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 2026
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.…
Find out more »Author’s Talk—Revolutionary Snipers: Washington’s Frontier Commandos Whose Marksmanship Forged a New Way of War and Helped Win the Revolution
Award-winning independent historian and author Patrick K. O’Donnell launches and discusses his newest book that vividly brings to life the exploits of Washington’s finest frontier commandos, whose legendary deadeye shooting offered the Continental Army an evolving and unconventional tactical advantage throughout the American Revolution. Drawing from the book, along with unpublished letters, diaries, and other participant documents, this talk illuminates the importance of these lesser-known soldiers of the Revolution and sheds light on how their fighting style emerged as a…
Find out more »Lecture—Old World Meets New World: Franco-American Encounters, 1776-1783
Historian Robert Selig discusses the experiences of the French soldiers who fought for the under the Comte de Rochambeau during the American Revolution. Arriving in Newport in July 1780, Rochambeau’s soldiers stepped into a brave new world whose societal norms and modes of social interaction differed radically from their own. Rochambeau’s soldiers knew almost nothing about America and its people, and what they thought they knew were preconceptions based on ideals of the Enlightenment. Getting to know their ally proceeded…
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