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SVHS welcomes you to join us for a very special program in celebration of America250 – An Evening with the Founders when renowned historic interpreters bring “The Years Bring Enlightenment: The Friendship and Politics of Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson” to the Sewickley Valley. Presented by Kim Hanley and Steven Edenbo.
Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams will engage in a spirited discussion of their often-conflicting views on the events that surrounded the struggle for American Independence and the establishment of the United States under the Constitution.
Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson were, for all practical explanations, from two completely different worlds. She was New England born, the second daughter of a parson, and, in her own words “destitute in every part of education.” Thomas Jefferson was the highly educated, privileged first son of a wealthy Virginia planter. Their spheres should never have brought them together in friendship, but the extraordinary events of their lifetimes brought these two highly intelligent people into a friendship of conversation and correspondence that would provide posterity with a unique conversation about: the different roles, expectations of, and opportunities for men and women in the 18th century, the different economies of the northern and southern states during the founding years, the developing, opposing political views of the new nation the necessity to maintain civil and cordial conversation in the face of vastly differing experiences and opinions. Topics of debate will include women’s rights, Shays Rebellion, sedition, immigration, presidential powers, supreme court appointments, and other issues.
Surveyor Level: $350 per person. Includes an exclusive, inside tour of Newington. Guests will have access to the historic grounds and garden before and after their private tour.
Postmaster Level: $150 per person. Guests will have access to historic grounds and gardens.
Both experiences feature an array of heavy hors d'oeuvres by All in Good Taste and an open bar. Guests will enjoy a captivating ambiance with live entertainment, provided by a string quartet of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, along with opportunities to participate in a silent auction with unique items.
Garden party attire encouraged.
4:30pm Arrival time for Surveyor Level.
5:30pm Arrival for Postmaster Level.
Parking at Sewickley's Nichols Field (between Shields Lane and Little Sewickley Creek Road)
Additional Details Coming Soon!
Join SVHS for the first lecture of the 2026 - 2027 program season, when we'll explore the National Historic Preservation Act, its successes, shortfalls, and its future on the 60th anniversary of its signing with Matthew Craig, the CEO of the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh.
This program is free and open to the public.
NOTE: This lecture will be held at the Sewickley Public Library. Please use this page to register in advance.
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Copyright 2026 Sewickley Valley Historical Society SVHS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 200 Broad Street; Sewickley, PA 15143
