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.
September 2026
Lecture—1776: Washington’s Grim and Glorious Year
Acclaimed historian John Rhodehamel explores the character, ideals and moral discipline of Gen. George Washington by tracing the profound transformation of a young and ambitious officer—often driven by personal advancement—into the mature and disciplined commander who led the Continental Army through the American Revolution and ultimately relinquish power to establish the world's first modern republic. Through fresh insights drawn from Washington's writings and experiences, Rhodehamel, with a particular emphasis on the year 1776, offers a compelling portrait of a man…
Find out more »October 2026
Author’s Talk—Freedom Around the Globe: A World History of the American Revolution
Sarah M. S. Pearsall, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University discusses her new book that argues that the American Founding Fathers did not have a unique claim on the revolutionary spirit. Drawing from the book, Pearsall plucks a keyword from the Declaration of Independence—security, happiness, respect—and finds its spark in a far-flung place. In an Edinburgh club where women were first invited into philosophical conversations, she explores what the pursuit of happiness meant to women and men of all sorts. She…
Find out more »Author’s Talk—George Washington and His World
Award-winning historian Denver Brunsman, Ph.D., discusses his new book that provides a compelling, fresh portrait of George Washington. Enslaver and revolutionary, destroyer of Native American communities and father of American liberty, Washington filled numerous roles in the Founding Era. Rather than shy from these contradictions, Brunsman embraces them in explaining Washington to a twenty-first century audience. Combining the latest historical findings with original primary research, this talk provides new understanding of Washington’s rise and influence by emphasizing the people and…
Find out more »Author’s Talk—Movers & Shapers: Seven Founding Fathers of the United States of America
Independent historian Jennifer London, Ph.D., discusses her new book that explores seven extraordinary men— Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay—whose vision, leadership and perseverance shaped the Constitution and the framework of the American Republic. Drawing from the book, this talk highlights the motivations and unique contributions each made to the creation of the United States, revealing how differing ideas, spirited debate and a shared commitment to liberty forged a nation. Registration…
Find out more »November 2026
Author’s Talk—The Banker Who Made America: Thomas Willing and the Rise of the American Financial Aristocracy, 1731-1821
Independent historian Richard Vague discusses his new book that shows how Thomas Willing, early America’s dominant merchant trader, first bank president, and first central banker, bankrolled—and in the process helped save—the Revolution and later fundamentally shaped the financial architecture of the young Republic. Drawing from his book, Vague examines Willing’s life and accomplishments to shed genuinely new light on the genesis of the American Republic, as well as the enduring economic and political conflicts that still shape American society today.…
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