The popular “History Happy Hour” at the Historical Society of Kent County is rolling around again as we prepare to flip the calendar over to April. For the April 3rd program Kevin Hemstock, talks about his new book, “Injustice on the Eastern Shore – Race and the Hill Murder Trial.”
A chilling crime shook the County in 1892 when Dr. James Heighe Hill was murdered outside of Millington, as he was on his way to treat a patient. The community was outraged and the authorities charged nine African-Americans with murder. Lynching rumors simmered while the prosecutor presented the case, trying Hill’s alleged assailants as a group. Although some were bystanders, all but one were convicted and sentenced. Four were executed by hanging, while the rest died in prison.
The former editor of the Kent County News has been investigating this sensational crime for years, examining court records, pouring over old newspapers, studying primary sources, and interviewing people. He will share the tragic and compelling story “of justice denied on Maryland’s Eastern Shore” during the “history happy hour.”
Copies of the book will also be available for sale at the time. The cover price for the book is $19.95.
Stop by between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month for a laid-back history program with great wine and fabulous cheese, before starting out for an enjoyable evening in Chestertown. The program is free and open to the public, but donations from no-members are appreciated.
The April 3rd program takes place at the Bordley History Center, 301 High Street, Chestertown, MD.
Kevin Hemstock
Reflections on Delmarva's Past 