Anthony Benezet: 1776 Trailblazer

Join the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) for a webinar by APT corporate member Vance Lehmkuhl of the American Vegan Center to learn about a 1776 trailblazer on Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm on Zoom. Where he’s known at all, Anthony Benezet’s reputation is as a refugee from France, educational innovator, and pioneering abolitionist. But with the 250th anniversary of 1776, it’s worth noting how this soft-spoken Quaker paved the way for the Founding Fathers’ “Patriot” crusade.

This webinar for tour guides will highlight Benezet’s key role in popularizing both “natural rights” language (in the 1760s) and public opposition to British slavery among the colonists (in the 1770s), in addition to his seminal role in bringing his fellow Quakers to a game-changing milestone in 1776. We’ll also show how Benezet’s tireless work within the human sphere was tied to his revolutionary advocacy for animals.

This Zoom presentation is free and all are welcome. To receive the Zoom link, please RSVP on the website by Wednesday, May 27 at 6 pm. Questions? Email Marianne Ruane at [president@phillyguides.org](mailto:president@phillyguides.org). Please join us – it’s a great opportunity to up your tour guide game with some lesser known history!