The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - The New Providence Historic Society presented a lecture on the famous 1932 kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby at the senior center on Thursday night.

A crowd of about 50 came to hear Jim Davidson, former history teacher and co-author of the new book “New Jersey’s Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial,” speak on the controversial case.

Davidson spoke for nearly two hours, describing various theories he and other historians believe may have been behind the kidnapping. During the lecture, Davidson also gave book suggestions that he feels are credible sources of information on the case. Because of the cases complexity there are still many elements of the case that are only speculative.

Many in attendance said they enjoyed the lecture very much and were knowledgeable of the case’s events. Some of them even remembered hearing of the case firsthand as children.

Davidson said that his interest on the case came from his family’s personal connection to the case, during his childhood in Flemington. His parents were in attendance at the execution of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who was ultimately convicted in the case. Davidson also knew William Allen, the man who found the Lindbergh baby’s body. He was an employee of Davidson’s grandfather.

After the lecture, there was a brief question and answer session and refreshments.