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Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/22/2019
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location
Ball-Sellers House

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As the colonies struggle for freedom, the American Revolution is in the hands of a brave and resourceful teenage girl. At 16, Susanna Bolling is like America in rebellion; she craves independence. While her brothers are off fighting for the Patriots, she longs to do more than tedious household chores and attend spinning bees in sleepy City Point, Virginia.  When British General Cornwallis invades her family’s Bollingbrook Plantation, she overhears his secret plan to defeat the Patriots and kidnap American ally, Lafayette.  She sneaks out of her house, crosses the Appomattox, and rides into the darkness to warn Lafayette.

This little-known true story is best told at the oldest house in Arlington County, the Ball-Sellers House, a house that stood during that time and whose daughters would have been inspired by this young girl’s courage.

Bring your family and a blanket and relax on the lawn with period beverages and sweet treats. The Ball-Sellers House will be open for tours after the presentation.  Books will be available to purchase and the author will be happy to sign them.

This event is free and will be held rain or shine.*

The author, Libby McNamee is a lawyer and world traveler, and she loves exploring America’s many historical sites. When a descendant told her about Susanna Bolling’s heroism, Libby was determined to share Susanna’s story with the world. “Susanna’s Midnight Ride” is her first published novel. The Virginia General Assembly has declared Susanna’s birthday of December 5 to be “Susanna Bolling Day” in Virginia forevermore.  Libby served as a US Army JAG Officer in Korea, Bosnia, Germany, and Washington State. She and her book-obsessed husband and son live in Richmond. Libby graduated from Georgetown University and Catholic University Law School.

 

*In the event of rain, this event will be held in the historic Carlin Hall, 5711 4th St S, Arlington, VA 22204