About

The program will explore the divisions that existed among Middlesex County residents during the American Revolution, when some supported independence from Great Britain while others remained loyal to the British Crown. Drawing upon the county's history as documented in Signatures in Time: A Living History of Middlesex County, Virginia, the presentation will examine how the struggle for independence affected local residents and divided communities, neighbors, and families.

The featured presenters will be Larry Chowning, author of Signatures in Time; Archie Soucek, editor of the publication; and Claudia Soucek, chair of the 2007 Middlesex County Book Committee. Together, they will offer insights into the experiences of Middlesex County residents during the Revolutionary era, including the differing loyalties of Patriots and Loyalists, commonly known as Tories.

In addition to discussing the Revolutionary period, the presenters will share the story behind the creation of Signatures in Time, including the extensive research, writing, and editorial challenges involved in producing Middlesex County’s first comprehensive history. Their discussion will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to document and preserve the county’s rich heritage.