Delaware Humanities has selected one of my research topics for inclusion in its 2025–2026 Speakers Bureau. My lecture series, titled “The Shadow of the Gallows: The History of Capital Punishment in America,” will be available for public programming across the state beginning November 1, 2025, and continuing throughout the 2026 calendar year.
This selection followed a competitive review process in which proposed programs were evaluated for scholarly merit, public relevance, and educational value. As a result of that review, Delaware Humanities selected it as a talk that will be offered publicly across the State.
The presentation explores the deep and often controversial history of capital punishment in the United States. It traces the evolution of the death penalty from colonial-era public executions to the modern legal and ethical debates surrounding abolition. The program highlights landmark cases, key reforms, and the shifting cultural attitudes that have shaped American justice.
Special attention is given to the role of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region, where the history of capital punishment reflects broader national trends while also revealing unique local dynamics. The talk is designed to foster thoughtful discussion and reflection on justice, ethics, and historical memory.
Whether you’re part of a library, historical society, school, civic group, or other community organization, this capital punishment talk program offers an opportunity to explore one of the most consequential aspects of American legal history.
Interested in hosting or attending?
Visit the link below to learn more about the program and how to book it through Delaware Humanities:
The Shadow of the Gallows – Program Info & Booking
