The Balestier family were the first Americans to take up residence in Singapore when they arrived in 1834 from Philadelphia. Although the name Balestier resonates in the precinct today, the full story of the family has not been told until now. Through his rigorous historical research and superb narrative skill, Mr Richard Hale will bring to life the fascinating story of this pioneering family in this lecture.

About the speaker

Richard Hale retired from a long career in international commercial banking in 1995. Remaining in Singapore, he then added “research into Singapore’s mercantile history in the 19th century” to his existing interests of ornithology and philately. He published The Balestiers: The First American Residents of Singapore in April 2016.

No registration is required. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.