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.
November 2019
Panel Discussion – American Veterans through Two Centuries
Americans today honor the men and women who have served in our armed forces. We regard the payment of pensions and other veteran’s benefits as the fulfillment of our commitment to them and an expression of our appreciation for the sacrifices they have made for us. It has not always been so. Like so many aspects of our national culture, our traditions of honoring veterans are a legacy of the American Revolution. For Veterans Day the Institute presents an examination…
Find out more »Lunch Bite – A Pensioner of the Revolution
Join Deputy Director and Curator Emily Schulz Parsons for a discussion of the oil portrait A Pensioner of the Revolution, painted in 1830 by John Neagle (1796-1865), and its role in the struggle for federal pensions for Revolutionary War veterans. This somber and arresting view of a poor, elderly man hints at the financial struggles many soldiers of the Revolution faced after the war. According to the artist, the portrait depicts Joseph Winter, a German-born veteran who was living on the…
Find out more »December 2019
Holidays through History
Celebrate the holidays at Anderson House and two other neighborhood museums—Dumbarton House and Woodrow Wilson House—at this annual yuletide pilgrimage. Stroll through the three festively decorated mansions and learn about historical Christmas traditions. Each site will feature a cocktail inspired by their period, as well as crafts and light refreshments. Reservations suggested. Tickets cost $30 per person in advance; $35 at the door. Please note, during the program we will be a drop-off site for Dumbarton House’s coat drive to benefit…
Find out more »Concert – Holiday Vocals
Join us for music celebrating the holiday season performed by Jacqueline Neimat, an American lyric soprano. The concert will last approximately one hour. This is the final date in the fall American Music Series, which celebrates the history and variety of American music genres. About the Performer Jacqueline Neimat is active in the Washington, D.C., area. Her performance venues have included the Embassies of Italy, Austria, Finland, Lebanon and Egypt. Overseas she has performed in Vienna, Austria, Cairo and,…
Find out more »Lunch Bite – Nisbet Balfour’s Letter Book of 1781
Join Kathleen Higgins, historical programs associate, for a discussion of Nisbet Balfour's letter book recording his correspondence in early 1781. The British commander at Charleston, South Carolina, communicated with notable figures from the war, including Sir Henry Clinton, Benedict Arnold and Sir James Wright. The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes with time afterwards for up-close viewing of the letters.
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