American Revolution Institute

Alexander Hamilton died #OTD, July 12, in 1804, a day after his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. Learn more about Hamilton’s life and death in our online exhibition: bit.ly/4eXhN7U

#OTD The fleet carrying the Comte de Rochambeau, 5,500 French soldiers, and 7,000 sailors dropped anchor at Newport, Rhode Island, beginning a new chapter of the American Revolution and the Franco-American alliance.

#OTD in 1776, Gen. George Washington ordered the newly adopted Declaration of Independence to be read to the Continental Army in NYC. Inspired citizens and soldiers alike later marched to Bowling Green, where they pulled down the gilded equestrian statue of King George III.

#OTD in 1781, the French and American armies marked the beginning of their joint encampment with a grand review. Our collections include a painting of the review created by Henry A. Ogden at the turn of the 20th century. Learn more: bit.ly/4fpQ9jT

Happy Independence Day! As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday, let us remember to celebrate our nation’s independence andthe enduring spirit of citizenship, service, and hope that has carried our country through its greatest challenges and achievements.

#OTD in 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress adopted a resolution presented by Richard Henry Lee in June 1776, that declared the 13 American colonies “free and independent states.” Two days later, on July 4, Congress approved the official document that declared independence.

Next Tues., 7/7 at 6:30 pm! Join us for an author’s talk featuring historian Kieran O’Keefe discussing his new book, Suffering for the Crown: The Hudson Valley Loyalists and the Violence of Revolution. Learn more & register: bit.ly/4gb3wFz

250 years ago, the delegates to Congress were mulling over a draft of a declaration of independence, submitted two days earlier by Thomas Jefferson and the Committee of Five. Congress was set to return from recess on July 1 to vote for, or against, independence from Britain.

#OTD 250 years ago, American revolutionaries—including Lt. Jacob Shubrick, depicted in this portrait in our collections—successfully defended an unfinished fort on Sullivan’s Island in Charleston Harbor from a British attack. Learn more in our 7/1 lecture bit.ly/4aQLwN7

We were pleased to participate in a workshop for New Hampshire teachers sponsored by the Society of the Cincinnati of NH at the NH Historical Society in Concord on 6/23 & 6/24 and see the NHSOC’s 1776 Dunlap DOI broadside go on public display at the NH State House!

Next Wed., 7/1 at 6:30 pm! Join us for a lecture featuring independent historian and author Chip Bragg commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Sullivan's Island, fought on June 28, 1776. Learn more & register: bit.ly/4aQLwN7 @SC250 #America250

#OTD in 1779, Spain formally declared war on Great Britain, entering the #RevWar as an ally of France. Learn about Spanish participation in North America and how it helped lay the roadwork towards independence in one of our newest Year in Revolution videos. bit.ly/4afGY2K

#OTD 6/20/1782, Congress adopted the Great Seal of the U.S. Watch our one of our newest Year in Revolution videos to learn how the #RevWar experience created a common American narrative, symbols, and new national identity: bit.ly/4vFJt7f

Next Tues., 6/25 at 6:30 pm! Join us for an author's talk featuring award-winning historian Michael Austin discussing his new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America. Learn more & register: bit.ly/43KtW9F

Now available to view online, a set of artillery calipers made by Addison Smith, London, ca. 1775. Calipers enabled a soldier to measure the diameter of a cannon’s muzzle and match that to the appropriate ball to be fired. View the museum database entry: bit.ly/4xx5lmk

Thank you @KEDC1 for a wonderful experience sharing our K-12 resources with the 400+ educators gathered for the #GrantsSummerConference in Lexington last week!

Happy birthday, U.S. Army! #OTD in 1775, the Continental Army was authorized and created, marking a decisive step toward organized resistance against British rule. Learn more about the army’s founding from historian Holly Mayer. youtu.be/ujxwXs7LlUk

#OTD 250 years ago, the Continental Congress took another decisive step toward independence by appointing a 5-man committee to draft a declaration separating the American colonies from Great Britain, setting in motion the creation of one of the most influential documents in history.

Next Wed., 6/17 at 6:30 pm! Join us for a lecture feat. Friederike Baer examining the varied experiences of the German auxiliaries in the #RevWar—not merely as a fighting force, but as a community sustained through collective identity far from home. bit.ly/441lfI4

Happy birthday, John Trumbull, born this week in 1756. This ca. 1834 portrait by Trumbull from our collections depicts Continental Army officer Ebenezer Huntington and was recently put on display at Anderson House. Huntington saw extensive service during the #RevWar