Hopewell Public Library is set to sponsor a presentation about the Lindbergh kidnapping.
East Amwell historian Jim Davidson is set to present a program focusing on the events in the Hopewell area from the night the Lindbergh baby was kidnapped from his home in East Amwell until the body of Charles Lindbergh, Jr. was found in the woods off Carter Rd. in Hopewell Township.
Davidson is the author of the recently released New Jersey’s Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial. In researching his book, Davidson and his partner Mark Falzini, archivist at the N.J. State Police Headquarters, uncovered more than 1,000 pictures of the tragedy that had not been seen since the 1930’s. He plans to share many of these pictures during his presentation.
A native of Flemington, Davidson’s life has been intertwined with the Lindbergh Kidnapping case. His first memory of “the Crime of the Century” was overhearing his parents mention the Hauptmann execution. It was broadcast live on the radio and his father said that when the switch was pulled to electrocute Hauptmann all the lights dimmed in Trenton. Later, Davidson became acquainted with William Allen who had discovered the baby in the woods in 1932.
Davidson knew many participants in the Lindbergh case including Lloyd Fisher, who was a defense attorney for Bruno Hauptmann, jurors, and police officers associated with the trial.
The presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at Hopewell Elementary School, 35 Princeton Ave., Hopewell. The program is park of Hopewell Public Library’s lecture series.
The Hopewell Public Library’s Wednesday Night Out lecture series is held on the first Wednesday of each month. Speakers include local authors, environmentalists, artists and experts.
More information is online at contact the library at 466-1625, or check the website at redlibrary.org.
