Voices of 1776: Diverse Faces Behind America’s Founding

This program is offered in recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. To learn more about the bipartisan "America250" initiative, click here.

The fight for American independence involved more people than the handful of famous Founding Fathers we all know. This talk by Valerie Gugala (returning to the Library after her portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln last year) brings to light the stories of women, enslaved and free African Americans, Native peoples, and immigrants whose contributions shaped the Revolution and the new nation. From Phillis Wheatley’s poetry to Deborah Sampson’s bravery in disguise, from the strategies of Native leaders to the labor of ordinary farmers and artisans, “Voices of 1776” uncovers the hidden figures whose voices helped define liberty.

Brought to you in partnership with River Forest Township.