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.
October 2019
Lecture – French Marquis, Yorktown Victor, Spanish Grandee: Claude-Anne de Rouvroy, marquis de Saint-Simon
Historian Robert Selig explores the dramatic life of Claude-Anne de Rouvroy, marquis de Saint-Simon-Montbléru, and his role in the Siege of Yorktown, which occurred 238 years ago this month. Though almost entirely forgotten in the United States, Saint-Simon commanded more than three thousand French troops at Yorktown and was the highest ranking officer wounded during the siege. Based on recently discovered primary sources—including the journal of Jean-Baptiste Gérard Dupleix de Cadignan, lieutenant colonel in the Agenois Regiment under Saint-Simon’s command, in…
Find out more »Livestream – Louis XVI and the War of American Independence
Watch live online as Professor John Hardman presents the 2019 George Rogers Clark lecture on King Louis XVI's decision to support the American War for Independence. Louis, he argues, was a highly educated ruler who, though indecisive, possessed sharp political insight and a talent for foreign policy. Why did the king choose war? Could France have taken another path? Presented annually since 1975, the George Rogers Clark Lecture recognizes the scholarship of leading historians of the American Revolution. Recent Clark Lecturers include…
Find out more »November 2019
Panel Discussion – Why the American Revolution is Still Relevant
Join the American Revolution Institute for a special panel discussion and reception in Camden, South Carolina, at the Robert Mills Courthouse. Two hundred and thirty-six years after the conclusion of the American Revolution, the ideals that were fought for and won by the United States remain the foundation of our nation today. Panelists Walter B. Edgar, Woody Holton and Jack D. Warren, Jr., discuss the timeless significance of the vast event that created our nation. The evening begins with a…
Find out more »Author’s Talk – The Property of the Nation: George Washington’s Tomb, Mount Vernon, and the Memory of the First President
Matthew R. Costello, assistant director of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History, discusses and signs copies of his book on George Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon. In the nineteenth century, Washington’s resting place at his beloved Mount Vernon estate was increasingly popular among American citizens and, at times, as contested as his iconic image. While Washington was an affluent slave owner who believed that republicanism and social hierarchy were vital to the young country’s survival, he remains largely…
Find out more »Concert – Contemporary Ensemble
The Beau Soir Ensemble, a flute, viola and harp trio dedicated to the performance of standard and contemporary repertoire, plays works by American composers, both classical and contemporary. The concert will last approximately one hour. This is the third date in the fall American Music Series, which celebrates the history and variety of American music genres. About the Performers Carole Bean, flute, is a native of Columbus, Ohio, who performs as the piccoloist with the National Symphony Orchestra. Ms.…
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