Contact us to learn more about any of these talks and seminars.

 1 Hour: Princeton & The American Revolution

This overview covers Princeton’s early history, and highlights of the American Revolutionary War, from its beginning at Lexington and Concord, up to the “10 Crucial Days”, culminating in the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. With many illustrative images, we will focus on the effects of the war on Princeton, and hear sometimes in the soldiers’ own words of their sacrifice, bravery and perseverance, which led to the creation of our free nation.  

1 Hour:  The Battle of Brooklyn

The Battle of Brooklyn, also known as The Battle of Long Island, the largest battle of the entire American Revolutionary War, took place just 1 ½ months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and resulted in a crushing defeat for the Continental Army.  They fought at the Gowanus Road and Flatbush, and finally at the Continental stronghold at Fort Greene and the other forts at Brooklyn Heights.

The Continental Army was trapped at Brooklyn Heights and the American Revolution could have ended there.  But favorable weather allowed George Washington, under the cover of wind and fog, to safely evacuate our 9,500 men.  Out of the ashes of this defeat arose the determination and perseverance of George Washington and the Continental Army. They turned the tide only 4 months later on Christmas 1776, defeating the Hessians at Trenton, and changing the course of history.

1Hour:  The Ten Crucial Days - ***NEW***

Starts with the Continental Army's disheartening retreat across New Jersey, and features the extraordinary events of the "10 Crucial Days" which began with  Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware,  the two Battles of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton on January 3rd, 1777.  The Continental Army's bravery, sacrifice, and perseverance through unimaginable difficulties, led to an amazing three victories in 10 days, changing the course of history and enabling the birth of our free nation.  Many illustrative images and quotes of the soldiers, themselves, are included.

1 Hour:  Princeton The Nation’s Capital 1783

The American Revolution shooting war had ended in 1781 and the Colonies are awaiting word that peace negotiations in Paris will result in a treaty.  Because of delays in negotiating across the Atlantic, Congress is in a dilemma.  It has no money to pay the troops, but it cannot disband the army until there is a peace treaty. In June 1783, Congress, in session in Philadelphia, must flee after an Army mutiny (demanding back pay).  Congress relocates to Princeton where it remains in session for 4 ½ months.  This is the story of the many events that take place, and the people involved, as this small rural town provides the backdrop for the historic events of that summer and fall.

MULTIPLE TALKS OPTION - as a seminar or a course

CHOOSE TWO, THREE OR ALL FOUR

*CHOICE OF MULTIPLE TALKS CAN BE SPREAD OUT TO ONCE PER WEEK FOR UP TO FOUR WEEKS

 

  •  You will hear about these important historic battles sometimes in the own words of the soldiers who persevered through unimaginable difficulties to secure our freedom.

  • Battle maps will illustrate the military preparations and movements of the Continental and British armies.

  • The talks include a look at  some of the local figures who were important in the struggle, and many illustrative slides.