American Ancestors/NEHGS, the Boston Public Library, and Porter Square Books present celebrated author Nathaniel Philbrick (Mayflower, In the Heart of the Sea, In the Hurricane’s Eye) with his latest work revealing the dynamic history of our country, Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy. This event is free and open to all, hosted on Zoom by WGBH, but registration is required. Copies of the book are available for purchase.

The award-winning and best-selling author of Mayflower grapples bluntly and honestly with Washington’s legacy as a man of the people, a reluctant president, and a plantation owner. In the fall of 1789, Washington, only six months into his presidency, set out on the first of four road trips as he attempted to unite what were in essence thirteen independent states into a single nation. In the fall of 2018, Philbrick, his wife Melissa, and their dog Dora set out on their own series of road trips as they retraced Washington’s route. At historic houses and landmarks from Savannah, Georgia, to Kittery Point, Maine, Philbrick met reenactors, tour guides, and other keepers of history’s flame. Travels with George paints a picture of eighteenth century America that is as divided and fraught as our country today and shows how Washigton’s all-consuming belief in the Union helped to forge a nation.

Lovers of history and writing are invited to join us after the event for an extended Q+A with the author (ticketed to include a signed and personalized copy of the book). Separate registration is required. Learn More

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of In the Heart of the Sea, winner of the National Book Award; Mayflower, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Valiant Ambition, winner of the George Washington Prize; Bunker Hill, winner of the New England Book Award; In the Hurricane’s Eye; Sea of Glory; The Last Stand; Why Read Moby Dick?; Away Off Shore; and Second Wind.

Ryan J. Woods is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of American Ancestors/New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS). A dedicated researcher, Woods has authored pedagogical articles about the use of historical biographies to teach character and ethics. He has also contributed genealogical articles and several book forewords for historical and genealogical publications; he regularly presents at national historical and genealogical conferences and events.