April summit examines discord between Native and European cultures during Washington’s lifetime
A summit on the life and times of George Washington will focus on the clash of Native American and European cultures during the first American president’s lifetime.
The summit, which will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Butler Country Club, will include speakers, discussions, historical authors and door prizes.
Among the speakers are Susan Sleeper Smith, Michigan State University history professor, and Leon Briggs, a member of the Tonawanda Seneca, who will speak about the daily life of the Haudenosaunee people in the 1750s.
In addition to Smith and Briggs, others will discuss the intersection of Europeans and American Indians during Washington’s life, and other organizations will sell books and show displays throughout the summit.
Martin O’Brien, president of Washington’s Trail 1753, one of the organizations sponsoring the summit, said he expects roughly 100 attendees.
“The contrasting cultures of native people and Europeans shaped the area’s history and greatly impacted George Washington,” O’Brien said.
Attendees can also learn about the progress of installing blue-and-white “Washington’s Trail” directional signs in Maryland and Virginia at the summit.
Those interested in attending can register by April 1 online at Washington’s Trail 1753’s website, washingtonstrail.org. The cost to register is $45, which includes lunch.