The Elusive Peter Hunter

The Elusive Peter Hunter

Dec 5, 2024 | People

On November 4, 1844, Stephen Thomas of rural West Fairlee, Vermont, wrote to Dr. Ira Davis, an old friend then in Connecticut. Thomas explained that the widow of a Revolutionary War soldier named Peter Hunter had approached him for help in securing a widow’s pension....
Plunket Fleeson, Revolutionary Upholsterer

Plunket Fleeson, Revolutionary Upholsterer

Nov 20, 2024 | People

A prosperous craftsman whose trade serves the very wealthy is an unlikely sort of revolutionary. He has too much invested in stability to welcome economic upheaval and too much invested in relationships with customers, suppliers, and peers to welcome revolutionary...
A Portrait of George III

A Portrait of George III

Oct 28, 2024 | Features, Visions

Portraits are not always what they seem at first sight, especially more than 250 years after they were created. Meaning that was apparent to contemporaries evaporates. Symbolism, once clear, becomes opaque. Visual allusions are forgotten. Consider, for example, Johan...
George Washington and the Genealogist

George Washington and the Genealogist

Oct 8, 2024 | Features, Ideas

In the spring of 1792, George Washington received a letter from Sir Isaac Heard, an English genealogist who bore the impressive title of Garter King of Arms. Sir Isaac was one of the official genealogists to the English aristocracy. He had encountered a document...
George Mason, Thoughtful Revolutionary

George Mason, Thoughtful Revolutionary

Sep 24, 2024 | People

The American Revolution was an unusually cerebral revolution. Its heroes included philosophers as well as soldiers. Its political leaders combined sophisticated political thought with political action in a way not seen in this country since. Their ideas — and their...