The Price of Treason: Benedict Arnold, Major André, and the Plot to Surrender West Point

Prepare for the definitive story of Revolutionary War betrayal!

This lecture by presenter James Calaski dissects the stunning conspiracy between American hero-turned-villain Benedict Arnold and British Intelligence Chief Major John André. Together, they hatched the high-stakes plot to sell West Point—the strategic key to the entire American Revolution—to the enemy.

Trace the secret, desperate midnight meetings and coded correspondence between the two men. Explore André's daring undercover mission and the agonizing moments of his capture—when the plans for the fortress were found hidden in his boot. This near-miss not only exposed Arnold as America's most infamous traitor but directly sealed the tragic fate of the charismatic British spy.

Discover how one man's wounded pride and another's dedication to duty led to an act of treason that almost crushed the American cause. This is the pulse-pounding, human drama behind the treason that shook George Washington to his core.

James Calaski is an active Detective Sergeant with the Glen Rock NJ Police Department where he has served for over 25 years. He completed his undergraduate studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey in 1998. He served with the Glen Rock New Jersey Police Department for over twenty years, receiving numerous awards and citations. He continued his studies and received a Master of Arts degree in History at William Paterson University of New Jersey in May 2013.

As a passionate lover of history with over 25 years of law enforcement and investigative experience, Calaski brings a unique and entertaining perspective to historic lectures and examinations of a range of topics that include military, espionage, crimes and genealogy.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.