News: Looking At Revolutionary War 'From The Ground Up'

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.

A Cultural History of the American Revolution, by Kenneth Silverman

A Cultural History of the American Revolution: Painting, Music, Literature, an dthe Theater in the Colonies and the United States from the Treaty of Paris to the Inaugeration of George Washington, 1763-1789, by Kenneth Silverman
Thomas Crowell Company, 1976
607 pages plus Sources, Notes, Index, and 53 illustrations
Library: 973.3 SIL

Description
Amid a host of Bicentennial books, this one stands out as unique: It is the first comprehensive cultural history of the revolutionary period, from 1763, when peace returned to the colonies with the ending of the French and Indian War, to 1789, when the newly united States inaugerated GEorge Washington as their first president.

It has not been recognized before that this was a quarter-century of surprising cultural progress as well as political revolution. In this short span, America produced its first novel, first epic poems, first composer, first professionally acted friend, first actor and dancer, its first important painters, sculptor, musical-instrument makers, engravers, museums-most of the elements, indeed, that define modern metropolitan cultural life.

Tracing the growth of American painting, music, literature, and the theatre against and around the more familiar contours of political and nilitary history, Kenneth Silverman has produced a text immensely rich in ideas and information.

He vividly conveys the exuberance of the era, integrating such well-known historical events as the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the Battle of Bunker's Hill, the Siege of Yorktown, and the struggle to draft and ratify the Constitution with such unfamiliar cultural events as the destruction of the New York theatre by the Sons of Liberty, the first American performance of Handel's Messiah, the production of plays at Valley Forge and other army camps, the mounting of public spectacles and parades, the post-war immigration of European painters and musicians to America, and the passage of copyright laws.

While describing the growth of American culture in the midst of war, the book unfolds the careers and interprets the works of dozens of painters, poets, musicians, playwrights, and other artists: Benjamin West, the Pennsylvania Quaker who founded an American school in London and revolutionized the painting of historical objects; his pupil John Trumbull, who sought to document the war on canvas, John Singleton Copley, the most gifted portraitist in America, who married into the family of one of Boston's largest tea importers; Charles Wilson Peale, now fighting under Washington, now painting him, now offering him a special showing of "moving pictures"; Philip Frenau, inveighing in verse against Gage and Cornwallis but against his countrymen as well; David Douglas and Lewis Hallam, Jr., managers of the peripatetic American Company, eternally trying to work around the anti-theatre laws; the singing master (and later garbage collector) William Billings, whose New England Psalm-Singer initiated a flood of works by native American composers.

These are only a few of the literally thousands of personalities, works and events in this remarkable and entertaining history of the first flowering of American culture. A product of much original research, it is a book not only for the Bicentennial year, but for many seasons.

Table of Contents
Foreword
Book One: Peace and Learning
Calendar for February 1763-August 1770
Part 1: Culture in British America between the Treaty of Paris and the Stamp Act: 1763-1765
1. Commencement: 1763
2. The Art World
3. Musical life
4. The Literary Scene
5. The Theatre

Part Two: Demonstrations-American Culture 1765-1770
6. Stamp Act Protests: August-December 1765
7. Excursus: Whig Sentinentalim
8. Benjamin West's American School in London: June 1763-early 1766
Charles Wilson Peale flees to New England: Summer 1765
10. Copley's Boy with Squirrel: Fall 1765
11. Douglass' New Troupe in Charleston: October 25-November 4, 1765
12. Repeal of the Stamp Act: January-May 1766
13. Hopkinson and Peale in London: July 1766-Spring 1767
14. Success of Boy with Squirrel: August 1766
15. Opening of the Southwark Theatre: November 1766; the first American actor, the first Americn play, The Prince of Parthia, April 24, 1767
16. The Townshend Acts: June 176; Liberty Songs and Poems: 1768-69
17. West's Agrippana; Peale's Pitt; c. Spring 1767-spring 1769
18. Arrival of John Henry: August 1767; the Virginia Company of Comedians; The American Company thwarted again in Charleston: August 1769
19. British Troops in Boston: October 1768-March 1770
20. Repeal of the Townshend Acts: April 1770; Statue of King GEorge Raised in New York: August 23, 1770

Book Two: Arts and Arms
Calendar for September 1770-December 1783
Part 1: Culture in British America during the 'Quuiet Period', 1770-1773
21. Commenvement: 1770
22. The Art World
23. Musical life
24. The Literary scene
25. The theatre

Part 2: Battles-American Culture 1773-1783
26. The Tea Act and the Boston Port Bill: May 1773-September 1774
27. Copley in Europe: July 1774- March 1775
28. The First Continental Congress: September-October 1774
29. Lexington, Concord, Bunker's Hill: April-June 1775
30. The Siege of Boston: July 1775-March 1776
31. Outside Boston: Spring 1774-Spring 1776
32. The Second Continental Congress Declares Independence: Fall 1775-Summer 1776
33. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania: Summer 1776-Winter 1777-78
34. Excursus: Music in the Army
35. Philadelphia and New York: Summer 1778-Summer 1780
36. The Andre Affair: Fall 1780
37. The American School: 1777-1782
38. Billings and Law: the Yale Poets: New England 1777-1782
39. Charleston and Yorktown: May 1780-October 1781
40. Philadelphia: November 1781-November 1782
41. 1783: Peace REturning

Book 3: Virtue Against Luxury
Calendar for January 1784-April 1789
Part 1: American Culture between the Peace and the Constitutional Convention, 1784-1787
42. Commencement: 1783
43. The Art World
44. Musical Life
45. the Literary Scene
46. The Theatre
Part 2: Parades - American Culture 1787-1789
47. The Constitution: May 1787-June 1788
48. Late developments during the First Presidential Election: The first American songsters. the first American novel. the first American landscape paintings, the repeal of the anti-theatre laws: November 1788-March 1789
49. The Inaugeration of Washington: April 1789
Documentation and Notes
Index

Sister Revolutions, by Susan Dunn

Sister Revolutions: French Lightning, American Light, by Susan Dunn
Faber and Faber, 1989
208 pages plus appendix, notes and index. A few b&w illustrations scattered throughout book


Description
In 1790, the American diplomat and politician Gouverneur Morris compared the French and American REvolutions, saying that the French "have taken Genius instead of Reason for their guide, adopted Experiment instead of Experience, and wander in the Dark because they prefer Lightning to Light."

Although both revoltions professed similar Enlightenment ideals of freedom, equality and justice, there were dramatic differences. The Americans were content to preserve many aspects of their English heritage; the French sought a complete break with a thousand years of history. The Americans accepted nonviolent political conflict, the French valued unity above all. The Americans emphasized individual rights, while the French stressed public order and cohesion.

Why did the two revolutions follow such different trajectories? What influence have the two different versions of democracy had on human history.? And what lessons do they offer us about democracy today?

In a lucid narrative style, with particular emphasis on lively portraits of the major actors, Susan Dunn traces the legacies of the two great revolutions through modern history and up to the revolutionary movements of our own time. Her combination of history and political analysis will appeal to all who take an interest in the way democratic nations are governed.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
1. Sister REvolutions
2. Revolutionary Leadership
3. Conflict or Consensus?
4. Revolutionary Talk, Revolutionary Stage
5. Declaring-and Denying-Rights
6. emlightenment Legacies
7. Pn "Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition"
Appendix: The Bill of Rights
Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen
Notes
Index

Children of the American Revolution Holds 85th State Conference

Fairfield Patch: Children of the American Revolution Holds 85th State Conference

Dressed in conservative attire or costumes that recalled colonial times, scores of children from all over Connecticut gathered in Fairfield Sunday afternoon to celebrate their roots and support the cause of freedom.

The draw was the 85th State Conference of the Connecticut Society Children of the American Revolution, hosted by the organization’s local chapter, the Thaddeus Burr Society, at the Burr Mansion on Old Post Road.

In addition to conducting standard business such as electing next year’s officers and reporting on operations, the group memorialized relatives and military servicemen that died over the past year. An additional highlight included a wreath dedication honoring Hungarian Freedom Fighters.

“Their cause parallels our country’s own fight for freedom, and the grandmother of our state chaplain, Taylor Fischer, was one of the protesters that fled the country and was lucky enough to be relocated to America,” said Teri Fischer, senior state president of the C.A.R., a branch of the Daughters of the American Revolution. “We really recognize any freedom causes while building leaders and citizens and asking what we can do today.”

Founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop, C.A.R. is the nation’s oldest and largest patriotic youth organization, offering membership to anyone under the age of 22 lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution. Members pledge to carry on their descendants’ work and use their influence to create a deeper love of country, a loyal respect for the Constitution and a reverence for its flag, among young people. In Connecticut, the C.A.R. includes 365 members.

In the fall of 1956, Hungarians, led by students, revolted against the People’s Republic of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies. Over a two-week period, protesters and State Security Police clashed countrywide until Soviet troops crushed the uprising and installed a Soviet-led government. In the process, 2,500 Hungarians were killed and 200,000 fled the country. A monument dedicated to the freedom fighters stands in the Burr Mansion’s gardens.

Each annual conference is themed. This year’s had a pirate correlation to convey the message of “treasuring the past." It was conceived by Lauren Bacon, 16, state president of the C.A.R. and a descendant of Mayflower passenger William Bradford.

“I wanted to get younger members involved in a fun, kid-friendly way, that makes a meeting like this more appealing,” Bacon said. To this end, a “Camp C.A.R.” room was set up where young children could don pirate hats and enjoy crafts and coloring.

Helping organize the pirate-themed activities was C.A.R. Senior State Chaplain Stephanie Pruitt, 30, who has been a member since she was 10.

“My relevant descendant is John Carroll Adams who fought in the American Revolution,” Pruitt said. “It’s nice to feel that your family was part of something special and I’m glad that C.A.R. reinforces that importance and connection.”

The registrar of the Fairfield-based host chapter, Betty Oderwald, said her group supports the mission of respecting veterans and instilling patriotism, through a host of outreach efforts.

“In the past year, we made Valentines for Homes of the Brave veterans homeless shelter in Bridgeport, hosted a scavenger hunt in the Burr gardens and handed out favors at the town Christmas tree lighting," Oderwald said.

C.A.R. has had a definite impact in the life of 16-year-old Taylor Fischer, who affixed a white rose to the Freedom Fighters’ wreath in honor of her grandmother. “It has made me more interested in my past and what I can do for my country. It’s also good for developing leadership qualities, as we all need to give speeches. And you get to meet people from all over the country and learn everyone’s connections to the past.”

Fellow member Alex Kimble, 11, had a particularly relevant connection to the proceedings, as a descendant of Thaddeus Burr, who established Burr Mansion. “It’s kind of interesting to learn about my own history and meet other people with histories like mine. I have a good time at these meetings.”

Carol Bauby, state registrar for the Daughters of the American Revolution, stressed the importance of groups like the C.A.R. “It’s a great start for children to learn love of country and good citizenship. My relevant ancestors include Christian Stauffer, who served under General Anthony Wayne and fought at the decisive Battle of Yorktown 250 years ago. It’s important to honor these key ancestors who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Remembering Casimir Pulaski on Pulaski Day

The Baltimore Sun: Remembering Casimir Pulaski on Pulaski Day

Folks in Baltimore are getting ready for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day, but forgive me for pausing to recognize a hero of the American Revolution, Casimir Pulaski, on Pulaski Day.

Around these parts, Pulaski is not a big deal, but in my hometown of New Britain, Conn., the name certainly was. (Nice to see that some Chicago agencies shut down today to commemorate the holiday.) Kids in my neighborhood once went to Pulaski High School, which is fitting for a city that had many, many Polish immigrants. How big is that influence? You can still find plenty of Polish delis, travel agencies and restaurants along Broad Street -- including the wonderful Starapolska, where the menu is loaded with pierogi, golabek, kielbasa and bigos. At the local hospital, the signs are in English, Spanish and Polish. You get the idea.

As for the man himself, here's how the National Park Service describes his exploits: "By 1776, Pulaski learned of America's struggle for independence and offered his services to the cause. Pulaski arrived in Boston in July 1777. Pulaski would serve next to George Washington who appreciated Pulaski's vast military experience. On September 15, 1777, the American congress promoted Pulaski to the rank of Brigadier General in command of cavalry.

"Pulaski quickly distinguished himself at Brandywine, where he covered the retreat of Washington's troops, preventing a total rout. Pulaski gained more success at Germantown. In May, 1778, Pulaski began to form an independent cavalry unit that would be known as the Pulaski Legion. Comprised of Americans, German, Frenchmen, Irishmen, and Poles, the legion would see immediate action in October along the New Jersey coast. The Pulaski legion would later guard the northern border of Pennsylvania before heading south.

"In May 1779, the Pulaski Legion helped defend Charleston, South Carolina against the British. ... By the fall of 1779, the Pulaski Legion headed toward Savannah, Georgia in an effort to join other French and American troops in an attempt to retake Savannah from the British. In the attack on October 9, 1779, American and French forces fell short of retaking the city. Pulaski was also mortally wounded by grapeshot and would die two days later aboard the American ship Wasp on route to Charleston."

So before you go all green for St. Patrick, how about a toast for Casimir?

Penfield workshop will show how to research past

Democrat and Chronicle.com (Rochester, New York): Penfield workshop will show how to research past

The Mary Fellows Penfield Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is holding a free lineage workshop at the Penfield Public Library, 1985 Baird Road, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5.

The workshop will explore attendees’ ancestry, which could allow them possible membership in the society.

Any woman 18 or older who can prove lineal descent from an American Revolution patriot is eligible for membership in the group, a volunteer women’s service organization that honors and preserves the legacy of patriot ancestors.

Obama to honor Wood at White House today

The Brown Daily Herald: Obama to honor Wood at White House today
Gordon Wood, professor emeritus of history, will receive the 2010 National Humanities Medal from President Obama today at the White House. Wood, along with nine other recipients, will be honored in the East Room at 1:45 p.m.

Wood is being recognized for work that "provides insight into the founding of our nation and the drafting of the United States Constitution," according to a White House press release. He has written several books on the period of the American Revolution, winning a Pulitzer Prize and the Ralph Waldo Emerson Prize for his book "The Radicalism of the American Revolution" and the Bancroft Prize for "The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787."

The National Humanities Medal annually recognizes up to 12 scholars whose work strengthens "the nation's understanding of humanities," "citizens' engagement with humanities" or "Americans' access to important resources in the humanities," according to the National Endowment for the Humanities website. This year's recipients also include Joyce Carol Oates and Philip Roth.

Wood said in a University press release that he hopes the recognition will bring attention to his field.

"We don't teach history because we want to have history teachers or history professors," he said. "We're teaching history because it enriches lives."

Wood's next project will be editing the letters of John Adams for publication by the Library of America. He could not be reached for further comment late last night.

Winners of the 2010 National Medal of Arts will also be recognized at the ceremony.