Our War for Independence is reflected in patriotic songs, ballads, marches and dance tunes -- a rich reflection of Americans' fears, hopes and pride as the war progressed. Not just associated with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and the like, this music also represents the downtrodden, rebel and tory alike. This lecture with Dr. […]
The American colonies were full of strangers–new arrivals born far away. Among the white population, those colonies teemed with immigrants from all across western Europe and elsewhere. Why did they come? Where did they settle? How did they live? To answer these questions, we’ll examine the demographic makeup of the British colonies in 1700 and […]
This virtual lecture with Alexandra Kirtley is an encore of her presentation from the 2025 Orlando Ridout V Memorial Lecture, presented in partnership by Historic Annapolis and the Maryland Historical Trust. The trade and exchange of raw materials, manufactured goods, skilled artisans, and elite/merchant class families in the late colonial and early national periods inextricably […]
Join us at the Museum of Historic Annapolis for a special program and discover the story behind Chesapeake Bound, An Annapolis Novel. Meet author Thomas Guay and explore why Great […]
Join us at the Museum of Historic Annapolis for a special program and discover the story behind Chesapeake Bound, An Annapolis Novel. Meet author Thomas Guay and explore why Great […]
The Founding Fathers’ cries for liberty from tyranny and oppression resonated with African Americans and were embraced by Black craftspeople, both free and enslaved. This talk highlights the profound contributions of African American material culture in the enduring pursuit of freedom. It serves as the culmination of the DAR Museum’s 2025 exhibition and the accompanying […]
As 1775 ended, the British Army in North America faced setbacks at Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and Canada. Confined to Boston, the Crown worked on plans to try to reestablish Royal authority across the American colonies. In this in-person lecture at the Museum of Historic Annapolis, James McGaughey examines proposed strategies, leadership challenges, and clashes with the newly formed Continental […]
Join us at the Museum of Historic Annapolis for a special program and discover the story behind Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse: A Chesapeake Bay Icon, the first and only book dedicated to the 1875 lighthouse. Join Annapolis sailor and author David Gendell as he unpacks the story of the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, the iconic […]
In this presentation, Mark Letzer explores the surviving silver from the workshops of Annapolis silversmiths in the 1700s. He not only illustrates the few surviving objects but illuminates the lives of these craftsmen not only as silversmiths but as members of a larger community. From taverns to social gatherings and their workshops, Letzer will share […]
In celebration of our nation's upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Historic Annapolis and Maryland Hall are pleased to present a distinctive afternoon of reflection on America’s founding principles and their enduring preservation. Join us for a lively and unique conversation with historian and philanthropist, David Rubenstein, and legendary NBC News […]
Genealogy is everywhere– online, on screens, through organizations and conferences and more. But technologies aside, genealogy was everywhere in the 1700s, too. And while we may think of Americans living in the 1700s as largely the subject of genealogy research, they were active participants in what was a foundational interest and practice in their own […]
Annapolis today stands as a testament to its many layers of history, with four centuries of buildings standing side by side throughout the city. In honor of preservation month, this talk highlights Annapolis’ architectural landscape in the 1700s. The years prior to the Revolutionary War were a time of vast economic growth and opportunity encompassing all levels of […]
