What is the Read the Revolution Speaker Series?

The Museum’s Read the Revolution Speaker Series brings celebrated authors and historians to the Museum for lively discussions of their work during ticketed evening public programs for adult learners of all educational backgrounds. Now in its ninth season, the series is inspired by the Museum’s mission, exhibitions, historical anniversaries, and the Read the Revolution bi-monthly e-newsletters, which features excerpts from thought-provoking books about the American Revolution, curated by Museum staff.

Is the Speaker Series in-person or online?

The Speaker Series is offered as a hybrid event, taking place both in the Museum’s Liberty Hall and on Zoom Webinar. For convenience upon registration, both in-person and online tickets include the Zoom Webinar link. 

What does each Speaker Series program include?

Hosted by Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, each program includes a special presentation at 6:30 p.m. and a book signing to follow, concluding by 8 p.m. General admission registrants are invited to arrive early at 5:15 p.m. to view the first-floor special exhibition if one is currently on display. Elevators and doors open to the Museum’s third-floor Liberty Hall at 6 p.m. to access a cash bar, a featured display of a Revolutionary artifact, and opportunities to purchase a book signed by the author. Please note that the Museum does not have onsite parking. 

Each event will be photographed and live-streamed to online audiences. Videos from past Series events are available to watch on YouTube or on the Museum website. 

Please note that the views and opinions expressed by the speakers during this live event are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Museum of the American Revolution.  

Are tickets refundable?

Each ticket purchase is considered a final sale and a non-refundable donation to the Museum’s educational initiatives, with discounts available for Museum Members at all levels.

What ages are these programs appropriate for?

The Read the Revolution Speaker Series is intended to engage adult audiences.  

These evening ticketed programs may not be appropriate for children ages 10 and under. All guests, regardless of age, are expected to abide by the Museum's Visitor Code of Conduct. Childcare is not provided on-site at the Museum.

Are these programs accessible?

Each Speaker Series event takes place in the Museum's third-floor Liberty Hall unless otherwise noted. The third floor is accessible by elevators.

The Museum of the American Revolution is committed to making its facilities, exhibits, and programs accessible for all audiences in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please see our Accessibility page for more information or fill out an Accommodation Request Form with any specific concerns.

Do Museum Members get discounted tickets to the Speaker Series?

Yes! Museum Membersreceive discounts to this and other special programs, as well as exclusive invitations with additional benefits throughout the year. Learn more here and register to attend Read the Revolution Speaker Series as a new Member of the Museum, with thanks for your support in this 250th anniversary year!  

Revolution Society and George Washington Council Members receive complimentary access to each Read the Revolution Speaker Series event with an invitation to a private reception with the author at 5:30 p.m., prior to the public program at 6:30 p.m. Contact [email protected] to learn more. 

Learn More

200th Edition Museum Staff Picks Reading List includes A People’s History of the American Revolution by Ray Raphael; John Adams by David McCullough; Never Caught by Erica Armstrong Dunbar; American Revolutions: A Continental History 1750-1804 by Alan Taylor; The Shoemaker and the Tea Party by Alfred F. Young; and Spies in the Continental Capital by John A. Nagy. The books are stacked on top of one another on a wooden bench outside on a sunny day. The books and the bench are in clear view while the background is blurred.

Read the Revolution

Browse Read the Revolution featuring a curated collection of excerpts from exciting, thought-provoking books about the American Revolution.
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Director of Education and Community Engagement Adrienne G. Whaley and author Laurie Halse Anderson onstage

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President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson (left) leads a question and answer session with Rhonda Brace (center, speaking) and scholar Kari Winter.

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Browse all upcoming in-person and online lectures, tours, performances, and family-friendly events hosted by the Museum of the American Revolution.
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