VLS Resources
On This August Day in American History
August 1, 1779 Birthday – Star-Spangled Banner author Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was born in Frederick County, Maryland. After witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry on the night of September 13-14, 1814, he was enthralled to see the American flag still flying over the fort at daybreak. He then wrote the poem originally entitled…
On August 7, 1792
The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple…
Would You Be Brave Enough to Sign Your Name to the Declaration of Independence?
Portrait of John Bernard Hancock Courtesy of History on the Net When was the last time you signed a petition or a letter of support or clicked a thumbs up on an online message? Did you want a street light at the end of your block, or want the City Council to approve a greenbelt?…
On This June Day in American History
On June 17th, 1885 The French gift to the United States “The Statue of Liberty” arrived in New York City abroad the French ship Isere.
Recognizing America’s Founding Father’s
The term “Founding Fathers” was first coined in Chicago in 1915 at the Republican National Convention. Warren G. Harding used the phrase in his keynote address. The phrase took hold and now serves as a clearly defining representation of who our founding fathers were and what they believed. Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the…
Patrick Henry and the Bill of Rights
This portrait of Patrick Henry (Catalog Number INDE14066) was executed by an unidentified arist before 1878. The portrait, a copy of Thomas Sully’s 1815 protrayal of Henry (now at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) was acquired by the City of Philadelphia between late 1876 and early 1878. Patrick Henry proclaiming “Give Me Liberty…
Paul Revere: The Shot Heard Round the World & Sybil Ludington
“April comes with gush of bird-song, a patter of dew, a cloud and a rainbow, sunshine and perfect blue.” – Harriet Spofford …and Revolution!!! On April 18, Dr. Joseph Warren, doctor, patriot and spy, learned the British were planning to march on Concord. He took the message to silversmith, Paul Revere, setting the famous ride…
Ten Facts: Women During the Revolutionary War
Fact #1: Women followed the armies and provided a sense of normality to military camps. Often known as camp followers, it was common for women and children to follow the army. Each woman had their own motivations for following the armies: most were the wives, daughters, and/or mothers of male soldiers and wanted to stay…
Five 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…