First Look at the New Book: "America's Early Frontier: Economic History of Northwestern Pennsylvania (1753-2024)
From the early French forts, commerce on Lake Erie, and the oil boom to today's new technology and tourism industry, northwestern Pennsylvania's economy comes alive in a new and unique history by JES Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Judith Lynch. This was America's earliest frontier from colonial times to the American Revolution and the early days of a new nation. It soon confronted industrialization, immigration, world wars, and evolving transportation, while constantly changing to adapt to new challenges. Dr. Lynch guides the reader through this American story by examining the history and development of four counties of northwestern Pennsylvania: Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Warren, and the people, events, topography, companies, competition, and inventions that helped shape them. The book is filled with stories of triumph, transformative change, and sometimes abrupt endings to what once seemed unshakable.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State Street, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Wednesday, August 28, 7:00-8:30PM
Admission: General Admission $10.00, with a Guest, $15.00
Parking: lot behind building, State Street, 33rd Street, 32nd Street, French Street
Judith Lynch, Ph.D. has been a board member of the Jefferson Educational Society since its inception and served as its first chairwoman. She is the Jefferson’s inaugural Decadean Scholar. From 2004 to 2017, Dr. Lynch served as Associate Professor of Political Science and History at Mercyhurst University, and from 2002 to 2004, she taught at Allegheny College and was part of the Civic Engagement Institute. Prior, she worked as an analyst for the CIA and served for 20 years as Erie County Executive. She received her Doctorate with Distinction in Political Science in 2001 from the University of Pittsburgh and her M.A. in Social Studies from Gannon University. Her undergraduate degree, a B.A. in History and Political Science, is from George Washington University.
