An Evening with Richard Vague

Members of the Revolution Society, George Washington Council, and select invited guests are invited to an exclusive book launch presentation and reception on Wednesday, Feb. 18, featuring economic historian, futurist, and author Richard Vague.  

Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will host Richard Vague to celebrate the launch of his latest book, The Banker Who Made America: Thomas Willing and the Rise of the American Financial Aristocracy, 1731-1821. In his book, Vague illuminates the powerful business network that Thomas Willing dominated, as described by President John Adams  in 1813: “[George] Washington and [Alexander] Hamilton, with all their Understrappers Tools, Satilites and Puffers, were in the Way: all governed by Willings and Chews and Bingham and Yard [...] ”  

In a lively discussion on American economics and entrepreneurship, Richard Vague will present about the remarkable life of Revolutionary banker Thomas Willing – mayor, assemblyman, congressman, and Supreme Court justice – who lived only blocks away from the Museum and whose legacy continues to shape the financial architecture of the United States today. Set in the Museum’s third-floor Liberty Hall, the program will begin at 6 p.m. and includes a reception with the author to follow.  

This evening program and reception is exclusive to members of the Revolution Society, George Washington Council, and additional invited guests. To RSVP, please contact Museum Leadership Giving Manager Jane Hayden at [email protected] or 267.579.3364.  

Corporate Members of the Museum are invited to arrive early to meet the author for a happy hour toast in Founders Boardroom, 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., hosted by the Museum’s Corporate Advisory Council. For more information, please contact Museum Corporate Partnerships Manager Meredith Pollock at [email protected] or 267.579.3392.  

About the Speaker  

Richard Vague is a businessman, banker, and commentator on economics. He is the former Secretary of Banking and Securities for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His previous books include The Case for a Debt Jubilee and The Paradox of Debt. Learn more at https://www.richardvague.com/.   

About the Revolution Society

Contributions from this most dedicated group of advocates in the Revolution Society enable the Museum to secure our future, sustain our programs, and foster new initiatives that are core to our mission. Membership in the Revolution Society begins at $1,000 per year and includes exclusive invitations to behind-the-scenes programs and additional benefits, including complimentary access to Read the Revolution Speaker Series. Have questions about the Revolution Society? Please contact our Leadership Giving team at 267.579.3364 or [email protected].