Supporting scholarship and promoting popular understanding of the American Revolution is central to the work of the American Revolution Institute. The Institute welcomes distinguished scholars and authors to share their insights and discuss their latest research with the public at Anderson House through lectures, author's talks and panel discussions. The Institute also hosts a variety of other historical programs throughout the year, including our Lunch Bite object talks, battlefield tours, special Anderson House tour programs and other events. Many of the events we offer are free.
June 2019
Author’s Talk – “The Only Unavoidable Subject of Regret”: George Washington, Slavery, and the Enslaved Community at Mount Vernon
Mary Thompson discusses and signs copies of her new book on the enslaved people of Mount Vernon. Based on decades of original work on the people who lived and worked at George Washington’s plantation, this is destined to be one of the most important works on George Washington and slavery ever published, combining deeply original and precise scholarship about the enslaved people of Mount Vernon with a rich understanding of George Washington’s life and views on what he recognized as…
Find out more »Lecture – Why George Washington’s Leadership is Still Important
Join the American Revolution Institute for a special lecture and reception in Charleston, South Carolina. On the eve of Carolina Day, Dr. David L. Preston, Westvaco Professor of National Security Studies at the Citadel, discusses George Washington’s enduring relevance to South Carolina and the nation. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:45 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6:30 p.m. The lecture will last approximately one hour with time afterwards for questions. Thank you to our partners for this event:…
Find out more »July 2019
Author’s Talk—The Disaffected: Britain’s Occupation of Philadelphia During the American Revolution
Historian Aaron Sullivan discusses and signs copies of his book that chronicles the experiences of Quakers, pacifists and others who were pursued, pressured and at times persecuted during the British occupation of Philadelphia, not because they chose the wrong side of the Revolution, but because they tried not to choose a side at all. The talk will last approximately 45 minutes, followed by a book signing and refreshments. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event.…
Find out more »August 2019
Documentary Film Screening—The Lafayette Escadrille
At the beginning of World War I, young Americans rushed to France as volunteers to defend America’s oldest ally. The Lafayette Escadrille, the only all-American squadron in the French Air Service, is the subject of a new documentary film co-directed by Paul Glenshaw. Following the film screening, Glenshaw will comment on the production, including presenting the deep connections several of the pilots had to the Revolution and to the Society of the Cincinnati. About the Speaker Paul Glenshaw, a graduate…
Find out more »September 2019
Author’s Talk—The Widow Washington: The Life of Mary Washington
Historian and professor Martha Saxton discusses and signs copies of her recently published book The Widow Washington: The Life of Mary Washington, the first biography of George Washington’s mother based on archival sources. Her son’s biographers have, for the most part, painted her as self-centered and crude, a trial and an obstacle to her oldest child. The records tell a very different story. Mary Ball, the daughter of a wealthy planter and a formerly indentured servant, was orphaned young and…
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