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Curated by Museum staff since 2013, Read the Revolution features excerpts from thought-provoking books about the American Revolution. Read the Revolution was created with thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Subscribe to get the biweekly Read the Revolution featured excerpts emailed right to your inbox for free.

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Speaker Series

Inspired by the Read the Revolution featured excerpts, the Read the Revolution Speaker Series brings celebrated authors and historians to the Museum for lively, facilitated discussions of their work. Each Read the Revolution Speaker Series program, hosted by Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, includes a special talk and audience Q&A.

About the Series

All Books

Showing 31–40 of 272 items
Belonging to the Army Book Cover

Belonging to the Army

Posted: March 22, 2017
This excerpt by Holly Mayer introduces different types of camp followers and the services they provided to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War
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Benjamin Franklin in London book cover

Benjamin Franklin in London

Posted: July 20, 2016
Read an excerpt from George Goodwin that highlights Benjamin Franklin's role as a colonial representative, actively engaged in British politics.
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The cover of Bernardo De Galvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution by Gonzalo Saravia depicts a black background and white lines that illustrate a horse standing on the ground. His front legs are in the air and Bernardo sits on top of him. Bernardo’s outfit is also depicted in white lines, while his hands and face are colored. He looks at the viewer and is wearing a black hat with a white brim.

Bernardo de Gálvez

Posted: September 08, 2021
Read an excerpt from Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia's book, Bernardo de Gálvez: Spanish Hero of the American Revolution.
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Betsy Ross Book Cover

Betsy Ross

Posted: May 24, 2017
Read an excerpt from Marla Miller who breaks through the myths and weaves Betsy Ross's life story with that of the nation's.
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Black Founders Exhibit Catalog Cover featuring a portrait of James Forten.

Black Founders

Posted: August 23, 2023
Read an excerpt from the Museum of the American Revolution's exhibit book, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.
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Cover of W. Jeffrey Bolster's book Black Jacks.

Black Jacks

Posted: April 19, 2023
Read an excerpt from W. Jeffrey Bolster's book, Black Jacks: African American Seamen in the Age of Sail.
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Black Patriots and Loyalists Book Cover

Black Patriots and Loyalists

Posted: February 08, 2016
This excerpt from Alan Gilbert details the creation of one of one of the most distinguished regiments comprised of both white and black soldiers.
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Image 101920 330x499 Braddocks Defeat

Braddock's Defeat

Posted: October 11, 2017
Read this excerpt by David Preston that summarizes the challenges of a pivotal battle and its impact on the Revolutionary War two decades later.
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British Soldiers American War

British Soldiers, American War

Posted: December 11, 2019
Read an excerpt from Don Hagist's book, British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution.
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 Rtr Britons Forging The Nation

Britons

Posted: August 28, 2019
Read an excerpt from Linda Colley's book, Britons: Forging the Nation, 1707-1837.
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