July 10, 2014

David Freeman Named to Succeed Founding Editor

Barbara & Richard LangworthThe Churchill Centre has announced that Richard M. Langworth will retire as editor of its quarterly journal Finest Hour on October 31, 2014 after completion of the Autumn 2014 issue. Richard, who in 1968 founded what ultimately developed into The Churchill Centre, served as the original editor of Finest Hour through 1970. He resumed the role in 1982 and, upon retirement, will have produced 144 issues altogether including the forthcoming special issue dedicated to the late Lady Soames. The Centre is pleased to announce that the new editor, effective November 1st, will be David Freeman.

In announcing these changes, Churchill Centre Chairman Laurence Geller said: “The world of Churchill studies and Churchillians everywhere owe an immense debt to Richard for his exemplary stewardship of Finest Hour. The hundreds of articles published over the last four decades constitute an irreplaceable archive of knowledge about Churchill that will serve scholars, students and admirers for generations to come. The Board of Trustees has expressed its complete confidence in David as a worthy successor.”

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David FreemanDavid Freeman, 49, received his Ph.D. in British History from Texas A & M University and has taught at California State University, Fullerton since 1999. Currently he serves both as Associate Editor of Finest Hour and as editor of the Chartwell Bulletin. In accepting the appointment, David stated: “Richard Langworth is the best editor for whom I have ever worked. I am honored to assume his mantle at the helm of this unique publication. I look forward to building on Richard’s accomplishments and ensuring that Finest Hour continues to command the appreciation of Churchillians everywhere.”

In announcing his retirement, Richard said: “I am pleased that my longtime friend and colleague David Freeman will continue FH’s tradition of excellence. He is a skilled editor who combines broad knowledge with fairness and humor, defending Churchill’s good name without hagiography.” Richard has also served The Churchill Centre variously as its executive director, president, and chairman of the board of trustees. Starting with the winter 2014-15 issue, the Finest Hour masthead will state “Founded in 1968 by Richard M. Langworth CBE.” Additionally, Richard and his wife Barbara, who is also retiring as the publisher of Finest Hour, will receive free lifetime registration at The Churchill Centre’s annual International Conferences.

Geller is also pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Reash as the new Assistant Editor of Finest Hour. Justin, 24, has already been working with David for more than a year as Assistant Editor of the Chartwell Bulletin. He earned his BA in British history from Miami University of Ohio and his MA in communications with a concentration in journalism from DePaul University. Justin also played an important role in assisting Executive Director Lee Pollock and Chief Operations Officer Dan Myers organize the recent and highly successful international conferences in Washington and New Orleans.

To become a member of The Churchill Centre and receive copies of Finest Hour, please CLICK HERE.