Brian Armstrong, Author of "The Franklin Park Tragedy," to Give Book Talk and Signing at Franklin Library - 9/23/19

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Brian Armstrong, Author of The Franklin Park Tragedy, to Give Book Talk and Signing at Franklin Library (Somerset)
Monday, September 23, 2019

The Franklin Township Public Library is pleased to welcome Brian Armstrong, author of The Franklin Park Tragedy on Monday, September 23, 2019 at 7:00 pm. He will give a presentation (with Q&A) on the subject of his book. A book signing will conclude the event. Books will be available for sale for $20. The event is free and open to the public.


The Franklin Park Tragedy (The History Press August 19, 2019) tells the story of how on March 1, 1894, two African American men broke into a home in rural Franklin Park and murdered a white woman and her daughter before her husband fought and killed the attackers. The newspapers called it the 'Franklin Park Tragedy,' and the story attracted public attention nationally and abroad. Another tragedy came afterward, with the racist forced expulsion of many local African American residents. Author Brian Armstrong tells the shocking story of this 'sundown town' and how it evolved into today’s diverse community.

Brian Armstrong is a historian, researcher, and author. Native to New Jersey, Armstrong is now a resident of Mount Laurel, NJ. He received a bachelor's degree in history and political science from American University. He was the president of the South River Historical and Preservation Society for ten years and is now the vice president of the League of Historical Societies (Central Region). He is co-author of South River (Arcadia Publishing 2015). Armstrong lectures throughout the state of New Jersey on local history and other topics.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested but not required. Sign up using the library’s online events calendar at www.franklintwp.org or by calling 732-873-8700 ext. 111. The Franklin Township Public Library is located at 485 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873 in the township municipal complex.


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