This post was written by Makayla Bowman ‘26 Special Collections & University Archives Student worker
Westward expansion, amidst the background of the Revolutionary War, characterizes the context of this Thursday’s Great Lives Lecture. The Taking of Jemima Boone: Colonial Settlers, Tribal Nations, and the Kidnap that Shaped America, by Matthew Pearl, illustrates the disappearance of three young girls near Boonesboro, Kentucky, shortly after the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Prior to writing this historical book, Matthew Pearl also authored the fiction novels The Dante Club, The Poe Shadow, The Last Dickens, The Technologists and The Last Bookaneer. Pearl’s literary background in fiction shines through in this non-fiction account, with Jemima Boone coming alive through Pearl’s narration and command of the pages.
The University of Mary Washington Special Collections University Archives (SCUA) houses Mary Washington’s Rare Book Room. The Kentucky revival, or, A short history of the late extraordinary out-pouring of the spirit of God and Resolutions of Virginia and Kentucky both represent tangible connections to this week’s Great Lives Lecture about Jemima Boone and the greater context of her kidnapping in the eighteenth century United States.
All of the above materials are available to view on the second floor of the Simpson Library during SCUA open hours or by scheduling an appointment. (archives@umw.edu)
