The Benjamin Bradlee Lecture Series
Established by former Washington Post executive editor and College trustee Benjamin Bradlee, this lecture series has brought many notable journalists to St. Mary's College. Mr. Bradlee established this series to bring leading journalists to campus who carry on his legacy of commitment to a free press in a democratic society.
This year's lecture will feature journalist, author and professor, Rachel Swarns, who will discuss her book: "The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church." on Feb. 19, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
The book tells the story of the nearly 300 enslaved people who were sold by a group of America’s most prominent Catholic priests in order to fund what would become Georgetown University. Swarns follows one family through almost two centuries of enslavement, uncovering not only the stories of these forgotten people, but also how the legacy of the slave trade still shapes our institutions—from banks to universities—today. Find out more here.
| 
