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 2018
Lecture – Skull, Severed Heads and Skeletons: Battlefield Clean-up during the American War of Independence
Battlefield clean-up is a topic rarely covered by modern historians. However, following almost any military engagement, corpses need to be buried. Who disposed of these corpses and how can we tell who buried whom? Were officers and other ranks buried together or separate? Just in time for Halloween, Dr. Bob Selig, historian, will try to answer these and related questions about burying the dead during the American War of Independence. The lecture will last 45 minutes with time afterwards for questions.
Find out more »November 2018
Lunch Bite – A portrait of an American loyalist
Portraits of American loyalists depicted in the uniforms they wore when they fought against the patriot cause are rare. This recently acquired oil painting is of Colonel James DeLancey of Westchester County, New York, who led several loyalist cavalry and infantry units during the Revolutionary War. Attributed to itinerant artist John Durand, the portrait was painted ca. 1778-1782. Join Deputy Director and Curator Emily Schulz Parsons for a discussion of this painting, DeLancey's activities during the Revolution and eighteenth-century depictions…
Find out more »Concert – A Salute to Our Veterans
Jennifer Heemstra, pianist, Carrie Pierce, cellist, and Jacqueline Nutting, violinist, perform patriotic favorites with works by Amy Beach, Florence Price, Irving Berlin and more. This is the third performance of the fall American Music Series. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find out more »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 holiday music, crafts and refreshments. Reservations suggested. Tickets cost $25 per person in advance; $30 at the door.
Find out more »December 2018
Lunch Bite – Larz Anderson before Isabel
Larz and Isabel Anderson met in 1895, were married in 1897 and began the construction of Anderson House in 1902. But what was Larz Anderson's life like before he met his wife? Join Kelsey Atwood, tour and public program manager, for a look at his early years through photographs, letters and journals that reveal little-known details about his childhood, early travels and education. The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes with time afterwards for up-close viewing of the photographs and…
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