- This event has passed.
The Quaker Conundrum: Controversies in the American Revolution and Early Republic
May 17 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Kimberly McCarty, Washington Crossing Historic Park curator, will draw on correspondence between two men named Ennion Williams, both Pennsylvania Quakers, who found themselves in direct conflict with some of the most divisive issues of their faith: pacifism, slavery and the Hicksite separation. She will explore who these men were and how they confronted these controversies in their lives during America’s fight for independence and the early Republic. The elder Williams remained neutral and pacifist during the Revolution while the younger took up arms. During the war period, many Quakers focused on the abolition of slavery, pressuring Friends who continued to enslave those of African descent.
The picture provided is of the younger Ennion Williams, who served in the Continental Army until 1777. Portrait by the American painter, Charles Willson Peale. Picture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (No copyright)
This event is sponsored by Haddonfield Friends Meeting, as part of the Meeting’s participation in Haddonfield’s “Skirmish” on Saturday June 4th. The Meeting is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
Pre-registration Link: https://www.southjerseyquakers.org/quaker-conundrum/ Those who have pre-registered will receive the link a day before the event.