Author to discuss true Philadelphia crime story

Author Carrie Hagen will visit Penn State Abington on Feb. 1 to discuss and sign copies of her first book, "We Is Got Him: The Kidnapping That Changed America."

Hagen’s fast-paced, critically acclaimed book recounts the true story of the 1874 abduction of young Charley Ross from his family’s yard in Philadelphia. It was the first recorded kidnapping for ransom in the nation, and it plunged the city and much of the country into hysteria.

Hagen’s book also relates how local politicians and police hindered the investigation over fears that the abduction would affect attendance at the upcoming World’s Fair, which was held in Philadelphia two years later.

Hagen’s talk will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Penn State Abington@611, Abington Towne Center, 1475 Old York Road, Abington. A limited number of a paperback copies of her book will be available for sale. For directions and more information, go to www.abington.psu.edu/CA or call 215-881-7800.

Hagen, a Penn State alumna, appears courtesy of Abington Cultural and Community Events, which has provided free and low-cost family, arts and educational events for more than a decade.
 

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