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.
May 2023
Lunch Bite – Society of the Cincinnati Eagles of the Twentieth Century
Join the Institute’s deputy director and curator, Emily Parsons, for a Lunch Bite object talk focusing on Society of the Cincinnati Eagles of the twentieth century. The Eagle insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati is one of the most historic American medals and has been worn by members at meetings, dinners, ceremonies, and other events for more than two hundred years. Designed in 1783 by Pierre-Charles L’Enfant—a French-born artist, Continental Army officer, and original member of the Society—the Society’s…
Find out more »Lecture – On Tea, Taxes and World History: The British East India Company and the Origins of the American Revolution
In May 1773, Parliament passed the Tea Act, which instituted a tax of three cents per pound on all British tea sold in America. The act effectively granted a monopoly on the sale of tea in the American colonies to the British East India Company, which was looking to reduce its excessive stores of tea and relieve its financial burdens. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Tea Act’s passage, James Vaughn, a historian of the British Empire at the…
Find out more »June 2023
Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend
Join us and five of our partner museums in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., that will be open free of charge for this annual festival featuring special exhibitions and activities. Participating museums include Anderson House, Dumbarton House, The Phillips Collection, The National Museum of American Jewish Military History, the Woodrow Wilson House and Dupont Underground. For additional information, visit www.DKMuseums.com.
Find out more »Dupont Kalorama Museum Walk Weekend
Join us and five of our partner museums in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., that will be open free of charge for this annual festival featuring special exhibitions and activities. Participating museums include Anderson House, Dumbarton House, The Phillips Collection, The National Museum of American Jewish Military History, the Woodrow Wilson House and Dupont Underground. For additional information, visit www.DKMuseums.com.
Find out more »Author’s Talk – Disunion Among Ourselves: The Perilous Politics of the American Revolution
Far from a harmonious collaboration, the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary War was so filled with political strife that the delegates feared the Revolutionary War would end in disunion or civil war. But instead of disbanding, these founders managed to unite for the sake of liberty and self-preservation, forging grueling compromises and holding the young nation together. Political historian Eli Merritt discusses his new book and explores the deep political divisions that almost tore the Union apart during the Revolution.…
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