The Bucks County Historical Society announced a new program series that explores the history of the notorious Doan Gang of Bucks County. The series consists of three virtual programs and one in-person program that highlight artifacts and archives related to the gang and their history.
At the time of the American Revolution, the Doan Gang was a group of British loyalists in Bucks County. The gang was composed of around 30 members, the most notorious being five brothers and one cousin from the Doan family, of Plumstead. Among these members were accused murderers, accused 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 Oct. 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 series is founded in archival records, including court documents, eyewitness accounts, newspaper appearances, maps and dispositions, many of which come from BCHS archives. This research was supplemented by records from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the Library and Archives of Canada, and the Newtown Historic Association.
This program is designed to be enjoyed as a complete series, as it tells the story of the Doan Gang chronologically, although guests can register for just one or all. Tickets for each presentation are sold separately.
Lectures include the following:
Royal Refugees: Join or Die – The first virtual lecture takes place Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Cost is $10 per household; $5 per household for members. This event focuses on the formation of the Doan Gang and highlights early biographical information and stories of the Doan family, of Plumstead.
Royal Refugees: By Force and Arms – The second virtual lecture takes place Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Cost is $10 per household; $5 per household for members. This event tells the story of the infamous Bucks County Treasury robbery on the week of its 240th anniversary.
Royal Refugees: Giants of Villainy – The third virtual lecture takes place Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Cost is $10 per household; $5 per household for members. This event 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.
Royal Refugees: The 240th Anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury Robbery – This in-person event takes place Friday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Elkins Gallery at the Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine St. in Doylestown. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $20 general admission; $15 for members. Join on the 240th anniversary of the Bucks County Treasury robbery in Newtown by the members of the notorious Doan Gang. This behind-the-scenes, in-person program at the museum showcases prominent artifacts and documents pertaining to the Doan Gang and robbery. The presentation begins with a 15-minute overview of the robbery and gang members, followed by an interactive Q&A with the 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.
Tickets are available at mercermuseum.org/doangang
