The Balance of Power in Colonial Native America Native Americans did not disappear from colonial history in the 18th century. On the contrary, throughout the 1700s, Native Americans exerted decisive influence on the American colonies encroaching all around them. But how, why, and at what cost? How did Native people navigate the rapid changes to […]
The first Africans had been brought to Virginia as slaves in 1619 but it wasn’t until the 1670s that slavery began to dominate parts of the American economy. That process continued apace in the 18th century transforming every aspect of most southern colonies, from Virginia to South Carolina and Georgia. How did American law transform […]
Presented by Daniel J. Sieh The United States, or “Gold Mountain” as it was known in Asia, was often seen as a very distant but promising destination for many in the East looking for opportunity. New research puts the beginnings of Asian immigration much earlier than expected, with some even making their way to the […]
Historic Annapolis is pleased to be a Foundational Friend of the Maryland Council for Social Studies and are partnering with them to present programs focusing on the United States Constitution. The first program is on Constitution Day, Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 pm. Joey Landgraf, President of MDCSS will share the educational role and goals […]
The United States Constitution was ratified in 1789; however, the document’s meaning has not always been clear. This is because many debates over constitutional interpretation were settled during the Constitutional Convention. Sometimes our nation’s founders did not agree on constitutional meaning. Other ties, the Constitution’s ambiguity comes from our country facing contemporary issues that the founders […]
Storyteller Jefferson Holland presents a delightful program of original tall tales and songs inspired by the people and places of the Bay, from the Native Americans who feasted on oysters along her shores to the modern-day sailors who ply her waters. Food/drink suggestion: Chesapeake oyster stew with Fordham Copperhead Ale The Historic Annapolis 2025 Virtual […]
North Slavery in Colonial America We tend to think of slavery as a labor system that was confined to the American South. But it turns out that that’s not the full story. Slavery was also a fact of life in many northern colonies before the American Revolution. Northern slavery was never as widespread or as […]
Dr. Richard Bell joins us for a hybrid in-person/virtual lecture as he celebrates his new book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World. The in-person lecture is currently at capacity, but we invite you to join us via Zoom as we livestream Dr. Bell's book talk. When we think of the American Revolution, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
