Swan Historical Foundation, Inc.

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Swan Historical Foundation, Inc. The Swan Historical Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees
President, Robert H. Swan
Chairman
LTC Richard J. Beachell
Trustees
Robert N. Fanelli
Anthony D. Michael S.

is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and inspiring continuing knowledge and appreciation of the American Revolution for the benefit of present and future generations. Kane, US Army Retired
Vice Chairman
Deborah Hvizdos

Secretary-Treasurer
James C. Giannascoli, ESQ. Jesberger
William Traubel
Collin Zimmerman
Matthew Skic
Jim Swan

Honorary Trustees
Pricilla Kim Reidinger, ESQ. George Mason
Herbert M. Patullo
Constance Schuyler, PhD. Ronald Mann
Founder
The Late H. Kels Swan

Become a Member WHAT DO WE DOSwan Historical Foundation takes part in a several activities to educ...
05/30/2026

Become a Member

WHAT DO WE DO

Swan Historical Foundation takes part in a several activities to educate the public about the American Revolution, to include:

*Care, interpretation & expansion of The Swan Collection​

*Support to organization with a common interest in the American Revolution
​Participation in historical fairs, meetings, & conferences

*Talks & lectures delivered to community, historical & patriotic groups

*Financial support for historical programs in partnership with Washington Crossing State Park of New Jersey

*Loan of artifacts to other museums

*Periodic exhibits at various locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

*Access for third parties to photograph Swan Collection artifacts for books, articles & other publications

*Annual fellowship with the David Center for the American Revolution at the Library & Museum of the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia for a graduate student of American history

*Living history talks & demonstrations
Newsletter containing articles about the Revolution and profiles of items in The Swan Collection

*Sponsorship of the Washington Crossing American Revolution Round Table

*Tabletop demonstrations of American Revolution battles

Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy​June 8, 2026, 7:30 PM via ZoomRobert N. Fanelli, author of Lydia’s Tale: The My...
04/04/2026

Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy
​June 8, 2026, 7:30 PM via Zoom

Robert N. Fanelli, author of Lydia’s Tale: The Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy, will share insights about the legendary heroine and the dark days in 1777, when the British Army occupied Philadelphia.

To request a Zoom link, please email.

The Washington Crossing American Revolution Round Table was founded in 2004 by Joseph F. Seliga.
​
It is sponsored by The Swan Historical Foundation, Inc.

03/05/2026

For Women's History Month, don't miss this free Zoom presentation by Robert N. Fanelli (from the Swan Historical Foundation, Inc.) and Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River: “Lydia Darragh, A Heroine of the American Revolution.”

Lydia is famed for eavesdropping on British General William Howe’s staff as they planned a surprise attack, then sneaking through the lines to give warning to American soldiers. Registration: https://shorturl.at/0dKuk

Lydia’s TaleThe Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot SpyTrustee and author, Robert N. Fanelli. Make sure you ...
12/20/2025

Lydia’s Tale
The Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy

Trustee and author, Robert N. Fanelli. Make sure you order a copy!

About This Book
Lydia Darragh is famed for eavesdropping on British General William Howe’s staff as they planned a surprise attack, then sneaking through the lines to give warning to American soldiers. Her actions are said to have saved George Washington’s army from a devastating ambush as it lay starving and freezing on the barren hills of Whitemarsh at the end of 1777. But did the secret she brought to the Patriots really prevent their defeat? Why would a professed pacifist choose to risk her life by intervening in military affairs? Who was the mysterious intelligence officer she met between the lines? Was her story even true?
Lydia’s Tale: The Mystery of Lydia Darragh, Irish Quaker, Patriot Spy by Robert N. Fanelli uncovers a myriad of previously unknown records, knitting together for the first time the life and experiences of this remarkable heroine of the American Revolution who lived in the heart of Philadelphia. Behind her story we find an assertive woman who took an active hand in the affairs of her family and her community. Drawing on genealogical sources, legal documents, and other correspondence, the author reconstructs Lydia Darragh’s early life in Dublin, her livelihood in Pennsylvania, and how the Revolution shaped her and her children’s lives. Exploring the context of Lydia’s tale sheds light on the activities of women in Revolutionary Philadelphia, reveals the complex issues faced by pacifist Quakers in a time of war, and brings to light the contributions of Irish immigrants in securing America’s freedom.

🔺Happy Holidays from the Swan Historical Foundation🔻
12/20/2025

🔺Happy Holidays from the Swan Historical Foundation🔻



The Swan Historical Foundation Inc., is honored and proud to support "Washington's Landing in New Jersey"so make to sure...
12/07/2025

The Swan Historical Foundation Inc., is honored and proud to support "Washington's Landing in New Jersey"
so make to sure you mark your calendars and stop by our table.

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PO 1575
Princeton, NJ
08542

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