Royal Refugees: The Doan Gang of Bucks County Program Series
Royal Refugees: Join or Die! – Virtual Lecture #1
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Royal Refugees: The 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury Robbery – In-Person Presentation
at the Mercer Museum
Friday, October 22, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Royal Refugees: By Force and Arms! – Virtual Lecture #2
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Royal Refugees: Giants of Villainy! – Virtual Lecture #3
Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
At the time of the American Revolution, the Doan Gang was a group of British loyalists in Bucks County, PA. The gang was composed of around 30 members, the most notorious being five brothers and one cousin from the Doan family of Plumstead, Bucks County. Among these members were accused murderers, traitors, horse thieves, and those who ferried prisoners of war across British lines. The Doan Gang was also guilty of robbing tax collectors, their most famous crime being the theft of the Bucks County Treasury on October 22, 1781.
Just in time for the 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury robbery, the Doan Gang program series focuses on separating historical fact from fiction and dispelling the many myths surrounding this infamous group. The research for this Bucks County Historical Society (BCHS) series is founded on archival records, including court documents, eyewitness accounts, newspaper appearances, maps, and depositions, many of which come from BCHS archives. This research was also supplemented by records from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Library and Archives of Canada, and the Newtown Historic Association.
These programs are designed to be enjoyed as a complete series, as they tell the story of the Doan Gang chronologically, although guests can register for just one or all. Tickets for each presentation are sold separately.
Program Series Details:
Royal Refugees: Join or Die! – Virtual Lecture #1
Zoom Lecture
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
$10 Virtual Connection per household/
$5 Member Virtual Connection per household
Royal Refugees: Join or Die! focuses on the formation of the Doan Gang, and highlights early biographical information and stories of the Doan family of Plumstead, PA.
This event has passed.
Royal Refugees: By Force and Arms! – Virtual Lecture #2
Zoom Lecture
Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
$10 Virtual Connection per household/ $5 Member Virtual Connection per household
Royal Refugees: By Force and Arms! tells the story of the infamous Bucks County Treasury robbery on the week of its 240th Anniversary.
This event has passed.
Royal Refugees: Giants of Villainy! – Virtual Lecture #3
Zoom Lecture
Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. EST
$10 Virtual Connection per household/
$5 Member Virtual Connection per household
Royal Refugees: Giants of Villainy! explores the aftermath of the Bucks County Treasury robbery and includes tales of court proceedings, executions, and exile. Discover how the crimes and subsequent punishment of the Doan gang set precedents in Pennsylvania law that exist even today.
This event has passed.
Royal Refugees: The 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury Robbery
Elkins Gallery at the Mercer Museum –
84 S. Pine St. Doylestown, PA
Friday, October 22, 2021, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.
$20 General Admission/
$15 Member General Admission
*SOLD OUT*
Join us on the 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury robbery in Newtown, PA, by the members of the notorious Doan Gang. This behind-the-scenes in-person program at the Mercer Museum showcases prominent artifacts and documents pertaining to the Doan Gang and the robbery.
This presentation begins with a 15-minute overview of the robbery and gang members, followed by an interactive Q&A with Bucks County Historical Society library and curatorial staff. After the program, guests will have plenty of time to browse through never-before-seen collections items from the vaults of the Bucks County Historical Society, some of which were owned by the gang members.
This event has passed.
Advance registration is required for all. Once you purchase your admission, you will receive a personalized link to these Zoom virtual programs from our museum team.
