Museum of the American Revolution Releases New Slate of Pension Project Videos for Veterans Day 2026

Video Series Connects Revolutionary War Soldiers With Modern-Day Veterans Through Firsthand Military Service Accounts

The Museum of the American Revolution today announces the release of three new videos in its Pension Project series in conjunction with Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026. Launched in 2023, the series features modern-day veterans reading Revolutionary War veterans’ firsthand accounts of their military service.

“Since 2023, the Museum has shared the largely untold stories of the lives and service of the veterans of the Revolutionary generation through the Pension Project,” said Dr. Tyler Putman, Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation. “Having today’s generation of veterans read their accounts allows us to honor past and present veterans’ service to our country.”

This year’s installment features United States Army veterans James F. Cawley and Charles W. Newhall III and United States Marine Corps veteran James Talone.

Cawley, United States Army First Sergeant (Ret.), will read the pension of Pennsylvania soldier William Hutchinson, who served in the militia and the Second Delaware Regiment at the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Paoli, and Trenton. Cawley joined the 82nd Airborne Division in 1973 and served for the next 32 years in various roles and with a U.S. Army Reserve medical unit in Honduras from 1987–1988.

Newhall will read the pension of Mary Williams, the widow of North Carolina soldier Samuel Williams. Newhall served as a United States Army Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and a Purple Heart.

Talone will read the pension of John Taylor, who served as a North Carolina soldier and captain. Talone served as a United States Marine Corps Officer from 1967 to 1970 and in the Third Marine Division during the Vietnam War.

Previous Pension Project features include: United States Air Force Reserves veteran Matthew Midgett reading the pension of Continental Army waggoner and infantryman William Burnett; United States Army Air Corps veteran Dr. Eugene Richardson Jr. reading the pension of Continental Army soldier Jeffrey Brace; Marine Corps veteran Jaz Ritz reading the pension of soldier and free Black man Jacob Francis; Marine Corps veteran Adam Straus reading the pension of Sussex County militiaman Ezekiel Ayers; and U.S. Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel and former Army aviator Kirby Smith reading the pension of cavalry officer Robert Bolling.

All series videos are now available on the Museum's YouTube channel.

The Museum will offer free admission through Nov.11 to those currently serving in the military, veterans, and Blue Star Families, courtesy of Comcast. Free admission is available only in person at the Museum.

On Nov. 11, the first 25 people who use the free admission offer will receive challenge coins. Museum guests on Nov. 11 will be able to watch clips from the series and explore a variety of replica objects to learn about the stories of Revolutionary War veterans with a hands-on discovery cart from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. All Veterans Day programming is included with Museum admission.

Veterans Day at the Museum is sponsored by Comcast. 

About the Pension Project
The Museum’s Pension Project pairs detailed Revolutionary War pension accounts with today’s generation of veterans, asking them to reflect on similarities and differences between their service and that of people over two centuries ago. Beginning in 1818, the United States government created new pension acts meant to guarantee monthly payments to aging Revolutionary War veterans. Many former soldiers had no evidence of their service, so they went to local courthouses and magistrates to record detailed oral histories of their Revolutionary War service. More than 80,000 veterans applied for pensions—far more than the government imagined would still be alive. These oral histories of the nation’s first veterans remained largely unutilized in federal archives for over a century.

About the 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 its unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and are 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 opened on April 19, 2017, and is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.