Emerging Revolutionary War

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!

Join us as we sit down to discuss the 250th anniversary of the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775, a pivotal moment during the early days of the Revolutionary War. We will be joined by Stuart Lilie, Vice President of Public History, Fort Ticonderoga. We will discuss Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold and the Green Mountain Boys.

Join historians Rob Orrison, Mark Maloy with Maureen Wiese and J. Michael Moore as we discuss the events leading up to the April 21, 1775 Powder Incident in Williamsburg, VA. A few days after Lexington and Concord (unknown to the Virginians at the time), Governor Lord Dunmore removed powder from the magazine in Williamsburg. This event led Patrick Henry to lead militia towards Williamsburg and possible standoff with the Governor. As news arrived on April 28 of the bloodshed outside of Boston, tensions rose even higher.

Join Emerging Revolutionary War historians and special guests as we discuss the events of April 18-19, 1775 and learn about sites and events to see the anniversary weekend. Grab a drink as we have a fun round robin on everything Lexington and Concord!

"He said to his friend, "If the British march
By land or sea from the town to-night,
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch
Of the North Church tower as a signal light,--
One, if by land, and two, if by sea;"

These famous words from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem about Paul Revere's ride recount the important role the Old North Church played in the events leading up to the first shots of the Revolutionary War. Join us just a few weeks before the 250th anniversary as we sit down with Emily Spence, Director of Education at Old North Church in Boston. We'll discuss the history of the church, what occurred on April 18, 1775 and what happened during the war. We'll also discuss the exciting events the Old North Church will be doing on the 250th anniversary. 

Join us as we chat with historian and author Robert Dunkerly about the role that women played in the Southern Campaigns. Most of us know about the story of Molly Pitcher but the women of the Southern Campaigns have been mostly over looked. Grab a drink and listen in as we uncover many untold stories and little known events that show the complexity of the American Revolution. 

Join us as we welcome Stephen Wilson, Executive Director with the St. John's Foundation as we discuss the Second Virginia Convention. Mostly known for Patrick Henry's famous "Give me Liberty or Give me Death" speech, the Second Virginia Convention that was held at St. John's Church in Richmond and was instrumental in changing the narrative in early 1775. Virginia's leaders, as well as other colonial leaders, began to take a more defiant and independence tone. We also discuss the history of the church and all of their upcoming events to commemorate the 250th anniversary on March 23, 2025.

Join us as we sit down with the curatorial staff of the National Museum of the United States Army, Chief Curator Paul Morando and Adam Zielinski, to discuss the upcoming new special exhibition to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday in 2025, and our nation’s declaration of independence in 2026. This new landmark exhibit will include a rare collection of Revolutionary War artifacts from the original colonies, England, France and Canada, accompanied by Soldier stories of our nation’s first veterans.