmore, Drexel, and Neumann Colleges and regularly for the Philadelphia Elderhostel programs on topics including Quaker history and culture, regional history, the Underground Railroad, culinary history and demonstrations, and agricultural history.

Currently a board member for the international museum coalition The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM), Nancy has served for over twenty years as Secretary-Treasurer for the Fellows in American Studies. She has also been a member of the National Coalition of Independent scholars since 1978. Nancy, who has held membership in the Delaware County Historical Society for forty years, served as President of the organization several times. She was named Delaware County historian in 1988.

A Principal Planner with the Delaware County Planning Department for twenty-five years, Nancy was head of its Historic Preservation section for twenty-three years. Her outstanding work there was recognized with numerous awards. Nancy started her own successful history and preservation consulting firm twelve years ago.

With her extensive background in museum work and historic preservation, Nancy V. Webster has presented professionally on a wide range of topics in thirty-eight states and four foreign countries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (magna cum laude) from Harvard University and double Master of Arts degrees (in American history and museum curatorship) from the College of William and Mary.