Resource person: Audra Bullard

Description:

America has Hamilton-mania! Its crafty lyrics, hip-hop tunes, and bold story have even rejuvenated interest in the real lives and true histories that “Hamilton,” the musical, puts center stage. In this talk, we’ll explore what the show’s success tells us about the marriage of history and show business. We’ll examine what this remarkable musical gets right—and gets wrong—about Alexander Hamilton, the American Revolution, and the birth of the United States, and why those distinctions matter.

Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book “Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home,” which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. His new book, “The American Revolution and the Fate of the World,” was published by Penguin in November 2025. He has a PhD in History from Harvard University and BA from the University of Cambridge. He received the University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching and, in 2021, was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow.

Notes: Cancellation Policy (Please Read) Please let us know immediately if you are unable to attend a class. There is no refund for cancellations within two (2) weeks prior to a scheduled class. Programs that include food, beverage or art materials must be canceled within three (3) weeks prior in order to receive a refund. CLE reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment has not been met or for circumstances beyond our control, and participants will be notified, a complete refund will be issued. All classes are held in the CLE Lecture Hall at the Peggy Crosby Center unless otherwise noted. In the event information has changed from the published brochure, it will be posted on our website and in our e-blasts. Addresses for “private home” venues will be provided to registrants within 2 days of the program date.

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