Before Jonas and Anne Catharine Hoof Green, there was William and Dinah Nuthead, Maryland’s first printing duo. William Nuthead was the first printer in Maryland and the first to operate a press in Virginia, establishing his business in St. Mary’s City in 1685 after being barred from printing in Virginia by the colonial government. Following his death in 1695, his widow Dinah Nuthead took over the business and became the first licensed female printer in the American colonies. Join Rod Cofield as he discusses his research into their lives that led to his Maryland Historical Magazine article, “Much Ado about Nuthead.”

The Historic Annapolis Virtual Lecture Series is offered free of charge thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. If you enjoy this program, we hope you will consider becoming a member or making a donation today to support Historic Annapolis and our mission to connect all people with our shared history. 

Can’t watch live? All lectures will be recorded. Please register and you’ll receive the link to watch the recording after the event.

Advance registration required; registration closes on half-hour prior to lecture. 

Cost: FREE

This lecture will be offered virtually by Zoom. Upon registration, you will be sent the link for the video conference to join on the evening of the lecture. If you do not receive your confirmation email after you register, please check your Spam folder, or email Cara Garside at cara.garside@annapolis.org. To learn more about Zoom and to download the app to your computer, visit the Zoom website.

About Our Presenter: Rod Cofield is the Executive Director at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County. He was previously the Executive Director at Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater, Maryland. Rod’s first museum job was at Historic St. Mary’s City where he learned how to use a colonial-era printing press.

Prior to his tenure at Historic London Town Gardens, Rod was a visiting instructor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and has taught various courses related to history and museum studies. He has additional service with professional organizations, including the Maryland Museum Association and the Small Museum Association. He participates as a peer reviewer in both the Museum Assessment Program at the American Alliance of Museums and for the National Leadership Grant program for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Rod holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a master’s degree in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College.

The information contained in the HA Virtual Lecture series represents the historical research, views and opinions of the lecture presenter and may not represent the views or opinions of Historic Annapolis, Inc.