Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century - PA Chapter

I had so much fun attending the annual meeting and 75th anniversary celebration of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century on 9/20/26, and was delighted to be invited to be their guest speaker. My talk featured Elizabeth Graeme of Graeme Park and what I learned about her while researching for my book, The Power to Deny. I've done the talk a number of times now, and each time I'm just as amazed by her life as I was the first time I went digging in the archives. We tend to think it's modern society that's so chaotic, scandalous, and gossipy, but Philadelphia in the 18th century could throw it down, too. A part of me will always be fond of Elizabeth and I'll always remember what she endured. One of the questions in the Q&A was: Do I think Graeme Park is haunted? I don't know. I hope not. I hope Elizabeth finally moved on, and could get the peace that she never had while living. Although if Graeme Park is haunted, I would guess it would be one of the upstairs bedrooms, where her sister died in childbirth and where she witnessed her father, while walking outside, keel over and never recover. This event was held at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern, which was surprisingly elegant. Shout out to staff behind the Sunday brunch, which was truly delicious. The selection at the buffet was extensive. Malcolm came with me, and was happy to see there was bacon and honeydew melon. Now there's a happy husband. He lost seeing the first half of the Eagles game to come and support me, so let's hear it for the bacon! And melon. In all seriousness, the Colonial Daughters impressed me with their ancestral stories, attention to detail at the event, and commitment to patriotism and history. Thank you to Judi, chapter president, for having me, and Mariam, chapter chaplain, for organizing my attendance in such kind and detailed way.