by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
History enthusiasts converged on Walpole Public Library (WPL) last Thursday, January 11th, for a presentation by local author and historian Jeffrey A. Denman. Denman was there to discuss the sixth president of the United States, also the subject of his novel “John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist”.
The event began at 7:00 p.m., when Denman promptly began his lecture about the son of John and Abigail Adams. After diving into Adams’ biography, the topics of slavery and abolitionism quickly seeped in. “John and Abigail never owned a slave, nor hired the slaves of authors to work their farm,” Demnan told a captivated crowd. “Abigail ruminated on the issue of slavery many times in her letters to John, and it was clear that an anti-slavery position in the family was firmly established.” Though John Quincy Adams was raised with these values and was admittedly anti-slavery, he never officially joined the abolitionist movement.
Mr. Denman spoke for almost an hour, covering many of the highlights of Adams’ life, such as his presidency, congressional career, and his involvement in the famous Amistad case. Several interesting tidbits, such as the fact that Adams spoke eight languages and kept a 14,000 page diary throughout his lifetime, were also revealed. After the lecture, the author answered questions from the audience. The entire presentation and discussion was very well-timed, with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and remembrance just days away.
Jeffrey A. Denman is a retired geography and American history teacher. He previously taught in the Brookline Public School system. He is a graduate of both the University of Connecticut and the University of Maine. Denman has written several articles about American history, as well as co-authored the book “Greene and Cornwallis: The Pivotal Struggle of the American Revolution, 1780-1781”.
The Walpole Public Library became a hub of historical exploration as enthusiasts gathered for Jeffrey A. Denman's insightful presentation on the sixth president of the United States, John Quincy Adams. Denman's expertise and engaging lecture shed light on Adams' complex relationship with slavery and his stance as a reluctant abolitionist. The audience was captivated by intriguing details of Adams' life, from his presidency and congressional career to his involvement in the Amistad case. The evening concluded with a vibrant question-and-answer session, providing attendees with an enriched understanding of this pivotal figure in American history. Jeffrey A. Denman's expertise and passion for history left a lasting impression on the eager audience gathered at the Walpole Public Library.
This event was sponsored by the Friends of WPL. More information about WPL, upcoming events, or the Friends of WPL can be found at WalpoleLibrary.org.
