About the Speaker
Todd Brighton, (M.A., B.B.A.) recently retired from a rewarding 30+ year career in Federal government, supporting state, local, and tribal communities. His interest in the social, cultural and military histories of late eighteenth-century North America influenced his life-long interest in collecting period artifacts. He is currently authoring a book that explores his extensive antique collection.
“My love of history started early in life when I would spend time with my father who worked at Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum. That love of history grew after completing my graduate studies at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Living in the historic corridor stretching from South Carolina to Massachusetts has given me a deeper appreciation for 18th-century American history. As a member of the First Virginia Regiment - a Revolutionary War living history and reenactment group - I gained a deeper appreciation for the conditions and experiences faced by Continental soldiers and civilians.
I have tried whenever possible to obtain pieces that can be directly attributed to military and civilian participants in the war - my collection includes American, British, and French weapons and accoutrements, original artwork, manuscripts, and early Americana - ceramic/silver/pewter pieces.
My goal in starting this lecture series is to share my passion for this fascinating period in American history with as many people as possible. One of the most rewarding aspects of having a significant collection is the opportunity to share it with fellow citizens and history enthusiasts.”
Todd has drawn upon his collection and expertise to deliver lectures on the American Revolution, the Federal period, and the War of 1812 for a range of audiences, including well known institutions such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and the Carlyle House Historic Park; local historical organizations like the Wyandotte Historical Society; and in community settings such as the Fairfax County Public Schools, the Masonic Home of Virginia, the Grand Rapids Masonic Center, and American House Senior Living facilities.
