On Jan. 7, I gave a Park City Museum lecture on the topic of “Who Was Lady Morgan?” We had a lively discussion of the life and times of mine developer Philip Morgan, and covered four hypotheses on the central question. Mother or sister? Not likely. Wife? Definitely not. Woman of the ni ght? Not likely. Famous Irish novelist? Reasonably likely. In a moment of serendipity, an audience member suggested a fifth hypothesis. Early in 1878, the same year the “Lady Morgan” claim was filed, the Philadelphia Mint struck what coin collectors call the “Morgan Silver Dollar.” Designed by Englishman George T. Morgan, it had an image of Lady Liberty on one side. The choice of Morgan’s design was controversial and was covered in newspapers nationwide at the time. Perhaps Philip Morgan was wryly referring to this coin as a “Lady Morgan” when he filed the mining claim. It’s moments like these that make the Park City Museum lecture series such an addition to the richness of our community. We still can’t definitively prove who Lady Morgan was, but what fun we’re having along the way! Kudos to the audience member and to the museum. Michael O’Malley Park City The post What’s in a name? appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less