New “Read the Revolution” Speaker Series Launches with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Alan Taylor on July 19

PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 21, 2017 — The Museum of the American Revolution has launched a “Read the Revolution” speaker series that will bring celebrated authors and historians to the Museum for lively discussions of their work. The evening programs will explore recent work on the people, events, and ideals of America’s revolutionary beginnings.

The series is based on the Museum’s successful bi-monthly e-newsletter, initially funded by a National Endowment for the Humanities grant in 2013, which features excerpts from thought-provoking books to inspire learning about the American Revolution. For more information about the Read the Revolution e-newsletter and to subscribe, click here.

The series kicks off with two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Alan Taylor on Wednesday, July 19 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. In his latest work, American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804, Taylor expands the story of our nation’s revolutionary birth and challenges many common beliefs about the Founding era.

Following the presentation by the author in the Museum’s Liberty Hall, guests are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion about the book as well as a book signing.

Other authors who will be featured in the series include Jane Kamensky, Nathaniel Philbrick, Annette Gordon-Reed, and Peter S. Onuf. A full schedule is below.

Ticket prices for individual events are $5 for Museum members and $15 for non-members. Series subscription are $20 for Museum members and $50 for non-members. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The full schedule of evening programs is as follows:

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. 

Alan Taylor

Professor of History and Thomas Jefferson Foundation Chair at the University of Virginia

Celebrating the 100th digital edition of Read the Revolution
American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

Alan Taylor is the author of many acclaimed books in early American history and has twice been awarded the Pulitzer Prize in History. In his latest work, Taylor expands the story of our nation’s revolutionary birth in his latest work, challenging many common beliefs about the Founding era.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.

Jane Kamensky

Professor of History and Carl and Lily Pforzheimer Foundation

Director of the Schlesinger Library, Harvard University 

A Revolution in Color: The World of John Singleton Copley

Award-winning historian Jane Kamensky gives a rich and vibrant account of the American Revolution as seen by Boston-born artist John Singleton Copley, whose works profoundly shaped the artistic legacy of this dramatic era.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

Nathaniel Philbrick

New York Times Bestselling Author

Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold and the Fate of the American Revolution 

Acclaimed author Nathaniel Philbrick explores the American experience through his bestselling books. In his most recent work, Philbrick provides a stirring account of the deep and tragic relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold. 

Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

Annette Gordon-Reed

Charles Warren Professor of American Legal History, Harvard Law School

Peter S. Onuf

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia

Most Blessed of the Patriarchs: Thomas Jefferson and the Empire of the Imagination

Two of Thomas Jefferson's most distinguished historians, Annette Gordon-Reed and Peter S. Onuf teamed up to produce a nuanced portrait of the mind and character of our nation’s third president.

About the Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. Immersive galleries, theater experiences, and recreated historical environments bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and Franklin Court, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776