East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society

110 King St, East Greenwich, RI | Get Directions »
FREE

Sex, lust, abortion and class differences played a part in two sensational Rhode Island murder trials in March, 1833.  The cases will be described at the next meeting of the East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society, on Monday, January 21st.

Guest speaker Raymond Lavertue will tell us about the murder of pregnant, working class Sally Burdick by wealthy David Gibbs, whose crime was largely forgotten.  At the same time Epheraim Avery, a married minister, was indicted for killing Sarah Cornell, a pregnant mill worker.  His fate was quite different. 

Raymond Lavertue is completing his doctorate in History at Oxford University on the first modern biography of Thomas Wilson Dorr of Dorr War fame.

The program begins at 6:30 with a potluck supper at the Old Jail, 110 King Street.  Professor Lavertue's talk "The Instigation of the Devil" begins at 7:30.  The event is free and open to the public.  Please call Sue Currado at 884-4643 for reservations.