American History

Program Overview

Revere’s Messengers is the branch of “Revere’s Riders” that focuses on history.  We believe in the importance of the history that makes up our shared Heritage as Americans.  These stories encompass the birth of our country and the growth of the American ideals of Liberty, Responsibility, and Independence.  Through these stories, we learn about the Choices made by the brave men and women who came before us, and the Consequences of those choices.  We learn about the debt we owe them for the Legacy they left to us, their Posterity.

At events hosted by Revere’s Messengers, you will hear true tales of those who founded this country, of their struggles and sacrifices in the American Revolution and beyond.  Our storytellers are familiar with both the facts in well-referenced histories of events as well as the oral-storytelling tradition that links contemporary Americans with our shared heritage.

Our history options vary based on the length and location of the event.  We can also tailor the history presentation to a variety of audiences of various ages and backgrounds.

Our History Goals

Revere’s Messengers have a goal to educate the general public in American history.

•  Promote awareness of American history, with a focus on the colonial period, Revolutionary War, and early Republic.
• Cultivate an appreciation for American heritage and of the sacrifices made by earlier generations of Americans on behalf of liberty and freedom.

All of our programs attempt to further these basic history goals.

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Hear the true story of Paul Revere’s famous ride and learn about the events that immediately precipitated the Revolutionary War.  Paul Revere did not ride alone – many individuals played crucial roles in the events of April 19th, 1775.

This history presentation begins with alarm riders warning “the Regulars are out!”  You’ll hear about the dramatic stand on Lexington Green and the “shots heard ’round the world” at Concord’s North Bridge.  The tale concludes with harrowing life-or-death choices made along the 17 mile “battle road.”

The Spirit of 1776

Picking up where “The Midnight Ride” concludes, the Spirit of 1776 traces the first full year of the American war for independence.  From the high point of the Evacuation of Boston to the lows of early winter of 1776, follow the Continental Army as they are forced to flee across New York and New Jersey.  Learn about the nearly insurmountable challenges they faced and the hope, faith and daring that pulled Victory out of certain defeat.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to face down a huge amphibious armada invading New York City, shiver around a campfire reading about “summer soldiers and sunshine patriots,” or gamble it all on a desperate crossing of the Delaware River for “Liberty or Death” then you need to hear the Spirit of 1776.

Flag Tours

At many events we display a range of flags from the Revolutionary War period.  Our volunteers can share the meaning behind these symbols and the rich heritage that each one represents.

Just a sampling of local symbols we’ll explore!

Local History

Collections of shorter stories have tie-ins to your own local area and history.  Every part of this country has given birth to men and women unafraid to stand up for what they believe in.  Learn about the part your own home played in the formation of this country.

Resources

Below are some online resources that may be helpful for further research:

• Online Library of Liberty: The American Revolution and Constitution
  • Jonathan Elliot, The Debates in the Several State Conventions of the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, 5 vols. [1827]
  • Carl Lotus Becker, The Declaration of Independence: A Study on the History of Political Ideas [1922]
  • Jack P. Greene, Exploring the Bounds of Liberty: Political Writings of Colonial British America from the Glorious Revolution to the American Revolution [2018]
  • George W. Carey, The Federalist (Gideon ed.) [1818]
  • George Washington, George Washington: A Collection [1988]
  • David Ramsay, The History of the American Revolution, 2 vols. [1789]
  • Mercy Otis Warren, History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution, 2 vols. [1805]
  • Max Farrand, The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, 3 vols. [1911]
  • John Adams, The Revolutionary Writings of John Adams[1763]
  • Alexander Hamilton, The Revolutionary Writings of Alexander Hamilton [2008]
  • James Otis, The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved [1764]
  • Edmund Burke, Select Works of Edmund Burke, 4 vols. [1770]
  • Benjamin Franklin, The Works of Benjamin Franklin, 12 vols. [1904]
  • Alexander Hamilton, The Works of Alexander Hamilton, 12 vols. [1904]
  • John Adams, The Works of John Adams, 10 vols. [1856]
  • Thomas Jefferson, The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols. [1904]
  • George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols. [1889]
  • James Madison, The Writings of James Madison, 9 vols. [1900]
  • Thomas Paine, The Writings of Thomas Paine, 4 vols. [1894]
• Online Library of Liberty: Natural Law and Natural Rights
• Online Library of Liberty: The Founding Fathers of the U.S. Constitution
• Journal of the American Revolution: History, Culture, Politics, War.

For Further Information

Please contact our executive officer for History if you have ideas about how to foster involvement in civic life, or if you have any questions. We’re happy to schedule a storyteller to visit your group and share this history!