Historian discusses American privateers in the Revolutionary War

Kylie A. Hulbert presented an Author Night lecture March 21, “The Expendables: American Privateers in the Revolution of ’76,” in the Sussex Tavern at the Lewes Historical Society.

The presentation was based on her book, “The Untold War at Sea: America’s Revolutionary Privateers,” published by the University of Georgia Press.

Hulbert brought to center stage the engagements and efforts of American privateers in the Atlantic during the Revolution.

“The lives of these men as they traversed the Atlantic Ocean expand the scope and impact of the American Revolution,” Hulbert said. “Their journeys took them far beyond the shores of the colonies, and it is high time we followed them.”

Program organizer Bill Meehan said, “Professor Hulbert is an authority on the American privateers during the Revolution, and her presentation informed a standing-room-only crowd about important maritime activity taking place not far beyond the Cape.”

Hulbert is a member of the editorial board for Lewes History: The Journal of the Lewes Historical Society, as well as a lecturer in history at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. She focuses on early America with interests in war and society, maritime history and social history. She earned both an MA and a PhD in history from the University of Georgia after receiving a BA and MA at the College of William & Mary. In addition to the “The Untold War at Sea,” she is the author of a chapter in the book, “Martial Culture, Silver Screen,” titled History, Sir, Will Tell Lies as Usual: Founders, Patriots and the War for Independence on Film.

Founded in 1962, the Lewes Historical Society promotes and advocates for the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the greater Lewes region through museum exhibitions, educational programs, historical research and publications.

For more information, go to historiclewes.org.