The Newman Symposium

On May 1, 2025, we celebrated the publication of A Miserable Revenge with a public symposium held at the Lucy F. Simms Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Timed to honor 150 years since Newman came to Harrisonburg, this historic event featured:

• tours of local historical sites like the Dallard-Newman House and Newtown Cemetery
• a keynote address from Dr. Veronica Watson, author of “Moral Economies of Whiteness in A Miserable Revenge”
• a panel discussion and Q&A with family members, Virginia-based scholars, educators, students, and other partners;
• remarks and a book giveaway and signing with Newman’s granddaughter, Ruth M. Toliver;
• and student showcase led by the JMU undergraduates who built this companion website.

Over 100 people, including dozens of Newman’s descendants, were in attendance.

Check out these selected audio clips (courtesy of Dawn Temple) and photographs (courtesy of James Madison University) from this special gathering below.

Audio courtesy of Dawn Temple

Photos courtesy of James Madison University