On March 30th, 2025 our ARRT was pleased to announce the recipients of our First Annual Book Awards at Bruce and Lynne Venter's excellent RevWar conference. The America History LLC conference is held yearly at VA Crossings hotel in Glen Allen, VA and features many distinguished speakers discussing different aspects of the Revolution. It is the nation's premier conference and is a "Not to be missed" event.
DC RT Secretary Doug Bonforte introduced the Book Award onstage while VP Gene Procknow identified the two winners, describing each book and why it was selected.
First prize of "Book of the Year"was awarded to William "Larry" Kidder for "Defending Fort Stanwix".
“Readers learn about the grit and determination of the fortress’s occupants, which led to their successful defense against a formidable adversary. However, Kidder’s account is more than simply celebrating the “fort that never surrendered.” He provides a more complete chronicle. Events in and around Fort Stanwix demonstrated that not everyone shared equally in victory, and a thin line existed between patriots and loyalists, which wavered as prospects ebbed and flowed. Bringing untold stories to life, adding complexity, substories, and individual histories makes Defending Fort Stanwix an engaging narrative.”Mr. Kidder received a Certificate and a Cash Award of $50.00. Larry gratefully thanked our group for the award, saying to the crowd he had always been interested in the topic since he was young. Since he had written the book from his heart, it was especially gratifying to have it recognized and appreciated.
“The book makes one think about the many challenges facing a Royal Governor while also addressing Wright’s personal drive to re-cover his family’s social and financial status. There is a certain irony in that despite his relative success as a Governor, Wright ultimately wound up feeling/being neglected by the Crown, much in the way the rebellious “lesser sorts” of colonists he spoke of likely felt before the Revolution.”
Warmest congratulations to both winners for their excellent books!
Both authors are encouraged to contact their respective publishers, who are free to publicize their award, which will hopefully increase awareness of their high value among the AmRev community and the general public.
