This July 4, while most Americans are celebrating Independence Day, a growing number of revisionists will be brooding.
It’s an interesting phenomenon, because it isn’t restricted to the hard left, which has long cast aspersions on America’s founding revolutionaries as a bunch of white male slaveholders.
Encounter Books, a conservative publisher funded largely by the conservative Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, recently published a book called Treason of the Heart. It lumps one of the heroes of the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, in with traitors who spied against Great Britain for the Communist Soviet Union. The book contends that Paine’s accusation that the British wanted to make the Americans into slaves was nothing more than “a smear,” and that the choice Paine presented in his 1776 pamphlet Common Sense, between independence and slavery, was a false one.
The author of Treason of the Heart, David Pryce-Jones, is senior editor of National Review, a conservative magazine, and the book was warmly reviewed in the Wall Street Journal.
Another prominent figure on the center-right, Conrad Black, wrote last year on National Review Online that “‘no taxation without representation’ and the Boston Tea Party and so forth were essentially a masterly spin job on a rather grubby contest about taxes.”
Messrs. Pryce-Jones and Black are British, so perhaps their mixed feelings about July 4 are understandable, even if published here in America.
More puzzling, to me, is the Brooklyn rabbi — described by the Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg as “an important figure in liberal Jewry,” and someone I know to be intelligent and dynamic — who recently posted, “That stupid introduction to the Declaration of Independence, that pretentious, idiotic, self-absorbed nonsense about ‘certain unalienable rights?’ It’s precisely where we went wrong!”
Then there’s the New Yorker magazine, which published a piece on what its writer called “the venality, misinformation, hysteria, and violence that led up to the Revolution.” The article approvingly quoted a historian who contended that it wasn’t clear “that the pursuit of equality need have included violence or that the equality sought necessitated independence.”
It’d be overstating things to group these disparate dissents or criticisms into a movement. Some of the revolutionary revisionism is driven by a partisan backlash against the politics of the contemporary Tea Party movement, with its anti-tax fervor and invocation of the Founding Fathers. Some of it represents entirely appropriate efforts by academic historians to examine the familiar story of the American Revolution from new perspectives.
Professor Bernard Bailyn, whose course on the American Revolution I took at Harvard, wrote a wonderful book called The Ordeal of Thomas Hutchinson, about a Massachusetts governor who was loyal to the king. Even the American Revolutionaries themselves, one imagines, would have approved of a certain irreverence toward established views, whether those views were of the relations between monarchs and colonists or of the traditional historical interpretations of the founders’ own actions.
Yet if the revisionism isn’t yet cause for alarm, it certainly bears watching with careful concern. Our culture of fireworks and cookouts makes the Fourth of July a happy day. Less reliable are the educational institutions by which the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution are transmitted.
If there’s something to celebrate this Independence Day, perhaps it is that even with Americans educated in government schools and by a largely left-wing professoriate, truly negative views of the American Revolution are less the rule than newsworthy exceptions. For that we can thank not only National Park rangers in places like Philadelphia, Boston, Lexington, and Concord, but also authors, teachers, and museums. And, most of all, the enduring power of our nation’s founding ideals.
Mr. Stoll is editor of FutureOfCapitalism.com and author of Samuel Adams: A Life.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Revisionists on American Revolution Brooding on Left and Right
The Sun (New York): Revisionists on American Revolution Brooding on Left and Right
PRINCETON: Princeton images on Revolution website
PrincetonPacket: PRINCETON: Princeton images on Revolution website
Princeton’s American Revolution roots are featured in the first installment of images in a new online photo library launched by the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association.
Images and informational captions in the “Ten Crucial Days” section include the Sons of the American Revolution battle marker commemorating the Continental Army’s march from Trenton to Princeton, the Thomas Clarke House, the Quaker Meeting house and Morven.
The ten crucial days began on Christmas in 1776 and continued until the Battle of Princeton.
The digital image library titled “Storylines of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area” is viewable on the organization’s website, www. revolutionarynj.org.
”We’re always trying to find different ways and use different mediums to tell New Jersey’s story of its role in the American Revolution,” said Cate Litvack, executive director, Crossroads of the American Revolution Association. “This seemed like a great way to do it.”
The library took about a year to come together with photography, captioning and web development.
”It took a long time to whittle through the hundreds of photographs to tell a story of different segments of the American Revolution in New Jersey,” said Ms. Litvak. “It’s more a saga than a story. George Washington spent more time in New Jersey during the Revolution than anywhere else and the geography provided Washington and the army places to retreat during the winter and enough food to eat during the summer.”
The site is organized into story lines, with the first three online, beginning at the beginning of the war. There have been 14 story lines identified that tell the story of New Jersey’s Revolutionary history from November 1776 when the Battle of Fort Lee took place to the end of the war when Congress was in Princeton at Nassau Hall and learned of the Treaty of Paris.
”It divides the Revolution into stories that link together,” she said.
Eventually the group hopes to get the rest of New Jersey’s story online.
”We will add to it and tell the whole story,” said Ms. Litvak. “It’s a very exciting project.”
Featured in this initial installment of the library are images of Revolutionary War era historic sites, monuments and commemorative markers from story lines within New Jersey’s Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. Examples include the fall of Fort Lee, Washington’s Crossing, the Battles of Trenton and Princeton and the first Winter in Morristown.
The accompanying text, were written by Michael Russell, a trustee and board member of the Crossroads of the American Revolution, conveys the significance of New Jersey to our national struggle for independence. When the library is fully realized the images and accompanying text will depict the cultural and heritage context of the American Revolution as it affected the lives of New Jersey residents over a six year period from 1776 through 1783.
”Besides showing where these events took place, it shows the humanity of these events,” said Mr. Russell. “Real peoples lives were changed and sacrificed. We can’t afford to loose our history, because if we do, we loose our identity.”
The image library “is something Crossroads is developing to help the public learn more about New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution,” he said.
With his education background, he was the ideal choice to help with the image library. It took “coming up with all the details and facts and editing, the entire thing took about two months,” he said. “I did not want to put anything in there that was not correct. I wanted it to be personalized so the viewer could connect with these images, which is key to people wanting to learn about the Revolution. We have the name Crossroads for a reason, and people don’t realize New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary history.”
Mr. Russell, a Rahway resident and teacher, got involved with the organization while finishing his master’s degree in military history from Norwich University in Vermont.
”I remember one point in particular sitting on my front porch reading an article and realized this happened about four blocks from my house,” he said. “I knew it happened here, but I didn’t know all the details. I knew the larger picture, but I didn’t know the details and I’ve learned the story is in the details.”
Mr. Russell’s family, who has served in the armed forces since the American Revolution, inspired him to military service and to obtain his master’s degree.
”It was a part of my childhood ... and then I joined and spent six years in the Army Reserves and the National Guard,” he said. “The military has always fascinated me and has been a part of me for so long.”
To learn more, in addition to his master’s degree, Mr. Russell, became involved with the Crossroads of the American Revolution and Bravo, which does battlefield archeology, to learn more about military history. He has done digs at the Princeton Battlefield.
The image library was funded, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Princeton’s American Revolution roots are featured in the first installment of images in a new online photo library launched by the Crossroads of the American Revolution Association.
Images and informational captions in the “Ten Crucial Days” section include the Sons of the American Revolution battle marker commemorating the Continental Army’s march from Trenton to Princeton, the Thomas Clarke House, the Quaker Meeting house and Morven.
The ten crucial days began on Christmas in 1776 and continued until the Battle of Princeton.
The digital image library titled “Storylines of the Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area” is viewable on the organization’s website, www. revolutionarynj.org.
”We’re always trying to find different ways and use different mediums to tell New Jersey’s story of its role in the American Revolution,” said Cate Litvack, executive director, Crossroads of the American Revolution Association. “This seemed like a great way to do it.”
The library took about a year to come together with photography, captioning and web development.
”It took a long time to whittle through the hundreds of photographs to tell a story of different segments of the American Revolution in New Jersey,” said Ms. Litvak. “It’s more a saga than a story. George Washington spent more time in New Jersey during the Revolution than anywhere else and the geography provided Washington and the army places to retreat during the winter and enough food to eat during the summer.”
The site is organized into story lines, with the first three online, beginning at the beginning of the war. There have been 14 story lines identified that tell the story of New Jersey’s Revolutionary history from November 1776 when the Battle of Fort Lee took place to the end of the war when Congress was in Princeton at Nassau Hall and learned of the Treaty of Paris.
”It divides the Revolution into stories that link together,” she said.
Eventually the group hopes to get the rest of New Jersey’s story online.
”We will add to it and tell the whole story,” said Ms. Litvak. “It’s a very exciting project.”
Featured in this initial installment of the library are images of Revolutionary War era historic sites, monuments and commemorative markers from story lines within New Jersey’s Crossroads of the American Revolution National Heritage Area. Examples include the fall of Fort Lee, Washington’s Crossing, the Battles of Trenton and Princeton and the first Winter in Morristown.
The accompanying text, were written by Michael Russell, a trustee and board member of the Crossroads of the American Revolution, conveys the significance of New Jersey to our national struggle for independence. When the library is fully realized the images and accompanying text will depict the cultural and heritage context of the American Revolution as it affected the lives of New Jersey residents over a six year period from 1776 through 1783.
”Besides showing where these events took place, it shows the humanity of these events,” said Mr. Russell. “Real peoples lives were changed and sacrificed. We can’t afford to loose our history, because if we do, we loose our identity.”
The image library “is something Crossroads is developing to help the public learn more about New Jersey’s role in the American Revolution,” he said.
With his education background, he was the ideal choice to help with the image library. It took “coming up with all the details and facts and editing, the entire thing took about two months,” he said. “I did not want to put anything in there that was not correct. I wanted it to be personalized so the viewer could connect with these images, which is key to people wanting to learn about the Revolution. We have the name Crossroads for a reason, and people don’t realize New Jersey’s rich Revolutionary history.”
Mr. Russell, a Rahway resident and teacher, got involved with the organization while finishing his master’s degree in military history from Norwich University in Vermont.
”I remember one point in particular sitting on my front porch reading an article and realized this happened about four blocks from my house,” he said. “I knew it happened here, but I didn’t know all the details. I knew the larger picture, but I didn’t know the details and I’ve learned the story is in the details.”
Mr. Russell’s family, who has served in the armed forces since the American Revolution, inspired him to military service and to obtain his master’s degree.
”It was a part of my childhood ... and then I joined and spent six years in the Army Reserves and the National Guard,” he said. “The military has always fascinated me and has been a part of me for so long.”
To learn more, in addition to his master’s degree, Mr. Russell, became involved with the Crossroads of the American Revolution and Bravo, which does battlefield archeology, to learn more about military history. He has done digs at the Princeton Battlefield.
The image library was funded, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Marchers recreate pivotal moment in the American Revolution
Mansfield Today: Marchers recreate pivotal moment in the American Revolution
Marching through the countryside, a group of historians - along with members of AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps - is helping to remind people of an important moment in American history.
They are following the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Trail in commemoration of the French and American forces that followed the same route in 1781, when French and American troops won at Yorktown and the Revolutionary War ended.
The full route stretches from Newport, R.I, to Yorktown, Va., and was designated a National Historic Trail in 2009.
It stretches through eastern Connecticut at the Rhode Island line and through the Windham region.
On Wednesday (June 22), the marchers traveled down Main Street in Willimantic. They included three members of AmeriCorps NCCC: Dan Clesowich of Lebanon, David Pergamit of Oregon and Amanda Skalicky of Minnesota.
Marching is a different experience than driving, according to Pergamit. “Walking allows you to notice the little things a lot more,” he said.
When they’re not walking, they’re camping out.
Being able to experience the historic march first-hand makes it mean more, said Clesowich.
This year marks the 230th anniversary of Lt. Gen. Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau’s march with 7,000 French troops to join the U. S. Continental Army at Philipsburg, N. Y.
From there, they marched to Yorktown and ultimately defeated the British.
The recreation of this trek actually will be completed by three teams of marchers over the course of several months.
The first team - which was seen marching in Scotland and Windham earlier this week - marches from Newport, R.I. and arrives in Philipsburg on July 7.
They then take a five- week break before a second team picks up the trail from Philipsburg to Maryland.
The third team completes the nearly 700-mile march from Maryland to Yorktown Oct. 9.
The marchers are wearing 18thcentury military uniforms representing known regiments that were involved in the march.
They will also be enduring the elements in canvas tent encampments at known historic campsites wherever and whenever possible.
Dave Fagerberg, the operations manager of the marchers, said the goal is to bring awareness of this historic event to communities and connect them to their local history.
The group’s project manager, Damon Rodnac, did not walk through Windham as Rodnac was supporting the first leg of the nearly 700-mile trip.
Rodnac was the person who contacted AmeriCorps NCCC to get the volunteers involved with the march, according to Fagerberg.
The March to Yorktown is sponsored by the Living History Education Foundation based in Buchanan, N.Y.
Even with this support, the success of the marchers depends on contributions from individuals and organizations that believe in their mission.
In fact, they received a cash donation from one generous Windham resident who believes in their mission.
Those who would like to support the marchers can send donations to: Living History Education Foundation, 11 Lake Drive, Buchanan, N. Y. 10511.
The marchers’ progress can be followed at www. facebook. com/ TheMarchers.
Marching through the countryside, a group of historians - along with members of AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps - is helping to remind people of an important moment in American history.
They are following the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Trail in commemoration of the French and American forces that followed the same route in 1781, when French and American troops won at Yorktown and the Revolutionary War ended.
The full route stretches from Newport, R.I, to Yorktown, Va., and was designated a National Historic Trail in 2009.
It stretches through eastern Connecticut at the Rhode Island line and through the Windham region.
On Wednesday (June 22), the marchers traveled down Main Street in Willimantic. They included three members of AmeriCorps NCCC: Dan Clesowich of Lebanon, David Pergamit of Oregon and Amanda Skalicky of Minnesota.
Marching is a different experience than driving, according to Pergamit. “Walking allows you to notice the little things a lot more,” he said.
When they’re not walking, they’re camping out.
Being able to experience the historic march first-hand makes it mean more, said Clesowich.
This year marks the 230th anniversary of Lt. Gen. Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau’s march with 7,000 French troops to join the U. S. Continental Army at Philipsburg, N. Y.
From there, they marched to Yorktown and ultimately defeated the British.
The recreation of this trek actually will be completed by three teams of marchers over the course of several months.
The first team - which was seen marching in Scotland and Windham earlier this week - marches from Newport, R.I. and arrives in Philipsburg on July 7.
They then take a five- week break before a second team picks up the trail from Philipsburg to Maryland.
The third team completes the nearly 700-mile march from Maryland to Yorktown Oct. 9.
The marchers are wearing 18thcentury military uniforms representing known regiments that were involved in the march.
They will also be enduring the elements in canvas tent encampments at known historic campsites wherever and whenever possible.
Dave Fagerberg, the operations manager of the marchers, said the goal is to bring awareness of this historic event to communities and connect them to their local history.
The group’s project manager, Damon Rodnac, did not walk through Windham as Rodnac was supporting the first leg of the nearly 700-mile trip.
Rodnac was the person who contacted AmeriCorps NCCC to get the volunteers involved with the march, according to Fagerberg.
The March to Yorktown is sponsored by the Living History Education Foundation based in Buchanan, N.Y.
Even with this support, the success of the marchers depends on contributions from individuals and organizations that believe in their mission.
In fact, they received a cash donation from one generous Windham resident who believes in their mission.
Those who would like to support the marchers can send donations to: Living History Education Foundation, 11 Lake Drive, Buchanan, N. Y. 10511.
The marchers’ progress can be followed at www. facebook. com/ TheMarchers.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
David Library of the American Revolution observes Independence Weekend with an open house
Bucks Local News: David Library of the American Revolution observes Independence Weekend with an open house
http://www.dlar.org/
The David Library of the American Revolution in Washington Crossing, PA will observe Independence Weekend with an Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. Scheduled events include talks by scholars, a movie, and exhibition of historical documents and tours of the Library, all planned to help people interested in history learn more about what the David Library has to offer.
Meg McSweeney, Chief Operating Officer of the David Library noted that people keep telling her they’ve never been to the David Library and wonder what it’s all about. “It’s not like we’re trying to keep it secret,” she said. “We want people to know about this fabulously enriching resource right here in Bucks County, and the coming Independence Day holiday weekend seems like a good time. While helping interested people get to know the David Library, we can provide some events that will [MORE]
DAVID LIBRARY PAGE 2 OF 2
enhance our guests’ understanding of the meaning of ‘Independence’ and ‘Revolution.’ ”
The David Library is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study of American history in the era of the American Revolution. Its special collections are unparalleled, and are available regardless of an interested person’s level of academic experience. In addition, the David Library offers educational programs including lectures, workshops and film screenings.
At the open house, guests can attend a talk by William P. Tatum III, Sol Feinstone Scholar at the David Library, at 11:45 AM called “Uniforms and Weapons of the American Revolution.” At 1:00, Episode 2 (appropriately titled “Independence”) of the HBO mini-series John Adams will be screened in the Library’s lecture hall, followed by a discussion led by Andrew J. Fagal, a David Library Fellow. At 3:00, George Boudreau, Associate Professor of Humanities at Penn State Harrisburg will give a lecture, “Peaceable Kingdom? Pennsylvania’s Revolution and the People Who Made it.” Professor Boudreau, one of the David Library’s most entertaining regular lecturers, is the author of The Official Guide to Independence National Historic Park. His lecture is made possible by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. In addition, there will be an exhibition of original manuscripts from the Sol Feinstone Collection, opportunities to meet the staff, browse collections, learn about upcoming programs, and enjoy refreshments.
All are welcome to attend any portion of the Open House. Scheduled events are entirely optional. Admission free. The David Library is located at 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing, 1.3 miles north of the Washington Crossing Bridge. For further information, call (215)493-2233.
http://www.dlar.org/
The David Library of the American Revolution in Washington Crossing, PA will observe Independence Weekend with an Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 2. Scheduled events include talks by scholars, a movie, and exhibition of historical documents and tours of the Library, all planned to help people interested in history learn more about what the David Library has to offer.
Meg McSweeney, Chief Operating Officer of the David Library noted that people keep telling her they’ve never been to the David Library and wonder what it’s all about. “It’s not like we’re trying to keep it secret,” she said. “We want people to know about this fabulously enriching resource right here in Bucks County, and the coming Independence Day holiday weekend seems like a good time. While helping interested people get to know the David Library, we can provide some events that will [MORE]
DAVID LIBRARY PAGE 2 OF 2
enhance our guests’ understanding of the meaning of ‘Independence’ and ‘Revolution.’ ”
The David Library is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study of American history in the era of the American Revolution. Its special collections are unparalleled, and are available regardless of an interested person’s level of academic experience. In addition, the David Library offers educational programs including lectures, workshops and film screenings.
At the open house, guests can attend a talk by William P. Tatum III, Sol Feinstone Scholar at the David Library, at 11:45 AM called “Uniforms and Weapons of the American Revolution.” At 1:00, Episode 2 (appropriately titled “Independence”) of the HBO mini-series John Adams will be screened in the Library’s lecture hall, followed by a discussion led by Andrew J. Fagal, a David Library Fellow. At 3:00, George Boudreau, Associate Professor of Humanities at Penn State Harrisburg will give a lecture, “Peaceable Kingdom? Pennsylvania’s Revolution and the People Who Made it.” Professor Boudreau, one of the David Library’s most entertaining regular lecturers, is the author of The Official Guide to Independence National Historic Park. His lecture is made possible by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. In addition, there will be an exhibition of original manuscripts from the Sol Feinstone Collection, opportunities to meet the staff, browse collections, learn about upcoming programs, and enjoy refreshments.
All are welcome to attend any portion of the Open House. Scheduled events are entirely optional. Admission free. The David Library is located at 1201 River Road, Washington Crossing, 1.3 miles north of the Washington Crossing Bridge. For further information, call (215)493-2233.
Battle of Monmouth Reenactment Brings American Revolution to Life
Freeehold Patch: Battle of Monmouth Reenactment Brings American Revolution to Life
The annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth took place on Saturday and Sunday, 233 years after the famous Revolutionary War battle. Though it ended in a draw, the battle was an American victory in the long term because it was the first time the British didn't win an easy victory. George Washington's army proved their mettle and discipline, showing the crown they were a force to be feared.
Last weekend, the troops gathered at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, as reenactors in the British and American camps slept in canvas tents and cooked their meals over fire pits just as 18th Century soldiers did. They dressed in authentic replica uniforms or the irregular clothing of militiamen and fought a scaled down version of the battle with muskets and cannons loaded with blanks.
GO TO THE ORIGINAL LINK ABOVE TO SEE SEVERAL PHOTOS FROM THE RE-ENACTMENT.
The annual reenactment of the Battle of Monmouth took place on Saturday and Sunday, 233 years after the famous Revolutionary War battle. Though it ended in a draw, the battle was an American victory in the long term because it was the first time the British didn't win an easy victory. George Washington's army proved their mettle and discipline, showing the crown they were a force to be feared.
Last weekend, the troops gathered at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan, as reenactors in the British and American camps slept in canvas tents and cooked their meals over fire pits just as 18th Century soldiers did. They dressed in authentic replica uniforms or the irregular clothing of militiamen and fought a scaled down version of the battle with muskets and cannons loaded with blanks.
GO TO THE ORIGINAL LINK ABOVE TO SEE SEVERAL PHOTOS FROM THE RE-ENACTMENT.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Mount Vernon Statue Honors Women Vets, Maj. Tammy Duckworth
ReadMedia: Mount Vernon Statue Honors Women Vets, Maj. Tammy Duckworth
MOUNT VERNON, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled a statue June 18 honoring female veterans in Mount Vernon. The statue, which shares the likeness of Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, was sculpted by Don Morris, a native of Flora. The statue depicts Duckworth standing adjacent to Revolutionary War hero Margaret Ludwig Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher.
"I am proud that America now finally realizes that her daughters are just as capable of fighting for liberty and freedom as her sons," said Duckworth.
In 2004, while co-piloting a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Duckworth's aircraft was hit by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents. The explosion resulted in the loss of both her legs and extensive damage to her right arm. In 2006, the governor appointed her director of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, and in 2009 President Obama appointed her to serve as the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Many people were on hand for the ceremony, including Congressman John Shimkus of the 19th Congressional District, numerous spectators, and a large contingent from the DAR, of which Duckworth is a member.
"I appreciate the fact that the state of Illinois (has) recognized women's service to the military," said Army Lt. Col. Natalie Northern, commander of the 633rd Theatre Gateway Personnel Accountability Team and a Springfield resident. Northern was deployed to Iraq the same time as Duckworth.
The ceremony was preceded by a parade that led to the Brehm Memorial Library, the site chosen by the DAR to house the veterans' memorial.
The memorial stands as a reminder of both the challenges faced and the strides women have made in the military.
"Women are rarely recognized, and as a woman, it's nice to be recognized," said Hallie Scott of Woodlawn. "It's nice that something big like this happens, (and) a big crowd from all over Illinois came here for people who are fighting for our country."
Duckworth said teamwork unites the country and makes the U.S. stronger.
During the ceremony Duckworth declared, "We are stronger as a nation when all of us participate, when it's not just men or women, or blacks or whites, when all of us participate together."
MOUNT VERNON, IL (06/20/2011)(readMedia)-- The Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) unveiled a statue June 18 honoring female veterans in Mount Vernon. The statue, which shares the likeness of Illinois Army National Guard Soldier Maj. Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, was sculpted by Don Morris, a native of Flora. The statue depicts Duckworth standing adjacent to Revolutionary War hero Margaret Ludwig Hays, better known as Molly Pitcher.
"I am proud that America now finally realizes that her daughters are just as capable of fighting for liberty and freedom as her sons," said Duckworth.
In 2004, while co-piloting a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Duckworth's aircraft was hit by a rocket propelled grenade fired by Iraqi insurgents. The explosion resulted in the loss of both her legs and extensive damage to her right arm. In 2006, the governor appointed her director of Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs, and in 2009 President Obama appointed her to serve as the Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Many people were on hand for the ceremony, including Congressman John Shimkus of the 19th Congressional District, numerous spectators, and a large contingent from the DAR, of which Duckworth is a member.
"I appreciate the fact that the state of Illinois (has) recognized women's service to the military," said Army Lt. Col. Natalie Northern, commander of the 633rd Theatre Gateway Personnel Accountability Team and a Springfield resident. Northern was deployed to Iraq the same time as Duckworth.
The ceremony was preceded by a parade that led to the Brehm Memorial Library, the site chosen by the DAR to house the veterans' memorial.
The memorial stands as a reminder of both the challenges faced and the strides women have made in the military.
"Women are rarely recognized, and as a woman, it's nice to be recognized," said Hallie Scott of Woodlawn. "It's nice that something big like this happens, (and) a big crowd from all over Illinois came here for people who are fighting for our country."
Duckworth said teamwork unites the country and makes the U.S. stronger.
During the ceremony Duckworth declared, "We are stronger as a nation when all of us participate, when it's not just men or women, or blacks or whites, when all of us participate together."
Saturday, June 18, 2011
5 Things: Red Coats Claim Bunker Hill
RiverDellPatch: 5 Things: Red Coats Claim Bunker Hill
Here are the Top 5 history facts for This Day In History: June 17.
The British Redcoats took Bunker Hill outside of Boston in 1775. Ironically, the battle actually took place at nearby Breed's Hill during the Siege of Boston. Taking the hill was not an easy job as over 800 British soldiers were wounded and 226 killed over three assaults.
General George Crook’s command was attacked and bested on the Rosebud River by 1,500 Sioux and Cheyenne under the leadership of Crazy Horse in 1876. While not considered a major battle as part of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77, it did lead to delaying Crook's army from joining the the 7th Cavalry and Gen. Custer and his subsequent defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City aboard the French ship Isere in 1885. The statue was orginally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World," to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution. It measures 151-feet high and was transported from France in over 200 boxes.
During the overnight hours, Virigilio Gonzalez, Bernard Baker, James McCord Jr., Eugenio Martinez and Frank Sturgis were arrested for burglarizing the Democratic Party Headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, DC in 1972. The men all worked for the reelection of President Nixon. The event was the beginning of the Watergate affair.
O.J. Simpson drove his Ford Bronco across Los Angeles with police in pursuit and millions of people watching live on television in 1994. After the slow speed chase ended with Simpson arrested and charged with the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The broadcast of the chase had actually interrupted Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks.
Here are the Top 5 history facts for This Day In History: June 17.
The British Redcoats took Bunker Hill outside of Boston in 1775. Ironically, the battle actually took place at nearby Breed's Hill during the Siege of Boston. Taking the hill was not an easy job as over 800 British soldiers were wounded and 226 killed over three assaults.
General George Crook’s command was attacked and bested on the Rosebud River by 1,500 Sioux and Cheyenne under the leadership of Crazy Horse in 1876. While not considered a major battle as part of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77, it did lead to delaying Crook's army from joining the the 7th Cavalry and Gen. Custer and his subsequent defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City aboard the French ship Isere in 1885. The statue was orginally known as "Liberty Enlightening the World," to commemorate the Franco-American alliance during the American Revolution. It measures 151-feet high and was transported from France in over 200 boxes.
During the overnight hours, Virigilio Gonzalez, Bernard Baker, James McCord Jr., Eugenio Martinez and Frank Sturgis were arrested for burglarizing the Democratic Party Headquarters in the Watergate complex in Washington, DC in 1972. The men all worked for the reelection of President Nixon. The event was the beginning of the Watergate affair.
O.J. Simpson drove his Ford Bronco across Los Angeles with police in pursuit and millions of people watching live on television in 1994. After the slow speed chase ended with Simpson arrested and charged with the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The broadcast of the chase had actually interrupted Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals between the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Italy's role in US independence to be honored
MercuryNews.com: Italy's role in US independence to be honored
ROME—The first U.S. museum dedicated to the American Revolution will feature an exhibit explaining the influence of the Italian Enlightenment on the thinking of the Founding Fathers.
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and the president of the American Revolution Center signed an agreement Thursday aimed at opening an Italian section in the center's Museum of the American Revolution, which is due to be opened in Philadelphia by 2015.
The president of the center, Bruce Cole, says the influence of the Italian Enlightenment, particular the ideas of individual liberties and forms of government, on drafters of the U.S. Constitution is a little known but important part of U.S. history.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and established the U.S. constitution.
ROME—The first U.S. museum dedicated to the American Revolution will feature an exhibit explaining the influence of the Italian Enlightenment on the thinking of the Founding Fathers.
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and the president of the American Revolution Center signed an agreement Thursday aimed at opening an Italian section in the center's Museum of the American Revolution, which is due to be opened in Philadelphia by 2015.
The president of the center, Bruce Cole, says the influence of the Italian Enlightenment, particular the ideas of individual liberties and forms of government, on drafters of the U.S. Constitution is a little known but important part of U.S. history.
The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and established the U.S. constitution.
Reliving the American Revolution
Ravena News-Herald: Reliving the American Revolution
RAVENA — Many educators agree hands-on learning provides one of the best venues for teaching and on June 10 Pieter B. Coeymans fourth and fifth graders got a day full of experiencing what it might have been like during the American Revolution.
During the fifth annual Revolutionary War re-enactment, groups including the Second Regiment, the Albany County Militia, the 53rd Regiment of Foot, the 62nd Regiment of Foot and local traditional musicians demonstrated Colonial games, weaponry and music.
The first half of the day Mr. Lintner, Mr. Verga, Mrs. Moutopoulos and Mr. Brown's classes rotated between three learning stations set up behind the school and the music station held at the gazebo.
Dressed in period costume with the girls in mob caps and skirts and the boys in red or blue soldier jackets, students tried stilt-walking, hoop-rolling, tug-of-war and hoop-catching at the Colonial Games Station.
At the Colonial Encampment they learned the commands associated with and the workings of a two-pound battalion gun followed by a demonstration of it being shot.
"This was the most dangerous job in the war," said "Major" John Osinski. "A six-man crew was as effective as 75 soldiers with muskets and they were the first target of the British."
Osinski went on to say women often served on canon crews alongside the men.
Groups of six students took turns pretending to be the cannon crew.
They "manned the gun, searched the piece, tended the vent, wetted the sponge, advanced the cartridge and picked and primed."
Then it was time to set and fire.
According to Osinski the most skilled troops could load and fire five times a minute.
When asked what his favorite part of the morning was Max Knaust said, "I like the canon and I also like the British station."
Madison Leonard said, "It was cool learning how to march and how to hold the gun and fire."
Nicole Scaringe said her favorite part was firing the canon.
At both the British and Colonial Encampments kids learned musket commands, rifle-firing and marching.
Corporal Jack Marshall from Dublin, Ireland, drilled the students in marching and charging the enemy.
Lord Kingsbury exhorted them to shout "Huzzah" when charging and ordered them to give three cheers for "good King George."
All the reenactors wore period clothing, which in the case of the British consisted of a coat, sash, saber, gloves, linen shirt with ruffled neck and sleeves, wool breeches, stockings, gators, splatter dashes and hats.
At the music station Tony Lasher explained the many uses of that most indispensable woman's garment, the apron.
It kept the clothing clean, served as a potholder, a basket to hold chicken seed or eggs, and provided a way to clean the hands.
Kids enjoyed a colonial-style lunch served in the cafeteria and in the afternoon watched a Revolutionary War skirmish between the British and the Colonists on the backfields.
Monday, June 13, 2011
New tour examines American Revolution through British eyes
TheVirginiaGazette: New tour examines American Revolution through British eyes
From Colonial Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG – Colonial Williamsburg is offering a new look at the American Revolution this summer.
“A Very British Revolution” is a guided tour that will take guests on a walk back in time to examine questions surrounding the American War of Independence from the point of view of Great Britain.
Starting Wednesday, the 45-minute tour explores various museum objects illustrating the relationship between the rise of British imperialism and the growing colonial interest in American independence.
Guests also have the opportunity to examine old maps, portraits, ceramics and more while learning about the developing British Empire and its place in English history.
Just as previous generations of English citizens had fought to ensure their rights through the Magna Carta, the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, colonial Americans struggled for similar reforms.
This tour will challenge the past and ask the ultimate question: Just how revolutionary was this Revolution?
A Colonial Williamsburg admissions ticket, museum pass or Good Neighbor card provides access to the tour.
Want to go? The program runs 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the DeWitt Wallace Museum. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.
From Colonial Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG – Colonial Williamsburg is offering a new look at the American Revolution this summer.
“A Very British Revolution” is a guided tour that will take guests on a walk back in time to examine questions surrounding the American War of Independence from the point of view of Great Britain.
Starting Wednesday, the 45-minute tour explores various museum objects illustrating the relationship between the rise of British imperialism and the growing colonial interest in American independence.
Guests also have the opportunity to examine old maps, portraits, ceramics and more while learning about the developing British Empire and its place in English history.
Just as previous generations of English citizens had fought to ensure their rights through the Magna Carta, the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, colonial Americans struggled for similar reforms.
This tour will challenge the past and ask the ultimate question: Just how revolutionary was this Revolution?
A Colonial Williamsburg admissions ticket, museum pass or Good Neighbor card provides access to the tour.
Want to go? The program runs 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the DeWitt Wallace Museum. For more information, call 1-800-HISTORY.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Writer captures the voices of the Revolution
SunJournal: Writer captures the voices of the Revolution
A North Carolina writer shared his research of the American Revolution on Thursday at a lecture at the N.C. History Center.
Author Ed Southern worked for a year going library to library and collecting first-hand accounts of people who were alive during the war.
He put the letters and correspondence together in a book called “Voices of the American Revolution in the Carolinas.”
Southern said he put the work together because he wanted to capture how those who lived, fought and survived felt during the war.
“I wanted to know what it was like to be British or American,” he said. He said he wanted the voices of the Tory, the Whig, regular solider or militia. He wanted the outlaw’s or bystander’s voice in the book. He captures the voices of officers who served in the battles and skirmishes.
Southern’s book jacket calls the American Revolution in the Carolinas nasty, brutish and short, though it must not have felt short to those who lived through it.
The book is available at bookstores and the History Center bookstore.
Southern is executive director of the N.C. Writers’ Network. He was in New Bern to look over the area of the network’s upcoming Squire Summer Writing Residency at the Hilton Riverfront July 14 through 17
A North Carolina writer shared his research of the American Revolution on Thursday at a lecture at the N.C. History Center.
Author Ed Southern worked for a year going library to library and collecting first-hand accounts of people who were alive during the war.
He put the letters and correspondence together in a book called “Voices of the American Revolution in the Carolinas.”
Southern said he put the work together because he wanted to capture how those who lived, fought and survived felt during the war.
“I wanted to know what it was like to be British or American,” he said. He said he wanted the voices of the Tory, the Whig, regular solider or militia. He wanted the outlaw’s or bystander’s voice in the book. He captures the voices of officers who served in the battles and skirmishes.
Southern’s book jacket calls the American Revolution in the Carolinas nasty, brutish and short, though it must not have felt short to those who lived through it.
The book is available at bookstores and the History Center bookstore.
Southern is executive director of the N.C. Writers’ Network. He was in New Bern to look over the area of the network’s upcoming Squire Summer Writing Residency at the Hilton Riverfront July 14 through 17
Friday, June 10, 2011
18th cent. war letters donated to Fort Ticonderoga
TheWallStreetJournal: 18th cent. war letters donated to Fort Ticonderoga
TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — Old documents describing the last military engagement to occur at Fort Ticonderoga have been donated to the upstate New York historic site.
Officials at the tourist attraction in the eastern Adirondacks say the four letters were drafted by an American brigadier general and relate to the raid on Fort Ticonderoga in 1777, during the Revolutionary War.
American forces had evacuated the fort as a British army approached from Canada. American soldiers returned to attack the British-held fort and other redcoats on nearby Mount Independence on Sept. 18, 1777.
The donated manuscripts give details of the fighting, which was the last time the fort was directly fired upon. When the war ended, Fort Ticonderoga's days as an active military post were over.
The fort is home to one of America's largest collections of 18th-century military documents and artifacts.
TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — Old documents describing the last military engagement to occur at Fort Ticonderoga have been donated to the upstate New York historic site.
Officials at the tourist attraction in the eastern Adirondacks say the four letters were drafted by an American brigadier general and relate to the raid on Fort Ticonderoga in 1777, during the Revolutionary War.
American forces had evacuated the fort as a British army approached from Canada. American soldiers returned to attack the British-held fort and other redcoats on nearby Mount Independence on Sept. 18, 1777.
The donated manuscripts give details of the fighting, which was the last time the fort was directly fired upon. When the war ended, Fort Ticonderoga's days as an active military post were over.
The fort is home to one of America's largest collections of 18th-century military documents and artifacts.
Ceremony will honor Fond du Lac area Revolutionary War veteran
FallReporter.com: Ceremony will honor Fond du Lac area Revolutionary War veteran
OAK CENTER — Although he’s been dead and gone for 163 years, veteran Andrew Howard is being remembered for his years of service in the Revolutionary War.
The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will dedicate a new grave marker at the final resting place of Andrew Howard in the Oak Center Cemetery.
The service is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12, and will commence with a color guard unit garbed in the attire of the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington assembling at Howard’s gravesite in the small rural cemetery located near the crossroads of Breakneck and Oak Center Roads. Words commemorating the Massachusetts native’s journey from the New England states to the Midwest will be shared by those in attendance as well as a solemn salute performed by the color guard.
A representative from the WISSAR will provide information about state and local programs benefitting veterans. The service will conclude with a gun salute by a local veterans firing squad and the playing of Taps.
Howard was among many patriots who moved west following the war and found their way into the Wisconsin Territory and helped build the state of Wisconsin. At the close of their lives, many were buried in small, rural cemeteries. According to historical records, Howard and 39 other veterans of the Revolutionary War are buried in 25 Wisconsin cemeteries.
According to records at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Howard was born in Massachusetts in 1764. At the age of 16 he enlisted in Capt. Amos Cogswell’s Company in the 8th Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Line for three years. He later transferred to Capt. John Hobby’s Company of the 3rd Massachusetts Continental Line, commanded by Col. Hugh Maxwell. After serving in the Hudson River Defense he was discharged in 1783.
In 1847 at the age of 83, Howard and his wife, Clarissa, came to Wisconsin to live with their son, Solomon, for two years before his death.
OAK CENTER — Although he’s been dead and gone for 163 years, veteran Andrew Howard is being remembered for his years of service in the Revolutionary War.
The Wisconsin Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will dedicate a new grave marker at the final resting place of Andrew Howard in the Oak Center Cemetery.
The service is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 12, and will commence with a color guard unit garbed in the attire of the Continental Army under Gen. George Washington assembling at Howard’s gravesite in the small rural cemetery located near the crossroads of Breakneck and Oak Center Roads. Words commemorating the Massachusetts native’s journey from the New England states to the Midwest will be shared by those in attendance as well as a solemn salute performed by the color guard.
A representative from the WISSAR will provide information about state and local programs benefitting veterans. The service will conclude with a gun salute by a local veterans firing squad and the playing of Taps.
Howard was among many patriots who moved west following the war and found their way into the Wisconsin Territory and helped build the state of Wisconsin. At the close of their lives, many were buried in small, rural cemeteries. According to historical records, Howard and 39 other veterans of the Revolutionary War are buried in 25 Wisconsin cemeteries.
According to records at the Milwaukee County Historical Society, Howard was born in Massachusetts in 1764. At the age of 16 he enlisted in Capt. Amos Cogswell’s Company in the 8th Massachusetts Regiment of the Continental Line for three years. He later transferred to Capt. John Hobby’s Company of the 3rd Massachusetts Continental Line, commanded by Col. Hugh Maxwell. After serving in the Hudson River Defense he was discharged in 1783.
In 1847 at the age of 83, Howard and his wife, Clarissa, came to Wisconsin to live with their son, Solomon, for two years before his death.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Palin's revisionist take on Revere sparks debate about smarts, U.S. history
GoogleNews: Palin's revisionist take on Revere sparks debate about smarts, U.S. history
By Lee-Anne Goodman, The Canadian Press – 1 day ago
WASHINGTON — It's not a jab from a clever Republican rival or a nimble Barack Obama that's causing Sarah Palin trouble these days — it's her recent resurrection of long-dead Paul Revere and her placement of the legendary midnight rider on the wrong side of U.S. history.
The iconic Revolutionary War figure is suddenly the subject of intense historical debate thanks to Palin's recounting of his ride in 1775 to alert American militia that British troops were approaching.
"He who warned the British that they weren't gonna be takin' away our arms by ringing those bells, and makin' sure as he's riding his horse through town to send those warning shots and bells that we were going to be sure and we were going to be free," she said.
Her comments were met with immediate ridicule from pundits and academics and glee from late-night comics like Stephen Colbert.
But Palin has been unapologetic, defending herself in the face of the uproar about her original remarks, which came in response to a question she characterized as "gotcha" journalism: "So, what have you seen so far today and what are you going to take away from your visit?"
"You know what? I didn't mess up about Paul Revere," she said over the weekend. "Part of his ride was to warn the British that were already there. That, 'Hey, you're not going to succeed. You're not going to take American arms."'
As is often the case with Palin, the latest brouhaha has also resulted in a national debate about her intelligence, in addition to American history.
She was utterly wrong, says the author of a book on Revere.
She was totally right, says a conservative political commentator.
"When I heard this, I groaned," Joel Miller, author of "The Revolutionary Paul Revere," wrote in a post on The National Review's website.
"From Revere's own account, it's clear that he didn't fire a shot, he didn't ring a bell, and he didn't intend to warn the British of anything."
Andrew Malcolm begged to differ in a blog post on the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday.
"Now that so many Americans have wallowed in their smug confirmation that Palin is an idiot unqualified for anything but repeating sixth-grade history, how far, wide and fast do you think the contradictory news will spread that the former governor of Alaska was indeed correct?" he wrote.
"Revere was captured by said redcoats and did indeed defiantly warn them of the awakened militia awaiting their arrival ahead and of the American Revolution's inevitable victory ... Palin knew this."
Others have poked holes in that interpretation, pointing out Palin's original remarks seem to suggest Revere was bravely defending the Second Amendment to the U.S. constitution, also known as the right to bear arms. That amendment did not come into existence until 16 years after Revere's ride.
Miller also pointed out that Revere travelled in silence in a secret mission to alert John Hancock and Samuel Adams that they were in danger — and was most certainly not ringing bells and firing shots to warn the British that they weren't going to be successful in any attempt to take American arms.
Palin's mangling of the story near and dear to Americans has even resulted in the padlocking of the Wikipedia page about Revere after suspected supporters tried repeatedly to edit the entry to mesh better with the former Alaska governor's version of events.
"That's pretty uncommon, in terms of coming to Wikipedia and attempting to change history," said Jay Walsh, spokesman for the Wikimedia Foundation.
"The reality is that Wikipedia isn't a place for original research. It needs to be a proven piece of information before it can be added in Wikipedia."
The Wikipedia drama resulted in lively a war of words in the page's discussion section.
"These people who support Palin are a right-wing group of extremists who will stop at nothing short of altering history in order to vindicate her inane statements," one editor wrote.
In the wake of her Revere remarks, a new Washington Post/ABC News poll says two-thirds of Americans "definitely would not" vote for Palin for president of the United States, even though she placed second behind Mitt Romney among Republican voters as their favoured presidential candidate.
There was more bad news for Palin on Tuesday. She told a British newspaper over the weekend that she hopes to meet this summer with her longtime idol, former prime minister Margaret Thatcher.
That isn't happening.
"Lady Thatcher will not be seeing Sarah Palin," an unnamed Thatcher aide told The Guardian. "That would be belittling for Margaret. Sarah Palin is nuts."
Daughters of American Revolution planning informational meeting in Basehor
BasehorSentinel: Daughters of American Revolution planning informational meeting in Basehor
The Basehor Historical Museum Society will sponsor an informational meeting next week about a possible new Basehor-area chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The meeting will take place 7 p.m. Monday, next door to the historical museum at the Basehor VFW Post 11499, 2805 N. 155th St.
Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit women's service organization open to any woman 18 years or older who can document “lineage to an ancestor, either male or female, who aided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service,” according to Marlys Hankins, organizing secretary for the Kansas Society of DAR.
The meeting is part of an effort by the Kansas Society to form a new chapter in the Basehor area, Hankins said. DAR members at the meeting will offer help on researching genealogy to find a qualifying ancestor and on applying to join the group. For more information, call Hankins at (913) 782-3645
The Basehor Historical Museum Society will sponsor an informational meeting next week about a possible new Basehor-area chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The meeting will take place 7 p.m. Monday, next door to the historical museum at the Basehor VFW Post 11499, 2805 N. 155th St.
Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit women's service organization open to any woman 18 years or older who can document “lineage to an ancestor, either male or female, who aided the cause of American independence through military, civil or patriotic service,” according to Marlys Hankins, organizing secretary for the Kansas Society of DAR.
The meeting is part of an effort by the Kansas Society to form a new chapter in the Basehor area, Hankins said. DAR members at the meeting will offer help on researching genealogy to find a qualifying ancestor and on applying to join the group. For more information, call Hankins at (913) 782-3645
Monday, June 6, 2011
American Revolution re-enacted this weekend (June 11-12)
KPCNews.com: American Revolution re-enacted this weekend
FORT WAYNE - One if by land, two if by sea ... the British are coming! That will be the scene set by organizers of the American Revolution at Fort Wayne's Historic Old Fort this weekend.
Doors open to the general public on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Festivities on both days will kick off with the raising of the colors at 11:00 a.m. The Continental Army and British forces will demonstrate period-specific artillery, infantry and hostage negotiations. Re-enactors will bring to life the daily activities of this time period with cooking, gardening and blacksmithing demonstrations. Find special gifts or keepsakes from craft vendors and nosh on period-specific foods.
For history buffs and those who enjoy hearing stories of Fort Wayne's past, guided tours are available on Saturday, noon-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-3 p.m.
Admission requires only a free-will donation to the Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. Parking is available at Headwaters and Lawton parks. For a complete schedule of events, log on to www.oldfortwayne.org or call 260-460-4763.
Founded in 2004, Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a permanent endowment, providing routine maintenance, and developing a historically-based education program for the historic Fort. HFW, Inc. relies on private and corporate investors for financial support.
FORT WAYNE - One if by land, two if by sea ... the British are coming! That will be the scene set by organizers of the American Revolution at Fort Wayne's Historic Old Fort this weekend.
Doors open to the general public on Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Festivities on both days will kick off with the raising of the colors at 11:00 a.m. The Continental Army and British forces will demonstrate period-specific artillery, infantry and hostage negotiations. Re-enactors will bring to life the daily activities of this time period with cooking, gardening and blacksmithing demonstrations. Find special gifts or keepsakes from craft vendors and nosh on period-specific foods.
For history buffs and those who enjoy hearing stories of Fort Wayne's past, guided tours are available on Saturday, noon-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-3 p.m.
Admission requires only a free-will donation to the Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. Parking is available at Headwaters and Lawton parks. For a complete schedule of events, log on to www.oldfortwayne.org or call 260-460-4763.
Founded in 2004, Historic Fort Wayne, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to creating a permanent endowment, providing routine maintenance, and developing a historically-based education program for the historic Fort. HFW, Inc. relies on private and corporate investors for financial support.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Slavery & Liberty: Black Patriots of the American Revolution
Academic Conference to be held June 24-26, 2011 in Baltimore, MD
Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB) June 03, 2011
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (the SAR) proudly announced today that it will host its second SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution on June 24-26, 2011 in Baltimore, MD. The topic of the 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be 'Slavery & Liberty: Black Patriots of the American Revolution.'
2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Benjamin Quarles' groundbreaking work, 'The Negro in the American Revolution.' The 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be dedicated to the memory of Prof. Quarles, and will take place in part at Morgan State University, where Prof. Quarles taught and chaired the Department of History.
Among the prominent historians who will present papers at the 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be Gary Nash (UCLA), Sylvia Frey (Tulane), Louis Wilson (Smith College), Julie Winch (Massachusetts) and Philip Morgan (Johns Hopkins). Robert M.S. McDonald of the U.S. Military Academy is the current SAR Distinguished Scholar, and he will facilitate the 2011 SAR Annual Conference.
'Slavery & Liberty’ will be open to the public for a nominal registration fee. The registration fee for college and graduate students will be discounted. Full registration details can be found on the SAR website, http://www.sar.org/News/2011-SAR-Annual-Conference-American-Revolution.
At least 5,000 – and perhaps as many as 20,000 – African Americans fought for the American cause during the Revolution, and helped our Nation achieve its Independence and Liberty. The SAR takes seriously its role to preserve the memory of all Revolutionary War patriots, and we are glad to honor black patriots of the American Revolution by hosting this academic conference.
Founded in 1889, and chartered by the U.S Congress in 1906, the SAR has over 29,000 members around the world. The SAR has had African American members for decades, and in recent years, we have happily welcomed more black men into our ranks. Many of these African American men are descended from white patriots of the Revolution, but many others are descended from black patriots. The SAR welcomes all men, regardless of race, who are descended from Revolutionary War patriots.
One of our members is Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of Harvard University. Dr. Gates is the Chairman of Harvard’s African-American Studies Department, and the Director of the W.E.B. DuBois Institute. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Gates is also the producer/host of several documentaries, including the acclaimed African American Lives. The DuBois Institute, with some help from the SAR, has launched the Black Patriots Research Project, http://dubois.fas.harvard.edu/black-patriots-project.
Information
For the Sons of the American Revolution go to http://www.sar.org.
For the 2011 SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution, 'Slavery & Liberty: Black Patriots of the American Revolution', contact Joe Dooley at joe(dot)dooley(dot)1776(at)gmail(dot)com.
Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB) June 03, 2011
The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (the SAR) proudly announced today that it will host its second SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution on June 24-26, 2011 in Baltimore, MD. The topic of the 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be 'Slavery & Liberty: Black Patriots of the American Revolution.'
2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Benjamin Quarles' groundbreaking work, 'The Negro in the American Revolution.' The 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be dedicated to the memory of Prof. Quarles, and will take place in part at Morgan State University, where Prof. Quarles taught and chaired the Department of History.
Among the prominent historians who will present papers at the 2011 SAR Annual Conference will be Gary Nash (UCLA), Sylvia Frey (Tulane), Louis Wilson (Smith College), Julie Winch (Massachusetts) and Philip Morgan (Johns Hopkins). Robert M.S. McDonald of the U.S. Military Academy is the current SAR Distinguished Scholar, and he will facilitate the 2011 SAR Annual Conference.
'Slavery & Liberty’ will be open to the public for a nominal registration fee. The registration fee for college and graduate students will be discounted. Full registration details can be found on the SAR website, http://www.sar.org/News/2011-SAR-Annual-Conference-American-Revolution.
At least 5,000 – and perhaps as many as 20,000 – African Americans fought for the American cause during the Revolution, and helped our Nation achieve its Independence and Liberty. The SAR takes seriously its role to preserve the memory of all Revolutionary War patriots, and we are glad to honor black patriots of the American Revolution by hosting this academic conference.
Founded in 1889, and chartered by the U.S Congress in 1906, the SAR has over 29,000 members around the world. The SAR has had African American members for decades, and in recent years, we have happily welcomed more black men into our ranks. Many of these African American men are descended from white patriots of the Revolution, but many others are descended from black patriots. The SAR welcomes all men, regardless of race, who are descended from Revolutionary War patriots.
One of our members is Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of Harvard University. Dr. Gates is the Chairman of Harvard’s African-American Studies Department, and the Director of the W.E.B. DuBois Institute. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Gates is also the producer/host of several documentaries, including the acclaimed African American Lives. The DuBois Institute, with some help from the SAR, has launched the Black Patriots Research Project, http://dubois.fas.harvard.edu/black-patriots-project.
Information
For the Sons of the American Revolution go to http://www.sar.org.
For the 2011 SAR Annual Conference on the American Revolution, 'Slavery & Liberty: Black Patriots of the American Revolution', contact Joe Dooley at joe(dot)dooley(dot)1776(at)gmail(dot)com.
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