History and maritime storytelling come together during Maritime Power Before the Making of America, a midday program at the Charleston Library Society featuring early American historian Benjamin C. Schaffer. The event explores the little-known naval forces that shaped the colonies long before the American Revolution and offers a deeper look into the maritime traditions that influenced the nation’s earliest defenses and trade routes.
Taking place on March 13, 2026, from 12 PM to 1 PM, the program highlights insights from Schaffer’s book The First Fleets: Colonial Navies of the British Atlantic World, 1630–1775. Guests will discover how colonial governments established independent naval forces and navigated threats from European powers, pirates, and shifting political alliances across the Atlantic world.
Hosted at the Charleston Library Society on King Street, the experience blends lecture, discussion, and historical perspective, offering both history enthusiasts and curious travelers a meaningful way to explore Charleston’s maritime legacy. A boxed lunch is included with ticket purchase, creating a relaxed midday setting for learning and conversation.
