D.C. Mondays: The Scandal of Sister Gertrude, Runaway Nun Turned D.C. Socialite
In 1831, the directress of Georgetown Academy, a nun named Sister Gertrude Wightt, left her path to join Washington’s social scene. Join Indiana University of Pennsylvania Professor Joseph Mannard as he shares insights from his new book The Two Worlds of Ann Gertrude Wightt (Georgetown University Press, 2025). Learn how American Catholic leaders responded to Wightt’s exit, and the unorthodox moves she made to become a fixture in D.C. society, even befriending Dolley Madison.
About Joseph Mannard
Joseph Mannard received a master’s in U.S. history from the University of South Florida, Tampa, and a doctorate in U.S. history from the University of Maryland, College Park. Since 1989, he has been a member of the History Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Mannard regularly teaches courses on thought and culture in early America, the early American Republic, women in America and fear of conspiracy in U.S. history. Most of his published research focuses on American Catholics, especially religious women, prior to the U.S. Civil War.
How to Participate
This program is free and will take place online. To participate, please register in advance to reserve your space. Once you have registered, we will email you a link and details for joining on Zoom. Simply follow that link at the time the program starts (12 p.m. EST / 9 a.m. PST). When you register, you can also request to receive a reminder email one day before the program with the link included.
About the D.C. Mondays Series
Join authors, researchers and community members online for lively discussions about Washington, D.C.’s history, politics, culture and more. Browse upcoming programs