While July 4, 1776 claims all the glory when it comes to the story of American independence, the actual vote for independence on July 2 almost didn't occur. From January's publication of Common Sense to December's darkest hours of the Revolution, author and historian Tom McMillan reconstructs the dramatic months when rebellious colonies transformed into a new nation. His detailed research yields compelling storytelling while exploring such pivotal days in 1776 as May 15, June 7, and of course July 2.A behind-the-scenes narrative examines the feud between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams and their view of government, as well as Congress's bold January declaration triggered a chain of unstoppable events. Now, 250 years later, McMillan traces the threads of history and how the Declaration of Independence's influence extended not only into the nineteenth century, but to today as well.

Join us for this latest installment in our Rev War Revelry series as we sit down with Matt Gault, Director of Education, Fort Ligonier, to discuss the fort's history and its role played during the Forbes Expedition of 1758. General John Forbes' successful campaign culminated in the capture of French-held Fort Duquesne at the Forks of the Ohio, helping to turn the tide of the French and Indian War.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the sixth episode of Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the fifth episode of Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the fourth episode of Ken Burns' The American Revolution documentary.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the third episode of Ken Burns' The American Revolution.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the second episode of the new documentary Ken Burns' The American Revolution.

Emerging Revolutionary War historians review the first episode of the new documentary Ken Burns' The American Revolution.

On June 17, 1775, the last major engagement before George Washington arrived in Massachusetts to take command was fought between militia under Colonel William Prescott and British forces under General William Howe. Although a defeat for the patriots, resulting in the death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the victory was a pyrrhic one for the British.

Join Emerging Revolutionary War historians as they discuss the engagement, the personas, and the ramifications of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Much has been written about the “shot heard around the world,” as the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson eloquently wrote in the 19th century. Yet, what about those actual shots? The musket balls fired on April 19, 1775? What was the damage, and how does this material culture history add to our overall understanding of the events that unfolded on that fateful day? Thanks to historian Joel Bohy, who is part of a duo of historians, along with Doug Scott, we now have insight into that answer.

Using forensic techniques, seemingly straight out of CSI, the authors have done painstaking research into the bullet holes and artifacts struck by bullets to shed even more light on the events that unfolded along Battle Road, Lexington, and Concord on the first day of the American Revolution.

Join author Joel Bohy as he explains the history and research behind this book. A much-needed addition to any Revolutionary War enthusiast’s bookshelf!