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 – The American Revolution and the French Military Enlightenment
Christy Pichichero, associate professor at George Mason University and the 2015 Tyree-Lamb Fellow of the American Revolution Institute, discusses her work on war and the Enlightenment in the context of French experiences during the American Revolution. French officers such as the marquis de Chastellux and the comte de Rochambeau—whose memoirs are a part of the Institute's rich archival collections—considered themselves to be “military philosophers” who brought Enlightenment philosophical spirit to global military enterprise. Dr. Pichichero sheds light on their analyses…
Find out more »Lunch Bite – A New Method of Macarony Making, as Practiced at Boston in North America
Join Executive Director Jack Warren for a discussion of a print depicting the practice of tarring and feathering, A New Method of Macarony Making, as Practiced at Boston in North America, published in London in 1774, along with a practical demonstration of the revolutionary art of tarring and feathering your opponents. The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes with time afterwards for up-close viewing of the print.
Find out more »Concert – Contemporary Jazz and Blues
Brothers Matthew and Albert Fishteyn perform as Hit the Roof, a drum and piano duo who reinvigorate old songs with a new twist. In this concert they will sample rock 'n roll and New Orleans-style piano, which has roots steeped in boogie-woogie, gospel, classical, bluegrass, country and funk. The concert will last approximately one hour. This is the second date in the fall American Music Series, which celebrates the history and variety of American music genres. About the Performers…
Find out more »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…
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