A representation of the 1930s atmosphere during the Lindbergh kidnapping investigation.
Join the Coronado Historical Association on March 20 for an engaging Wine & Lecture event featuring Judge Lise Pearlman, who will discuss the infamous Lindbergh kidnapping. This thought-provoking event explores new theories and evidence surrounding a case that captivated the nation in 1932. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss your chance to delve into America’s ‘crime of the century’!
Get ready, Coronado! Mark your calendars for a thought-provoking evening as the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) welcomes Judge Lise Pearlman on March 20 for an engaging Wine & Lecture event. This isn’t just any lecture; it centers on one of America’s most notorious crimes— the Lindbergh kidnapping, which has been dubbed “the crime of the century.”
For those who might not be familiar, the Lindbergh kidnapping involved the 20-month-old son of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, who is better known for his historic 1927 flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. This event captivated the nation during an era when the Lindbergh family was widely considered America’s royal family. The kidnapping took place in March 1932, and it sent shockwaves through the media, even surpassing the sensationalism of the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s.
The story unfolded dramatically when a police bulletin on March 1, 1932, reported that young Charles Lindbergh Jr. had been taken from his home. In a chilling detail, a sectional ladder found in the family yard was suspected to have been used by the kidnapper. Following the crime, the Lindberghs paid a ransom of $50,000 in hopes of bringing their son back, but tragedy struck when the little boy’s body was discovered on May 12, 1932, in nearby woods. The public’s outrage was palpable; the nation mourned a child many never knew personally, underscoring the emotional impact of this case.
Adding to the drama, Charles Lindbergh took the reins of the investigation, which faced numerous hurdles. In September 1934, authorities arrested Bruno Richard Hauptmann, an undocumented immigrant, after he was found with gold certificates linked to the ransom. His trial in 1935 became a media spectacle, culminating in his execution in 1936, yet questions about whether Hauptmann was indeed guilty lingered for decades, providing a rich field for scholars and amateur sleuths alike.
Judge Lise Pearlman—an author and legal veteran—has turned her attention to this compelling case through her book, “The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Suspect No. 1, The Man Who Got Away.” What makes her findings particularly interesting is that they stemmed from her work on a different history book; through her meticulous archival research, she stumbled upon details that could change the narrative surrounding the crime.
During her presentation at the CHA, Pearlman will present a never-before-seen look at the case, complete with compelling visual evidence, documents, and photos. She explores theories that call into question the long-held assumption about Hauptmann’s guilt, considering whether even Charles Lindbergh himself could be deemed a suspect in this tragic saga.
Tickets are on sale now, with options for both CHA members and non-members, including a fantastic book bundle for those eager to delve deeper into Pearlman’s work. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pre-order signed copies of her book during the event. With limited seating, it’s wise to get a head start on those tickets and secure your spot!
Don’t miss out on this riveting discussion! For further inquiries, feel free to reach out via email or give them a call. You can get in touch at [email protected] or call 619-435-7242. Make sure to be part of this enlightening experience as we revisit an era-defining event that still raises eyebrows and ignites debate to this day!
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