From Chester County to Independence Hall: The Life & Legacy of John Morton (Virtual)

In 1776, John Morton (1725–1777) of Chester County was among the 56 men who boldly signed the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the thirteen American colonies free and independent from the British Empire. By that time, he was one of Pennsylvania’s most accomplished public servants—serving simultaneously as a delegate to the Continental Congress, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, and Associate Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Each of these roles placed him at the heart of the Pennsylvania State House—the building we know today as Independence Hall. Few men knew that building better than Morton, and this great symbol of American democracy will stand at the center of the America 250 Semiquincentennial.

Join local historian and researcher John E. Smith III for a presentation exploring Morton’s life and legacy. The program will trace how Morton’s Chester County upbringing and early civic career shaped his political positions and values—laying the foundation for his rise in Pennsylvania politics and his pivotal role in securing American independence.

Admission is Pay as You Wish! Your donation is greatly appreciated. All proceeds benefit the development of future programming and the preservation of the History Center and its collections. The History Center is home to over 750,000 manuscripts, 100,000 photographs, and 70,000 artifacts. Your donation helps us to preserve and share those resources.

This virtual event will be recorded, and a link to the recording will be emailed to all registrants.