If Brian Kilmeade could be cloned and sent to all the high schools in this country, our love of America would grow by leaps and bounds; and students would get in line to take history classes. Speaking on Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Seawanhaka Yacht Club, Kilmeade shared tales of George Washington and his Long Island Spy Ring from his book George Washington’s Secret Six. Kilmeade’s telling held the excitement of a Super Bowl finish—with Robert Townsend crossing the 30-yard line and heading for the end zone. (Kilmeade’s first two books were sports oriented.)
The author is co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox and Friends and also hosts Kilmeade and Friends on Fox News Radio. This, his third book, hit number three on the NY Times Bestseller list and is Penguin’s leading book for the year.
Kilmeade, who was a jock at Massapequa High School, has that sports-writer enthusiasm when telling a story. He puts you right on the page with him as he takes you into the world of the George Washington Culper Spy Ring, which operated in the heart of the North Shore. It’s where many of the listeners at Seawanhaka are from, and many had comments to add to his history.
Kilmeade appreciated the input, saying he wanted to thank all the people on Long Island who helped him nail down the true story of how George Washington’s spy ring pulled victory out of the hands of the British. The Brits didn’t think much of the colonists’ ability to fight and didn’t realize that George Washington knew his chances were poor, and that only with the help of good intelligence could he win the war.
To search out the truth for the story that Kilmeade has been following for a decade, he got together a panel of 22 experts in the field, and taped the session, as they battled out the myths to find the stories behind them. He is still interested in finding out more of the story.
Kilmeade wants America to give Long Island its due. He is planning to add new material to the book when it comes out in paperback. It belongs on your shelf of local history.
The Spymasters lecture series will continue with Evan Thomas speaking on March 9. A “local son,” Thomas has authored eight books. His most recent is Ike’s Bluff: President Eisenhower’s Secret Battle to Save the World (2012).
This great series brings to light the importance of spies and their intelligence work in changing the outcomes of history.
Space is limited, so please call 516-922-6808 to reserve. Tickets are $100 or $75 for members. The lecture is followed by a buffet dinner.
