Événement

Profs & Pints: When Washington Burned

You've probably toured several of Washington's landmarks, but have you considered those that went up in smoke more than 200 years ago?

Join Denver Brunsman, a George Washington University history professor, as he tells the riveting tale of how British troops burned down nearly all of this city's public buildings in August 1814, giving America one of its greatest scares.

Professor Brunsman will describe where and how the British invaded and offer details on their torching of the Capitol, the White House, and other major structures around the city. He'll frame his talk of such mayhem by discussing the origins and significance of the conflict that caused it, the War of 1812. You'll learn how the war rallied boosters of Washington to advocate keeping the nation's capital located here, and had the effect of cementing America's independence and giving rise to nationalism in Canada.

You'll leave with a much greater appreciation not just for the city that stands here, but the ruins that much of it was built upon. (Tickets $10 in advance and $12 at the door.)