This image shows the book cover for The Memory of '76 to the left of author Michael Hattem's portrait.

Discussion of Hattem’s latest book, The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History, is part of the 2024-2025 Read the Revolution Speaker Series

The Museum welcomes author and historian Dr. Michael D. Hattem for the second installment of the 2024-2025 Read the Revolution Speaker Series on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hattem will provide a lecture and discussion inspired by his latest book, The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History.

In The Memory of ’76, Hattem focuses on the surprising history of how Americans have fought over the meaning and legacy of the American Revolution for nearly 250 years – and how its legacy has had the power to both bring the country together and also be used as a tool to divide us. He shows how the memory of the Revolution has provided a political language which generations of citizens have used to define what it means to be American and express their political values and beliefs.

From the U.S. Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia to the Cold War, generations have also reflected on the Revolutionary War’s events in their efforts to create and preserve historic sites, influence civil rights movements, form new political parties and agendas, inspire popular culture, and even manage international affairs. Hattem will offer a history of the changing relationship between the people and the Revolution as we approach 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

This special program will be held in the Museum’s Liberty Hall and will be broadcast live online for ticketed guests. Following Hattem’s lecture, Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will join him in conversation and facilitate a live Q&A with both onsite and online audiences.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for onsite guests to see a featured artifact display from the Museum collection, enjoy refreshments at a cash bar, and purchase signed copies of the featured book. Onsite tickets for this event include Zoom access and are $20 for general admission and $15 for Museum Members. Online-only tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for Museum Members. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Museum’s Read the Revolution Speaker Series brings celebrated authors and historians to the Museum for lively discussions of their work. Now in its eighth season, the series is based on the Museum’s national Read the Revolution bi-monthly e-newsletters, which feature excerpts from thought-provoking books to inspire learning about the American Revolution.

This installment of the 2024-2025 Read the Revolution Speaker Series is sponsored by The Haverford Trust Company.

About Dr. Michael D. Hattem

Dr. Michael D. Hattem is a historian on early America, the American Revolution, and historical memory. He is the Associate Director of the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute and teaches online graduate courses for Eastern Washington University. He earned his Ph.D. in History from Yale University, and he is the author of Past and Prologue: Politics and Memory in the American Revolution (Yale University Press, 2020). His work has been featured in The New York TimesTIME magazineThe Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post, as well as many other mainstream media publications and outlets.  Hattem has served as a historical consultant or contributor for a number of projects and organizations, curated historical exhibitions, appeared in television documentaries, and authenticated and written catalogue essays for historical document auctions. For more information, visit mdhattem.com

About Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.