Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington
(Henry Holt & Co., 2022)

Saturday, September 24, 2022
1:30 PM
Rollins Community Center and Lewes History Museum

Presented in partnership with CAMP Rehoboth.

About the book
For decades, the specter of homosexuality haunted Washington. The mere suggestion that a person might be gay destroyed reputations, ended careers, and ruined lives. At the height of the Cold War, fear of homosexuality became intertwined with the growing threat of international communism, leading to a purge of gay men and lesbians from the federal government. A decades-long witch hunt impacted everything from the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI to the ascent of Joseph McCarthy, the struggle for Black civil rights, and the rise of the conservative movement.

About the author
James Kirchick is the author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age. His articles about civil rights, politics, and culture have appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic.

Kirchick was in conversation with David M. Skover at the event.

David M. Skover is a former professor of law at Seattle University School of Law. His areas of expertise include constitutional law and First Amendment jurisprudence. Skover and Ronald Collins have co-authored several publications, including the award-winning book, The Trials of Lenny Bruce.

Purchase the book
Please help support local independent bookstores by purchasing this book at Browseabout Books, official bookseller of the History Book Festival. Online sources and digital versions are tempting; however, supporting local brick and mortar shops helps to preserve our vibrant main streets. Drop by Browseabout, order books online, or call the store at 302-226-2665. You also may purchase a copy at biblion in Lewes.

About the Festival
With the help of our presenting sponsors—Delaware Humanities and The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices I PenFed Realty—as well as our community partners and volunteers, the 2022 History Book Festival was full of great discussions with authors of newly published narrative nonfiction and historical fiction.

Special thanks to Lewes Public Library, for venue and assistance with event promotion; to Browseabout Books in Rehoboth, our official bookseller; and to the Cape Gazette and Delmarva Public Media, our media partners.

Mark your calendars for the 2023 History Book Festival. Join our authors, interviewers, and other attendees at live events throughout the weekend of September 29, 30, and October 1.