Events

Michele Lee Silverman, research services librarian, discusses recruitment broadsides for the Revolutionary War. As America’s war for independence from Great Britain continued into 1776, the Continental Army faced depleting resources, including hundreds of soldiers whose enlistment terms were set to expire. The army needed to encourage soldiers to reenlist and entice even more to join. Broadsides, a single sheet of paper with print on one side, offered a quick and inexpensive method for the army to advertise their initiatives and the provisions they would offer—money, land, disability allowances and reimbursements for clothes, shoes, hats, weapons and blankets. Examples in the library collections demonstrate the evolution of advertising language and the financial initiatives that were used to inspire men to join in the fight for independence.

The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes with time afterwards for up-close viewing of the documents.