Services
Dr. George J. Hill
Lectures
Dr. Hill is available to speak on a wide variety of topics, each of which is designed to suit the size and location of the audience. Lectures can be either in the form of conversations and book readings, or illustrated with PowerPoint projections.
Lectures are readily available on topics in:
1. History
2. Genealogy
3. The History of Medicine
4. Travel and Adventure
5. Thomas Edison’s Footsteps
Please consult About Us for a comprehensive list of topics. Following are some of Dr. Hill’s lectures:
1. History and Current Events
Edisons and the Navy: Thomas and Charles Edison and the Rise of the U.S. Navy
Ethan Allen and the Creation of Vermont. Re-enactment, by His Distant Cousin
Fall from Grace: The Troubled Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Cotton Mather – a power point lecture
Health Matters: A New View of Human History
Intimate Relationships: Secret Affairs of Church and State and the Rubber Industry in the U.S. and Liberia, 1917-1947
Khyber Pass, Kabul, Karachi, a Jeep, and Hollywood, 1943-2013
Khyber, Peshawar, and the Great Game in 1943
Leprosy: An Ancient Tragedy, A Modern Problem – a power point lecture
Master and Commander, Surgeon and Spy: Nautical Medicine and Naval Intelligence in the Napoleonic Era: The Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O’Brian
Ogdens and Edisons: A Revolutionary Family. Patriots, Loyalists, and More.
Peace: A Lecture to the 9th Gershowitz Conference, Center for Media and Peace Initiatives, Inc. Also available as a power point lecture
Poetry Readings: From A Lesson in Reality and Prairie Daughter
Proceed to Peshawar: A U.S. Naval Intelligence Mission on the Afghan Border, 1943. When the U.S. Entered the Great Game, and Then Promptly Forgot about It
Quakers, Plantations, and Lawyers in Colonial Pennsylvania
Saint Luke, the Evangelist: History’s Most Famous Physician
Terrible Swift Sword: The American Civil War – a power point lecture
The Death of John Paul Jones: The Naval Hero Looks Back on His Life on the Day of His Death. A Play in One Act
The Naval War of 1812
The Tragic Story of “Goody” Nurse in Salem, 1692 – a power point lecture
The U.S. of Today Began in New Amsterdam
“The Winthrop Woman” and Her Contemporaries: The Role of Women in Colonial America, 1607-1707
Travels on the Silk Road in 2017 – a power point lecture
Theodore Roosevelt and Alfred Thayer Mahan: The Rise of the U.S. Navy from the War of 1812 to the Global War on Terror
Three Women of Power in the 11th Century: Lady Godiva, Lady Macbeth, and Saint Margaret of Scotland
Toxic Edison: The Great Inventor Was Also a Great Polluter – power point lecture
War Letters: From the Correspondence of Dr. William T. Shoemaker, Major, A.E.S., in World War I in France, and His Family in Philadelphia – in power point
2. Genealogy
A Family Divided: The Putnam Family and “Goody” Nurse in Salem, 1692
Are We All Related? The Web of Connections in Colonial-Era Ancestors
Lieutenant Colonel Rufus Herrick in the Revolutionary War – a power point lecture
“Look to the Mountain”: The Story of a Family from New Hampshire to Iowa – a power point lecture
“My Green Valley”: An Appreciation of Lineage Societies
Readings of Poetry and Prose from Essie Mae Hill’s book, Prairie Daughter
Red Blood and Blue Blood: “The” Prescott Family and the “Other” Prescott Family
Reconciliation – Stories of Families Divided by War and United in Peace
3. The History of Medicine
A Meditation on Saint Luke, the Evangelist and Physician
Colonial and Early 19th Century Medicine – a power point lecture
Hacks and Quacks: Medicine in the American Colonies, 1607-1776
In Sickness and Health: A Medical History of 1215, the Year of Magna Charta
Leeches and Privies: The Influence of Health and Illness Upon History
Medicine and the Opera: Health, Illness, and Death in Grand Opera
Nautical Medicine and Naval Intelligence in the Era of the American Revolution
Physick and Chirgurie: Medicine and Surgery in Colonial America
Semper Veritas: Lessons Learned in a Half Century of Surgical Oncology and Forty
Years in the Operating Room
The History of Medicine – a power point lecture
The Role of Medicine in Human Development – a power point lecture
4. Travel and Adventure
Alaska, 2018: From Mount McKinley in Denali National Park to the Glaciers of the Inner Passage – a power point lecture
China, 2012: from Beijing to Lhasa, via Xian, to Chungking, Chengdu, the Yangtze Gorge, and Shanghai – power point lecture
Hawaii, 2019: Travels on Oahu and the Nearby Pacific – a power point lecture
Ranch Hand: Making Hay and Horsing Around in Two Dot, Montana, in the Summer of 1954 – a power point lecture
The Southern Selkirks of British Columbia in 1955: First Ascents and New Routes – a power point lecture
5. Thomas Edison’s Footsteps
VISITS TO THE HOMES AND FACTORIES OF THOMAS A. EDISON IN NEW JERSEY
Eighteen Lectures and Seven Walks in New Jersey
Based on
Edison’s Environment: The Great Inventor Was Also a Great Polluter
Roselle, N.J. “Roselle: The First Electrified Village. Thomas Edison’s Electrolier, His Generator, and His Vision to Light Up the World.” First Presbyterian Church, Roselle.
Madison, N.J., Public Library. “Edison in Morris County: Some Surprises.”
West Caldwell, N.J., Public Library. “It Began in Caldwell: Thomas Edison’s New Jersey Ancestors, and the Impact of The Great Inventor on New Jersey.”
Newark, N.J. “Young Edison in Newark.”
Montclair, N.J. “Toxic Edison: The Contradictory Legacy of the Great Inventor.”
West Orange, N.J. “Edison’s Home, His Laboratory, and His Factories in West Orange.”
George Hill at the Edison Factory, West Orange, NJ
Union, N.J. “Thomas Edison in Elizabeth and Union, N.J.” Ingersoll Terrace, Union, N.J.: The Edison Concrete Houses.
Jersey City, N.J. “Jersey City: Thomas Edison’s First Shop in New Jersey, and His Other Connections to the Morris Canal and Hudson County.”
Newark, N.J. “Thomas Edison in Newark, 1870-1875: The Early Years of the Great Inventor’s Life and Work in New Jersey.” Walk to see the sites of Edison’s residences and shops in Newark.
Edison Township, N.J. “The Wizard in Menlo Park.” Walk to see the site of Edison’s laboratory, shop, and homes in Menlo Park, at the Edison Tower Museum and Park.
Harrison, N.J. “Edison and His Harrison Lamp Works.”
West Orange, N.J. “Edison in West Orange: The Laboratory, the Factories, and His Home, ‘Glenmont,’ in Llewellyn Park.” Walking tour of the perimeter of the Edison National Historic Site and of his home, Glenmont, in Llewellyn Park, and of the Storage Battery Factory that is being converted to condominiums.
Glen Ridge, N.J. “Edison in Glen Ridge, New Jersey: The Forgotten History of Edison’s Ink Factory and His Battery Factory, When Glen Ridge Was an Industrial Town.”
Belleville, N.J. “Edison and the Destruction of Silver Lake.” Walking tour of the former Edison plant property and adjacent streets in Belleville and Bloomfield.
Bloomfield, N.J. “Edison and the Destruction of Silver Lake.”
Morristown, N.J. “Edison and Morris County: Lake Hopatcong, and His Iron and Cement Industries.”
Sparta and Ogdensburg, N.J. “Edison and Iron Mining: Sparta, Ogdensburg, and Lake Hopatcong.” Walking tour of Sparta Mountain top and Main Street, Ogdensburg.
Warren County Library, N.J. “Edison and Cement: The Little-Known History of the Edison Portland Cement Company.” Walking tour of Edison Road from Route 57 to Good Springs Road, New Village, N.J.
Kearny, N.J. “Edison and Kearny, New Jersey: The Forgotten History of the E-Mark Battery Factory in the Meadowlands and the Model A Ford.”
Madison, N.J. “Edison’s Environment: Invention and Pollution in the Career of Thomas Edison. Judging Edison – The Issue of Accountability.”
Dr. Hill’s speaker’s fee is negotiable. Please Contact Us for a quote.
Comments from some Satisfied Customers:
“Hill proves a genial guide …has brought out a side to Thomas Edison that urgently bears remembering.” Review of Edison’s Environment.
“As you lectured last year, I know area residents would enjoy seeing you again.” Arttekk Gallery, Sparta, N.J.
“Bravo Zulu. Nice job today. Interesting, well presented.” Naval Order of the United States, New York Commandery.
“Thank you for your outstanding efforts and career presentation.” Senior Learning-for-Life Executive, New Jersey.
“Great speech. We really appreciate your efforts.” Military Officers Association of America, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.
“Great talk. Fascinating subject,” Jamestowne Society, Princeton, N.J.
“Your Revolutionary War uniform added much to the flavor of the evening. Many thanks,” Navy League of the U.S., Paterson, N.J.
“Thank you so much for the presentation on Sunday. It was so enjoyable for all and we appreciate your willingness to step in at the 11th hour.” National Society Colonial Dames of America in the State of New Jersey, Westampton, N.J.
“My thanks to you again, George, for thinking this tour up, putting it together … It was the highlight of the weekend…and I continue to tell everyone about it!” Vice President General, Sons of the American Revolution.
“The precision with which you describe the geography of Edison’s meanderings in NJ recalls, to me, your background as a surgeon, one who must understand anatomy exquisitely in order to operate properly.” Past President, Medical History Society of New Jersey.
“It was great to meet you today, and the talk on Edison was fascinating. Thanks so much for contributing to a very successful meeting!” President, Newark (N.J.) Rotary Club.
“Thank you so much for sharing your research on Thomas Edison with us this week. I am so pleased that you were able to visit Sterling College and to participate in our Spring Speaker Series. Our Speaker Series is one of the ways we engage with colleagues from around the world.” Speaker Series Coordinator, Faculty of Circumpolar Studies.
“Thank you for your outstanding efforts and career presentation for the high school students. They can learn more about a career field by hearing about it from a professional like you, first hand.” Learning for Life Executive.
“I want to thank you for the excellent presentation on Edison last Friday. I received numerous compliments from the members on choosing you as a speaker.” Program Chairman, Dunworkin Club.
“Thank you for presenting a wonderful program. As usual, your 18th century impression was terrific! You have helped us fulfill our mission of educating the public about our history and gave us a great time as you did so.” Executive Director, Peachfield Plantation.
“Your remarks were great, and were appreciated by those in attendance today.” President, South Jersey Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution.
“Very interesting …” Jamestowne Society, Princeton, N.J.
“Certificate of Appreciation” to Capt. George J. Hill from Flagon and Trencher Society “for his portrayal of Commodore John Paul Jones at our 2010 Annual Meeting,” Pittsgrove, N.J.
“Thank you for your excellent program on Thomas Edison.” Montclair (N.J.) Women’s Club.
“Thank you again for a very fine presentation.” Baronial Order of the Magna Charta, Essington, Pa.
“Very interesting. Thank you for your presentation.” Somerset County (N.J.) Historical Society.
“I want to thank you again for the excellent presentation you provided to the Dunworkin Club . . . an extremely interesting story from WWII.” Program Chairman, Dunworkin Club, Upper Montclair, N.J.
“We thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. Your slides and narrative speak for themselves, but the young members especially appreciated that you returned to share your experiences and thoughts.” Harvard Mountaineering Club.
“It was a sincere pleasure to have you speak to the folks at the Ferry Slip Museum today. We appreciate your coming to share with us.”
“Thank you for your presentation on the Rev. Cotton Mather.” First Colony, New Jersey Society of Mayflower Descendants.
“Thank you for your talk on Cotton Mather. Your costume was gorgeous. The program was interesting. Getting to know you is priceless.” Associated Daughters of Early American Witches.
“Your presentation at Colonial Physicians was warmly appreciated.” Order of Descendants of Colonial Physicians and Chirurgiens.
“Great talk” — for lecture on “Proceed to Peshawar – A New Look at Afghan-Pakistan Relations,” to Great Decisions at Fearrington, N.C. Dr. Charles Waldren,
“Dr. George Hill was a surgical oncologist at University Hospital. He was the first attending surgeon I scrubbed in with as a medical student. He was a source of comapssion, justice and support for me and others. I will never forget his kindness.” Comment by Labrini C. Liakonis, M.D. ’94, on presentation of The Dr. George Hill Scholarship to Olga Kavalerchik, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School.
Re: Intimate Relationships: Church and State in the U.S. and Liberia: “Your wonderful book … you graciously sent me a copy of your dissertation, which I read with great interest, especially those sections relating to or quoting Henry Serrano Villard, who was my late husband’s uncle. I remember him well, but I must say, it was your book that made me better appreciate his wisdom and judgement.” Judy Villard (Mrs. Vincent Villard, Jr.).
“Thank you for your outstanding lecture to the participants in the Pre-Medical Honors program. Your continued input means very much to me.” Jacob Jay Lindenthal, Professor, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School.
“Proceed to Peshawar was a great presentation … very informative and interesting. George is always a great speaker. This was special because of the family tie and current situation in that part of the world.” Hon. William Schmidt, Past Commander, NY Commandery, Naval Order of the United States. “We really enjoyed your presentation. It was put together so well.” Don Schuld, Commander, New York Commandery, NOUS.
Proceed to Peshawar is an “exciting, true-life chronicle. Highly recommended.” James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review, “The Military Shelf.”
Proceed to Peshawar is “Highly recommended to those interested in the history and atmosphere of the Frontier, especially in the waning days of the Raj.” Hon. Ronald F. Rosner, Asian Affairs, Journal of the Royal Society of Asian Affairs.
Proceed to Peshawar: “Hill’s thoughtful and compelling research point to directions and missed opportunities. … The volume is a valuable contribution to the history and culture of the region.” Charles C. Kolb, Ph.D., in Naval Historical Foundation Book Review.
Proceed to Peshawar “was a good story that was well told and it received many positive comments from the audience after the lecture.” John W. Kennedy, Director of Education, Naval War College Museum.
“You contribute so much knowledge to our attendees. We are always eager to have background on the Middle East.” Nancy Damon, Chairman, Virginia Festival of the Book, for the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities.
“WWII Intelligence: American Military’s First Exploration of the Mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan”: “Thanks for a great presentation, from a world that seems so distant nowadays — but hasn’t really changed all that much!” Jonathan Davis, Program Committee Chairman, Harvard Club of New York City.
“Thanks again for your presentation at the Sons of American Colonists dinner.” John Bourne, Governor General, Sons of the American Colonists.
“I especially want to thank you for your program. It was well thought out and remarkable that you have all the elements in your own family!” Jane Power, for the lecture on “Reconciliation” to the Hereditary Order of the Descendants of the Loyalists and Patriots of the American Revolution and the National Order of the Blue and Gray.
“To Captain George J. Hill . . . In appreciation for his presentation in connection with his book, Proceed to Peshawar.” Navy League of the United States, North Jersey Council.
“Our great gratitude to you for the program this evening to the Order of the Blue and Gray.” LtCol. Robert and Carla Odom. For the lecture on “‘My Green Valley’: An Appreciation of American Lineage Societies”
“It is always a pleasure and a special treat to hear what Dr. George J. Hill has to say. The April Zoom meeting of the Society of Descendants of Lady Godiva heard about “The Three Women of Power in the mid-11th Century.” Davine Roberts, Honorary Lady General.
“A delightful luncheon meeting was held at the beautiful Elkridge Country Club in Baltimore . . . The speaker was our own George Hill, author of War Letters 1917-1918: Letters of Dr. William T. Shoemaker, A.E.F. in France to family in Philadelphia. Governor Harry Redd.
“Thank you for your engrossing lecture.” Edmund Janniger, Vice President, Center for Peace and Media Initiatives.