ConcordPatch.com: Looking At Revolutionary War 'From The Ground Up'
Here’s to Independence!
Next month, Concord will celebrate the American Revolution in its usual historic fashion, so now is a good time to devote some articles in recognition of this upcoming event.
Concord and its surrounding communities have long been a mecca for aficionados of the American Revolution. Until last September, though, the region was void of an American Revolution Round Table, a meeting of like-minded individuals, who gather round a table a few times a year to discuss some of the finer details of the American War of Independence.
Melvin Bernstein, a retired lawyer and history enthusiast, began working on a local chapter since the 1990s. “I knew of them,” he said, adding there were 16 round tables along the Eastern Seaboard and the South. “I asked if there were any in this area. Nothing. I felt strongly that there should be an American Revolution Round Table in the Minuteman area, where it all began.”
Many agreed, contributing to an overflow audience at the Sept. 27 inaugural meeting at Minuteman National Historic Park. A cross section of area residents discussed Ray Raphael’s book, “The First American Revolution: Before Lexington and Concord,” which states that the first revolt took place in the rural countryside of Worcester a year before April 19, 1775.
Many people also packed the followup meeting Monday, March 7, to talk about Rhode Island’s Nathanael Greene, Washington’s top general who saved the flailing South, and eventually all of America, from the British forces under Lord Cornwallis.
Last week’s meeting included Concord resident Richard Wheeler, who talked about his ancestors who fought in the revolution. One relative fought at the North Bridge and another at Brooklyn Heights.
The theme of the May 2 meeting of the Round Table is looking at the war “from the ground up, instead of from the top down,” said Melvin, who moderates the informal gatherings. The books are “The British Soldier’s Story: Roger Lamb’s Narrative,” and “Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier,” written by Private Joseph Plumb Martin. Each book is like a diary of soldiers who served in the war from beginning to end.
The meetings take place at Minuteman National Historic Park building on Route 2A in Lincoln. Melvin said the Round Table has 30 paid members, though the tables (which are not always round) seat about 15 to 20 comfortably. Visitors are accommodated by available seating. The meetings are meant to be an informal and informative gathering. Some members are authors and/or experts, but you do not have to be a history ace to attend or enjoy the discussions. “We are looking for citizens who have a serious interest in the American Revolution,” Melvin said.
Sponsors of the American Revolution Round Table are the Minuteman National Historic Park, The Lincoln Public Library and Tufts University Lifelong Learning Institute.
