VLS Resources
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…
1788–89 United States Presidential Election
The 1788–89 United States presidential election was the first quadrennial (every four years) presidential election, was held from Monday, December 15, 1788 -TO- Saturday, January 10, 1789, under the newly ratified 1788 Constitution. George Washington was unanimously elected for the first of his two (2) terms as President and John Adams became the first Vice…
The Winter Patriots: A Revolutionary War Tale
A Conquering Wind… For more than a year 13 colonies stood in rebellion to their government an ocean away. The Americans in revolt were rebels, the Declaration of Independence made them revolutionaries. Thirteen colonies were now a union of states, then in union they claimed independence, disseminating copies of their great declaration in the…
Colonial America Beef Barley Soup
Colonial Americans had access to a rich and diverse diet – from the sea, the rivers, the land and the sky…prepared by the Dutch, the French, the Scots, English, Native Americans, Africans. Spices from around the world seasoned it all well. Walter Staib, author of “The City Tavern Cookbook” …Recipes from the Birth of American…
What Does it Mean to be a Veteran?
The VA defines veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or, air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.” According to U.S. Federal Law veterans are persons who served in any branch of the armed forces in the U.S. for a certain time-frame. Some of…
Fun Facts About the Constitution of the United States
Fun Fact: “The United States Constitution has 4440 words. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world today. The most glaring spelling error is Pennsylvania. It was spelled Pensylvania. The Constitution was penned by Jacob Shallus, a Pennsylvania General Assembly clerk for $30.00 Fun Fact: “The Pennsylvania State…
July 4th and the Principles of Liberty
Origins of the 28 Principles of Liberty On July 4 Americans will celebrate Independence Day, the day 56 men from all economic backgrounds, representing the various New World English Colonies, signed the Declaration of Independence from King George III, of Great Britain and Ireland. What on earth could have had authority higher than the king’s?…
Fun Facts @ July 4th
We didn’t actually declare independence on the 4th of July One of the greatest misconceptions of the 4th of July lies in the name and date. It is widely believed that America declared their independence from Britain on July 4, 1776. However, the official vote actually took place two days before and the “Declaration”…
How To Remember the 5 Parts of The Declaration of Independence
PREAMBLE – “When in the course of human events . . .” First, the “Preamble” declares it is the people’s natural right to change their governments and act independently according to their own free will. RIGHTS – “We hold these truths to be self-evident . . . “ Second, the “Rights” declares that all people…