Bartlett Library provides history on Alexander Hamilton

On Thursday, August 25, 64 Bartlett Library patrons were able to experience the history of Alexander Hamilton due to the talent of local actor Terry Lynch.

Lynch dressed to impress as he looked and performed the part of Hamilton. This gave the audience a first person experience into the life of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

Hamilton was raised only by his mother, his father having abandoned them both before Hamilton was born. Having been brought up by his mother, he learned many valuable lessons that he would carry on for the rest of his life.

His mother owned a shop, and as time went by, she became well-respected by those in the same town. To pay tribute to his mother, after her death, the townspeople all pulled together and sponsored Hamilton to go to the New World. Once there, he studied law at King's College (now better known as Columbia University), and quickly became a successful lawyer.

It was during his time as a lawyer that made him see many of the King's injustices to the people. This would plant the seed for Hamilton to become a part of changing the colonies forever.

His career path momentarily changed due to the Revolutionary War, where he fought as a soldier. He eventually gained so much notoriety that he became a confidant to George Washington. Hamilton looked up to Washington as the father he never had, and Washington took him on as if he was his own son.

Hamilton learned much from Washington, such as the importance of image, respectability and the trust of those being lead. It was these qualities that would lead Washington to become the first president of the United States.

After the war, Hamilton returned to his law firm. It was at this point that Lynch, as Hamilton, said, "I don't mean to boast, but I shall boast. I was a magnificent lawyer."

From everything that he had seen and lived through, Hamilton spearheaded a conference that would tumble into the creation of the Constitution.

Afterwards, he served as Secretary of Treasury under President Washington. He later resigned from his position for he could no longer take being talked down to by Washington.

What became his ultimate downfall was when Hamilton challenged the character of a man named Aaron Burr. Burr grew angry at the buildup of defamations, so he challenged Hamilton to a duel.

The duel was supposed to be a gentleman's duel, where both participants would stand before each other and have the onlookers turn their backs on them. The two would fire their weapon into the air or ground so they could say they both fought for their honor.

Hamilton chose to duel with the same type of pistol his son used in the duel where he died. He shot first, shooting into the air, but Burr took aim right at Hamilton. Burr shot his pistol and mortally wounded Hamilton, who died the next day from the injury.

Lynch then concluded his presentation by saying that Hamilton "came to the country with nothing but the promise of limitless possibilities."

An upcoming Adult Services program will be "Keep Calm & Color On" at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Come and experience the latest trend in relaxation: adult coloring books! Studies show coloring has a calming effect on the adult mind and helps to promote overall wellness. Coloring pages and colored pencils will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Registration is required.

For information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call (630) 837-2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.