VLS Resources
Who Are Some Unsung Heroes of the Revolutionary War?
Revolutionary Contributions Key Role in Financing the War Legacy Military Service & Feats of Strength Post-War Life & Legacy We owe many heroes our gratitude for their bravery, honor, dedication and sacrifice; great men and women have stood up against the enemy, fought valiantly, been injured and/or lost their lives defending America’s freedom. Rod JohnsonLiberty…
Battles of Lexington and Concord – The Dawn of the American Revolution
Amos Doolittle, The Battle of Lexington, April 19th, 1775. Plate I. Public Domain July 4th, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is important to look at the events that led up to this defining moment in American history. The Battles of Lexington and Concord which were…
On This April Day in American History
April 2, 1792 – Congress established the first U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. April 13 Birthday – Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was born in Albermarle County, Virginia. He was an author, inventor, lawyer, politician, architect, and one of the finest minds of the 1700’s. He authored the American Declaration of Independence and later served as the 3rd…
Women Heroines of the Revolutionary War
The Courage and Sacrifice of Female Patriots The American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of Independence, was not solely a tale of male valor and leadership. Women, though often overlooked in historical narratives, played crucial roles in shaping the destiny of the fledgling nation. These female patriots exhibited immense courage, resilience and ingenuity,…
VLS Celebrates Black Patriots from the American Revolution
During American Revolution, thousands of Black Americans joined the war fighting for both sides of the conflict. Unlike their white counterparts, they weren’t just fighting for independence. Most took up arms hoping to be freed from the shackles of slavery. For some slaves-turned-soldiers, the Revolution’s promise of liberty became a reality. Historians estimate that between 5,000…
Currier and Ives’ America
After discovering the book Currier & Ives’ America, which features over 80 lithographs of America during the early 19th century, we felt the images and comments by editor Colin Simkin might give our readers a glimpse into what life was like in early America. Therefore, we will be featuring several of the lithographs and text…
German Immigrants Introduced Christmas Trees
So when and how did Christmas become the festive celebration we recognize today? According to Early American Life, traditions such as decorating Christmas trees with lights and ornaments came from Germans who immigrated to the United States. By the early 19th century, these ideas spread into the American mainstream and, eventually, England, where the German…
Honor America And Her Veterans Through Proper Flag Etiquette
Make sure it can wave freely. Never allow the flag to touch the ground or any other object while it’s on display. Stand for America. Salute the American flag as it is hoisted and lowered and while saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Stand at attention with your right hand over your heart and your hat…
March is Women’s Month
This month, during Women’s History Month, we are featuring an interesting article by the American Battlefield Trust, which conveys the hardships and determination of the women who lived in our war-torn country in the 1800’s. Many women fought for our country, supported their families and the patriots, often caring for their homesteads until their husband’s…