Advocates, Gazettes, and Hornets: Early Newspapers and Printing in Frederick

Lecture on May 3rd (during our yearly Print Day in May celebration)

2:00 in the main Gallery

Though Frederick was founded in 1745, nearly 50 years would pass until a press was established in the town. The first newspaper in Fredericktown was published by Mattias Bargtis, and many others would follow in bringing news, intelligence, and advices to the people of Frederick during the early days of the newly formed American Republic, often with differing views regarding the developing American identity. During this lecture, we will use primary sources to explore early Frederick printers, their newspapers, the content of their publications to learn more about early Frederick and gain insight into the pulse of the people. Multiple original artifacts that were printed in Frederick will be on display throughout the presentation and during the day.

Sean Considine is a researcher, educator, and presenter focusing on the events and politics focused on the latter half of the 18th century in British North American colonies and the early American Republic. He is an avid researcher, collector, and presenter of early print media and ephemera. His focus areas included politics, satire, print culture, and early female printers. He has partnered and collaborated with Minuteman National Historical Park, Museum of the American Revolution, Old Barracks Association, Fort Loudoun Historical Society, Lewes Historical Society, among others, providing educational programming, historical interpretation, and lectures. Mr. Considine is a University of Delaware graduate, and works as a Senior Program Manager.

---