CUDDEBACKVILLE, NY — The Neversink Valley Museum of History & Innovation presents its second installment of its history lecture series on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m., when it presents a lecture by local historian Frank Salvati, “Battle of the Monongahela: British Redcoats vs. Woodland Indians.” The presentation will be held at the D&H Canal Visitor’s Center, 58 Hoag Rd. (just off of Route 209). Light refreshments will be served.

The Battle of the Monongahela, also known as Braddock’s Defeat, occurred on July 9, 1755, when British General Edward Braddock attempted to take the French stronghold of Fort Duquesne, where Pittsburgh, PA now stands. Accompanying Braddock was the young Virginia colonel George Washington as his aide-de-camp. The French force consisted mainly of Native Americans from the Great Lakes region.

The British force, unaccustomed to wilderness warfare, suffered a terrible defeat at the hands of the French and their Indian allies. This was the first major battle of the French and Indian War. It would be three years before the British could claim their first major victories.

Salvati is a resident of Port Jervis, NY. He is a passionate student of the Indian wars, and a popular speaker on the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Visit neversinkmuseum.org or call 845/754-8870.