What began as a seven-week celebration now lives on as an online archive. The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters and Florida Atlantic Libraries preserved this special program commemorating America's 250th anniversary so it can continue to inspire discovery, learning, and conversation. 

Throughout the festival, dynamic guest speakers brought the American Revolution to life through fresh and unexpected perspectives. Presentations explored popular culture--such as AMC's Turn: Washington's Spies, Saturday Night Live, Drunk History, and Broadway's Hamilton--as well as iconic historical moments including Revolutionary-era espionage, a "family history" of the Boston Massacre, and the global reach of revolutionary art.

The programs connected the American Revolution to contemporary issues, demonstrating why history continues to matter. Students participated in immersive experiences, including George Washington's Ball, a hands-on historical dance workshop with live music and costumes.  

Photographs from the festival will be added to this webpage. 

Inheriting the Revolution

Spies and Espionage

Painter’s Fire

George Washington’s Ball

Hamilton: Blood, Honor, and Politics

Boston Massacre: A Family Story

Drunk History and SNL

Florida and the American Revolution

PARTNERS

Daughters of the American Revoution

Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Florida

Boca Raton Historical Society

National Endowment for the Humanities

National Endowment for the Humanities

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Department of History

Individual Sponsors:

The Family of Marvin and Sybil Weiner, John G. Brim, and Wayne & Ellen Zuskin