From Hamilton to Hampton Street: HC Tackles Musical Trivia

True or false: On January 25th, the award-winning smash musical Hamilton is coming to Columbia.

We wish it were true. But on January 25th, Historic Columbia brings you the next best thing—Historic Happy Hour! And this month, we’re tackling the Tony award-winning giant, Hamilton: An American Musical.

What does Alexander Hamilton have to do with Columbia? Almost nothing, but we’ve had it stuck in our heads since 2015. This Happy Hour whistles a different tune from our usual fare as we turn our attention to Lin Manuel-Miranda’s celebrated hip-hop operetta.

Former Soda citizen Woodrow Wilson wasn’t just the President of the United States—he was also the President of Princeton University. Many influential figures have also attended Princeton. Alexander Hamilton was not one of them.

There will be three rounds of questions as well as a picture round, so come prepared to play. We suggest that you study up on your Revolutionary War history, check out the Genius.com page for Hamilton, and have a quick Google of famous Princeton alumni. We all know that Alexander Hamilton is the ten-dollar founding father, but do you know who (or what) is on the rest of those bills? You’d better check.

Here are three questions to get you warmed up:

1. This Princeton Alum founded an online bookstore in 1994 that is now the most valuable company in the world. Who is he?
2. In “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” Eliza Hamilton details her life after her husband’s death. Where does she say Alexander Hamilton is buried?
3. This South Carolinian (and friend of Alexander Hamilton) was an outspoken abolitionist who proposed that South Carolina arm enslaved workers and grant them freedom in return for military service during the Revolutionary War. His proposal was denied twice. Who was he?

Answers: Jeff Bezos, Trinity Church Cemetery in New York, John Laurens

Put your history knowledge to the test and join Historic Columbia for trivia from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25 at the Seibels House. Drinks and light appetizers are included with admission.

If you squint and tilt your head to the side, it’ll be almost like you’re in the last row, of the second balcony, during a Monday matinee. We’ll see you on the dueling ground!

This article was originally published in the Columbia Star.