John Stark Author at Folsom Tavern
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John_Stark_BobbleheadHis immortal words "Live Free or Die" ring throughout New Hampshire, but who knows anything about John Stark? We’ve seen hom on NH state liquor bottles and on statues. His homestead still stands in downtown Manchester. June 9 is the time to finally discover more as Stark biographer Ben Z. Rose visits Revolutionary capital of Exeter, NH. (Continued below)

The event is part of a "Conversations with the Authors" series started last year by the American Independence Museum, with the chosen author offering a perspective on the American Revolution. Rose’s book, John Stark: Maverick General focuses on Stark’s battlefield strategies and leadership capabilities, honed during the French and Indian War when Stark was a member of Rogers’ Rangers.

The lecture will take place at 7 pm at the Folsom Tavern, built by another survivor of the French and Indian War, Colonel Samuel Folsom. Admission is $3 for museum members and $5 for non-members. Reservations are not required.

General Stark, born in Londonderry in 1728, lived to the age of 94, and was known for his strong opinions, disagreeing with military superiors including General George Washington. Stark’s efforts and strategies were critical at the Battles of Bunker Hill and Bennington. Part of his quotation "Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils." was adopted as the NH State Motto in 1945.

The series will continue on September 29 with John P. Resch, Ph.D.’s discussion of his book, Suffering Soldiers: Revolutionary War Veterans, Moral Sentiment, and Political Culture in the Early Republic. Dr. Resch, a professor of history at the University of New Hampshire, will examine the lives of men who fought in the Revolution, both before and after the war. Dr. Resch is part of the Speakers Bureau from the University, which provides speakers to area organizations on a variety of topics.

For directions, to become a member, or more information on the programs of the American Independence Museum, please call 603-772-2622 or visit the official web site. The museum is open for tours until October 30, from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.