Sons Speaker Series: Richard Vague
The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of The Revolution is pleased to announce the next in our series of historical lectures.
Richard Vague is an American businessman, venture capitalist, and author of six books. He will be sharing with us his scholarship and research from his new biography of Thomas Willing, early America’s most powerful and overlooked merchant banker.
Who is Thomas Willing?
The First Banker: Willing served as the first president of the Bank of North America and the first president of the Bank of the United States. The Fateful Vote: He voted against the Declaration of Independence in July 1776 because he feared economic ruin and chaos. Saving the Revolution: Despite his initial opposition, Willing and his associates helped raise funds and stabilize the new nation’s currency and financial system. And lastly, he wielded so much influence that political leaders like John Adams complained that key founders were guided by him.
Some of the other key themes from the book:
Financial Roots: The book explains how the American Revolution relied as much on banking and credit as it did on military force.
Class Tensions: It details the fierce political and social conflicts between wealthy coastal merchants and interior working classes.
Lasting Impact: It shows how early financiers built an American financial aristocracy and shaped the economic system we have today.
Please join us for this evening event, in partnership with our friends at Historic Waynesborough.
Location: Historic Waynesborough
Address: 2055 Waynesborough Road, Paoli, PA 19301
Date: September 22, 2026
Time: 6pm (please arrive early)
Subscription: $20/person (please pay below)
**Students are welcome to attend for FREE. To register as a student, we ask you to please email the office directly to request a student ticket: [email protected]
All attendees are welcome to join us after the lecture for a brief reception where wine and beer will be served to those 21 and older. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO ATTEND THIS LECTURE, PLEASE PAY BELOW WITH A CREDIT CARD
If you have any questions, please contact the Society office directly:
[email protected] or (215) 545-1888