History buffs in our community have a compelling reason to mark their calendars for next Tuesday afternoon. The Museum of Cape May County continues its popular Tuesdays at Two Lecture Series with a deep dive into one of the most intriguing mysteries from our region's Revolutionary War era.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 2 PM, local historian Laurie Boyd will present "John Hatton – Cape May County's Only Loyalist," exploring a fascinating footnote in our county's founding story. Boyd, a descendant of the original county settlers, currently serves as a researcher, historian and archivist with the Borough of Woodbine.
The lecture centers on a remarkable historical account from Thomas Leaming, who documented the early days of the American Revolution in Cape May County. According to Leaming's records, he successfully secured affidavits of loyalty to the American cause from nearly every man in the county—with one notable exception. But who was that solitary individual who remained loyal to the British Crown? And how did our community respond to this act of defiance during such turbulent times?
These questions form the heart of Boyd's presentation, which promises to shed light on a lesser-known chapter of local history. In an era when choosing sides could mean the difference between acceptance and ostracism—or worse—the story of Cape May County's lone Loyalist offers a window into the complex social dynamics of Revolutionary America at the community level.
The lecture is free and open to the public, though seating is limited. To reserve your spot, call the museum at 609-465-3535 with your name, phone number, number of guests and the name of the lecture. The museum will return your call to confirm your reservation. Donations are encouraged to help continue the lecture series.
Following the presentation, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and an informal chat period in the conference room—a perfect opportunity to discuss the lecture's revelations with fellow history enthusiasts and ask Boyd questions about her research.
For those interested in exploring more of our local heritage, The Museum of Cape May County is open on Wednesdays and Fridays for guided tours and other museum business. Tours are offered at 10 AM and 12 PM, with fees calculated by age. Children under 12 are admitted free.
