Talks for the 250th Anniversary of our Country

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Join the Orange County Historical Museum to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a year-long series of talks discussing the founding of our country. We continue our series of talks by taking a closer look at some of the people that shaped our early nation.

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On March 21st, Susannah Haury, a doctoral candidate in History at the University of North Carolina, will present “The Hart of the Struggle: Southern Women on the Revolution’s Frontier”. This presentation delves into the legends of extraordinary Southern women during the American Revolution and explores what these larger-than-life figures can tell us about the real, lived experiences of everyday women in the fight for American independence.

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On March 28, be prepared to learn "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About John Adams but Were Afraid to Ask." American History scholar Thierry Murad will discuss John Adams and his contributions to the early history of our country.

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These first four talks will be held at the Hillsborough Presbyterian Church at 102 W. Tryon Street. All talks are free to attend and no registration is required.​

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About the Speakers

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​Susannah Haury is a doctoral candidate in History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is advised by Dr. Kathleen DuVal and Dr. Wayne Lee. She holds an MA in History from the College of Charleston and The Citadel joint program. Her dissertation research examines militiamen and their communities in the Revolutionary North Carolina backcountry, focusing on issues of agency and identity among citizens and combatants alike.

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Thierry Murad is Senior Procurement Manager for AJC International, a global food and logistics provider and one of the world’s largest refrigerated food handlers. 2026 marks his 45th year in international trade. In his spare time, Thierry has pursued an active interest in early American books and prints, with specific focus in the writings of and about ‘founding father,’ John Adams. A few years ago, he decided to return to school in the evenings.  So, now, at the young age of 65.., Thierry is scheduled to receive a BA in History from Virginia Tech this coming May, graduating Summa Cum Laude. In 2024 he was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at Virginia Tech. Also, in 2025, Virginia Tech’s Department of History awarded Thierry the James & Martha Banks Award, “in recognition of an exceptional academic record and commitment to the study of American History.”  Thierry will soon also be inducted, this May, into Virginia Tech’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society. His award-winning research paper, “John Adams’ Diplomatic Tenure in the Netherlands, 1780-1782,” addressed a period in Adams’ life not typically discussed or written about.

 

Thierry and his wife Lisa are proud sponsors of the Orange County Historical Museum, Hillsborough, NC, and the Adams Presidential Center, Quincy, MA. Thierry is also a member of the American Historical Association.

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