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.
April 2025
Lunch Bite—A Hanger Sword Owned by Massacusetts Minute Man James Taylor
Deputy Director and Curator Emily Parsons discusses an American-made hanger sword carried during the early months of the Revolutionary War by James Taylor, a minute man from western Massachusetts. A native of Pelham, Taylor was an ensign in Capt. David Cowden’s company of minute men when it answered the Lexington Alarm—seventy-five miles east—on April 19, 1775. Two months later, Taylor participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill, a sobering victory for the British Army, which lost so many casualties that…
Find out more »Panel Discussion—The Battles of Lexington and Concord
To kick off our eight-year-long 250th anniversary celebrations of the American Revolution, join us for a panel discussion highlighting the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Panelists will discuss the prelude of the two events of April 19, 1775, the engagements through the perspectives of the battles’ participants and civilian eyewitnesses; and recent archaeological studies and findings and how they have impacted or enhanced the interpretation of the battles. Registration is requested. To attend the panel discussion in-person at Anderson House,…
Find out more »May 2025
Lecture—The Fourth South Carolina Regiment and the Orderly Book of Capt. Barnard Elliot
Elizabeth Chew and Melina Testin of the South Carolina Historical Society discuss a rare orderly book kept by Capt. Barnard Elliot of the Fourth South Carolina Regiment, which was incorporated into the Continental Army on June 18, 1776—ten days before the Battle of Sullivan’s Island—and disbanded on January 1, 1781. Drawing from the orderly book, which will be on view during the program, this lecture will focus on the Fourth South Carolina Regiment’s service during the Revolution and the significance…
Find out more »From the Vault—Prisoners of the Revolution
Join library staff, along with historian Susan Brynne Long, Ph.D., for a special program exploring selections from our library collections relating to the experience of prisoners of war during the American Revolution. The captivity experience of British and American prisoners varied significantly between officers and enlisted men, German and British captives, and across geographies. This special public viewing will allow guests to view rare items up close while learning about the harsh realities and experiences of POWs confined in camps,…
Find out more »June 2025
Lecture—The British Army in 1775
Historian Don Hagist, editor of the Journal of the American Revolution, discusses the state of the British Army in North America before and after the opening shots of the Revolution on April 19, 1775. Drawing from his research, Hagist will also discuss the experiences of the British Army during the initial battles of the war; the tactical, strategic, and logistical challenges it encountered; and how its leaders attempted to overcome and adapt to these challenges. Registration is requested. To attend…
Find out more »