Lecture Topics
The Intoxicating History of the American Revolution
Join historian Brooke Barbier for a lively talk about the influence of tavern and drinking culture on the American Revolution. Eighteenth-century Americans consumed a staggering amount of alcohol compared to us today. Drink influenced their politics, built and sustained their relationships, and drove the economy. Booze was not a small part of colonial society, nor covertly consumed in private spaces—it was integral to American life. When the colonists rebelled against the British Empire, this culture of drink and taverns helped foster revolution.
Who is your American Revolution Drinking Buddy?
Eighteenth-century Americans consumed a staggering amount of alcohol compared to us today, including some of the most famous names from the founding generation. Historian Brooke Barbier will share about what Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others liked to imbibe, as well as how drink influenced their relationships, politics, and the American Revolution. You'll discover which revolutionary you'd be most likely to drink with: will it be Abigail Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, or another storied American?
John Hancock and the Stories behind the Signatures on the Declaration of Independence
Would it surprise you to learn that despite John Hancock’s audacious signature on the Declaration of Independence, his politics were much less bold? In this interactive lecture, Brooke Barbier will take you behind the scenes of the Declaration’s signing. She'll also address other questions and myths: did Hancock actually say that he wrote his name so large because he wanted King George III to see it without his spectacles? Why did Hancock sign first and did he really have the largest and most distinguished signature? Who had the smallest and sloppiest? Whose names aren’t on the Declaration that you might expect to see? After this talk, the next time someone asks you for your John Hancock, you’ll also have insider facts to share.
John Hancock: Moderating a Revolution
John Hancock is most famous for his audacious signature, but would it surprise you to know that his politics were much less bold? Historian Brooke Barbier will discuss the life of John Hancock and show the power and necessity of a middle ground in politics. During the American Revolution, Hancock frustrated rebel Patriots and Loyalists alike, all while he remained the most popular and powerful man in Massachusetts. There were pivotal moments in our nation's founding where moderation was exactly what was necessary—even if it seemed counterintuitive—including when rebelling against taxes and ratifying the U.S. constitution, and Hancock often led the way in those tempered efforts. There is much to be gleaned from Hancock’s example and success as a political moderate.
A Town Versus an Empire: Boston's Pivotal Role in the American Revolution
In 1764, a small town in the British colony of Massachusetts ignited a bold rebellion. For the next decade, Loyalists and rebel Patriots disagreed with one another as both sides revolted and betrayed, punished and murdered. But the rebel leaders were not always the heroes we consider them today. Samuel Adams and John Hancock were reluctant allies. Paul Revere couldn't recognize a traitor in his own inner circle. And George Washington dismissed the efforts of the Massachusetts rebels as unimportant. Brooke Barbier tells the story of how a city radicalized itself against the world's most powerful empire and helped found the United States.
Testimonials
"Brooke brings a rare combination of scholarly expertise and captivating storytelling to every program. With energy, clarity, and a touch of humor, she illuminates the people and moments that shaped our nation, often revealing lesser-known details that leave audiences with a richer, more nuanced understanding of American history." - Jeanne Fontaine, Springfield Museums
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"Revolutionary Spaces hosted Brooke Barbier for a talk at the Old State House and the crowd loved it. Brooke is a dynamic speaker and natural conversationalist and has the terrific knack, both on the written page, with "King Hancock," and in person, of bringing John Hancock to life for her audience. Highly recommend!" - Ed O'Connell, Civic Engagement Manager, Revolutionary Spaces, Boston
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"At our recent “AmRev Presents: Tavern Night” public program inspired by our collections and special exhibitions, Dr. Barbier engaged our adult audiences with an interactive and accessible featured presentation that blended her latest scholarship with her unparalleled expertise on public history as the founder of Boston’s Ye Olde Tavern Tours...A dynamic and energizing speaker, Dr. Barbier partnered with the Museum’s educational mission and collaborated with us to create a program experience that has truly set a high “bar” for memorable after-hours events to come!" - Hannah Boettcher, Museum of the American Revolution www.amrevmuseum.org/events
Credit: Museum of the American Revolution