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Declaration of Independence
“When in the course of human events…,” these are the first words in the body of America’s Declaration of Independence and it remains today one of the most important documents ever written in defining basic human rights. The Declaration was adopted by the 2nd Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, thereby claiming American rights were endowed by the Creator “…that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Sunday, December 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM

Please join us at the Cowan Center for the Arts December 5th for part 3, America’s war of independence and the building of the Constitution, of America’s Road to Independence lecture series. The program will be at 5:00pm and presented by Steve Pearson of the Franklin County Historical Society.

Last Sunday Steve provided a program on the actions that led the American Colonists to declare their independence from Great Briton. This program will pick up from where the previous stopped (the signing of the Declaration of Independence) and carry us through the Revolutionary War and the building, signing, and ratification of the Construction.
The Revolutionary war went bad for America almost immediately following the signing of the Declaration. Only the strength of the Continental Army soldier and the unwavering and superior leadership of their Commander, George Washington, did we eventually prevail. Even after the Yorktown victory in 1781 and the Peace of Paris Treaty in 1783 we only had a loose governmental structure to unite the thirteen colonies. The efforts of a few led by George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton set the stage for building our constitution.

September 17 is celebrated each year as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, an event which recognizes the anniversary of the nation’s constitution and the efforts and responsibilities of all citizens. With regard to the nation’s constitution, in the summer of 1787 delegates convened in Philadelphia to create “a more perfect union” and to craft the country's constitution. They worked to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom, taking into account federal and state interests, as well as individual human rights. The delegates signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17 that year. By June 21, 1788, the constitution was effective, having been approved by nine of the 13 states.

Please join us for this 90 minute program on how thirteen independent colonies managed to defeat the most powerful nation on the planet and built a Government like none other.

Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.