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The Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS) is pleased to announce a new program series exploring the history of the notorious Doan Gang of Bucks County, PA, offered throughout October and November 2021. The series consists of three virtual programs and one in-person program that highlight artifacts and archives related to the gang and their history.
At the time of the American Revolution, the Doan Gang was a group of British loyalists in Bucks County, PA. The gang was composed of around 30 members, the most notorious being five brothers and one cousin from the Doan family of Plumstead, Bucks County. Among these members were accused murderers, accused traitors, horse thieves, and those who ferried prisoners of war across British lines. The Doan Gang was also guilty of robbing tax collectors, their most famous crime being the theft of the Bucks County Treasury on October 22, 1781.
Just in time for the 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury robbery, the Doan Gang program series focuses on separating historical fact from fiction and dispelling the many myths surrounding this infamous group. The research for this series is founded on archival records, including court documents, eyewitness accounts, newspaper appearances, maps, and depositions, many of which come from BCHS archives. This research was also supplemented by records from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Library and Archives of Canada, and the Newtown Historic Association.
These programs are designed to be enjoyed as a complete series, as they tell the story of the Doan Gang chronologically, although guests can register for just one or all. Tickets for each presentation are sold separately.
Royal Refugees: Join or Die! – Virtual Lecture #1Zoom LectureWednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.$10 Virtual Connection per household/ $5 Member Virtual Connection per household
Royal Refugees: By Force and Arms! – Virtual Lecture #2Zoom LectureWednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.$10 Virtual Connection per household/ $5 Member Virtual Connection per household
Royal Refugees: Giants of Villainy! – Virtual Lecture #3Zoom LectureWednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.$10 Virtual Connection per household/ $5 Member Virtual Connection per household
In-Person Presentation:
Royal Refugees: The 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury Robbery
Elkins Gallery at the Mercer Museum – 84 S. Pine St. Doylestown, PA Friday, October 22, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.$20 General Admission/ $15 Member General Admission
Join us on the 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury robbery in Newtown, PA, by the members of the notorious Doan Gang. This behind-the-scenes in-person program at the Mercer Museum showcases prominent artifacts and documents pertaining to the Doan Gang and the robbery. This presentation begins with a 15-minute overview of the robbery and gang members, followed by an interactive Q&A with Bucks County Historical Society library and curatorial staff. After the program, guests will have plenty of time to browse through never-before-seen collections items from the vaults of the Bucks County Historical Society, some of which were owned by the gang members.
Tickets for Royal Refugees: The Doan Gang of Bucks County are available at www.mercermuseum.org/doangang.