The Founding Fathers: Myths, Realities, and Legacies
They are hailed as heroes, visionaries, and the architects of American democracy—but who were the Founding Fathers, really? This lecture separates fact from fiction to explore the complex lives, beliefs, and contradictions of figures like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. We’ll examine the myths that surround them, the truths history reveals, and the lasting legacies they left on the nation they helped create.
The Founding Mothers: Unsung Women of the Revolution
The American Revolution was not won by soldiers and statesmen alone. This lecture highlights the courageous and often overlooked women who played vital roles in the fight for independence—as spies, soldiers, fundraisers, writers, and homefront heroes. From battlefield bravery to political protest, discover the powerful stories of the women whose contributions helped shape a new nation.
Moments That Made America: Turning Points in 250 Years
From independence to innovation, conflict to cultural change, this engaging lecture highlights pivotal events that shaped the course of American history. As the nation marks its 250th birthday, we’ll journey through key moments—both celebrated and overlooked—that defined the country’s identity, tested its ideals, and propelled it forward. Discover how these turning points continue to influence the America we know today.
Hidden Histories: Forgotten Stories from the Past
History is filled with remarkable people whose stories rarely appear in textbooks. This one-hour program explores overlooked narratives such as Robert Smalls, the enslaved man who seized a Confederate ship and sailed to freedom; Ida B. Wells, the fearless Illinois journalist who exposed the horrors of lynching; Bass Reeves, the Black lawman who brought justice to the American frontier; and the immigrant women of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, whose tragic deaths led to vital labor reforms. Audiences will also learn about Native American Code Talkers of the World Wars, Claudette Colvin’s act of defiance before Rosa Parks, and other hidden stories that shaped the nation. Together, these tales reveal a richer, more inclusive picture of America’s past.
Voices of 1776: The Diverse Faces Behind America’s Founding
When we think of America’s Revolution, we often picture a handful of famous Founding Fathers—but the fight for independence was far broader, richer, and more diverse. This one-hour program brings to light the stories of women, enslaved and free African Americans, Native peoples, and immigrants whose contributions shaped the Revolution and the new nation. From Phillis Wheatley’s poetry to Deborah Sampson’s bravery in disguise, from the strategies of Native leaders to the labor of ordinary farmers and artisans, “Voices of 1776” uncovers the hidden figures whose voices helped define liberty. Audiences will leave with a deeper, more inclusive understanding of America’s founding and the many perspectives that made independence possible.
Historically Speaking 