The Southampton History Museum presents the launch of The Distinguished Lecture Series, a new program bringing leading historians, scholars, and cultural thinkers to the Rogers Mansion for engaging conversations that illuminate the people, events, and ideas that have shaped our world. The Southampton Inn is the Founding Sponsor of the series.
Award-winning archaeologist and scholar Dr. Richard Veit will open the series on Saturday, November 14, at 5 PM in the Music Room at the Rogers Mansion. His lecture, “Unearthing Point Breeze, the Fabled Estate of Stephen Sayre and Joseph Bonaparte,” will explore the remarkable history of one of America’s most extraordinary early nineteenth-century estates and the fascinating figures who called it home.
“History is not simply about understanding the past. It’s about discovering how the past continues to shape our lives today,” said Sarah Kautz, Executive Director of the Southampton History Museum. “We want this series to bring fresh perspectives and engaging conversations to Southampton, encouraging audiences to look at history in new and unexpected ways. We are especially grateful to the Southampton Inn for its generous support as the Founding Sponsor of The Distinguished Lecture Series.”
Located along the Delaware River in Bordentown, New Jersey, Point Breeze was once home to Stephen Sayre, the Southampton-born Revolutionary War patriot, merchant, and international political figure. In 1816, Sayre sold the estate to Joseph Bonaparte, Napoleon’s older brother and the former King of Spain and Naples. After Napoleon’s defeat, Bonaparte fled Europe and transformed the property into a magnificent country estate with grand residences, elaborate gardens, an extraordinary art collection, and one of America’s largest private libraries.
Dr. Veit led archaeological excavations at Point Breeze that uncovered remains of the estate’s long-lost mansion and landscaped grounds, shedding new light on its extraordinary history. The lecture complements the Museum’s current exhibition, “Stephen Sayre’s American Revolution,” which explores the life and legacy of Sayre (1736–1818), a largely overlooked figure whose extraordinary experiences placed him at the center of some of the most consequential events of the American Revolution. Dr. Veit serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Monmouth University, where he is also a professor of anthropology. His extensive archaeological research has deepened understanding of early American history.
The lecture is free and open to the public. RSVP by visiting southamptonhistory.org.