Jane Scimeca, professor of history at Brookdale Community College, will present a program on Gerladine L. Thompson, once known as New Jersey’s First Lady, on Thursday, March 27 at 7 p.m.
The program is being presented by the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library at its location on Route 35 in Shrewsbury with registrations strongly recommended to ensure seating.
Geraldine Thompson, who was recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, had successful and active careers as a political leader, reformer, philanthropist and owner of Brookdale Farm, currently the home of Brookdale College.
The Farm was created in the 1870s by David Dunham Withers and was purchased by Thompson’s husband . In the late 1960s, Mrs. Thompson saw it as an estate that should be shared with others, and she bequeathed a substantial portion of the estate to Monmouth County as part of the Monmouth County Park System.
As a horse farm, the historic site was once one of the greatest horse farms in North America and its history includes a number of well known race horses during the nation’s golden age of thoroughbred racing.
Scimeca will explore Mrs. Thomspon’s remarkable life story based on extensive research through the Monmouth County archives, libraries and the Thompson family history.
Scimeca, who teaches World History and Women’s History, is also a host on a New Books in Women’s History podcast, and is writing her first biography, “Mrs. Thompson Saves the day: The life of Geraldine L. Thompson.”
Reservations can be made by calling the library at 866-941-8188 or e-mailing monmouthCountyLib.org
