Historic Towns & Sites of the Chesapeake BayA cruise from Philadelphia to Alexandria

Study Leaders

David O. Stewart
After practicing law for more than 25 years, David O. Stewart began a second career writing history. His first book, The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution, was a Washington Post bestseller and won the Washington Writing Award as Best Book of 2007. His latest work, American Emperor, Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, is an examination of Burr’s remarkable Western expedition, an undertaking that shook the nation’s foundations at a time when those foundations were none too solid. David is also working on a historical novel exploring the John Wilkes Booth Conspiracy, The Lincoln Deception—which will be released in September 2013. During our voyage David will draw from his books to bring to life crucial episodes in the history of the American Republic that occurred in the great cities along these shores.

Bill Messenger
Bill Messenger is a teacher, historian, and author, as well as a composer, music critic, and pianist. During his presentations, Bill will focus on the wit and whimsy of 20th-century American popular music, including behind-the-scenes stories of Fred and Ginger, reflections on the enigma of Frank Sinatra, and intriguing insights into classic songs from Jerome Kern's "Old Man River" to Paul McCartney's "Yesterday."