Lecturers at the Jefferson Educational Society

David Curtis Skaggs is a Professor Emeritus of History at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Skaggs received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas in 1959 and 1960.  After serving two years as a field artillery officer with the First Infantry Division, he resumed his graduate studies at Georgetown University from which he obtained his doctorate in history in 1966.

Besides teaching introductory courses in United States history, Professor Skaggs has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in military, colonial, revolutionary, and early national American history.  He is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles, In 2012 the USS Constitution Museum presented him its Samuel Eliot Morison Award for his contributions to the naval history of the War of 1812 on the Great Lakes.

Dr. Skaggs’ books Oliver Hazard Perry: Honor, Courage, and Patriotism in the early U.S. Navy,  A Signal Victory: The Lake Erie Campaign 1812-1813, and Thomas Macdonough: Master of Command in the Early U.S. Navy are available for purchase at the Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St. Erie, PA.