Lesser-Known Campaigns and Commanders That Helped Win American Independence

This event is included with regular daytime admission.

Join author and historian Tom Hand for an engaging lecture exploring the overlooked campaigns, leaders, and moments that helped secure victory during the American Revolutionary War. While the Revolution is often remembered through its most famous battles and figures, many lesser-known commanders and military efforts played critical roles in achieving American independence.

During this talk, Mr. Hand will reflect on the meaning of patriotism and love of country, share what inspired him to write An American Triumph, and introduce his latest work, America Victorious. In America Victorious, Mr. Hand pays tribute to the unsung commanders and campaigns that defined America’s founding era. Through vivid storytelling, more than 150 images, and nearly two dozen detailed maps, the book brings to life the courage, sacrifice, and leadership that helped secure American independence and shape a new nation.

Drawing from these stories, the lecture will highlight the individuals and military efforts whose contributions deserve greater recognition in the history of America’s founding, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of the struggle for liberty and the enduring legacy of the nation’s founding ideals.

Following the discussion, Mr. Hand will sign copies of his books.

Speaker Bio:

Tom Hand is the founder and publisher of Americana Corner, a platform he launched in 2020 to share and preserve the story of America's founding era. Through weekly articles and videos, Tom brings to life the pivotal events, foundational documents, and influential figures who shaped the United States, aiming to rekindle a spirit of patriotism and historical appreciation in his fellow citizens.

He is the author of a growing series of books that reflect his deep commitment to early American History:

An American Triumph: America’s Founding Era through the Lives of Ben Franklin, George Washington, and John Adams — an engaging narrative that blends the personal experiences and historic milestones of three Founding Fathers enriched by 130 images and a dozen detailed maps. America Victorious: Lesser-Known Campaigns and Commanders That Helped Win American Independence — a companion volume that highlights the lesser-known heroes who fought for our nation’s independence across countless battlefields in the early republic.

Tom’s passion for telling the Great American Story extends to preserving its cultural and historical treasures through the Preserving America program. This nationwide initiative supports a diverse range of projects through grants, fosters long-term partnerships with historical organizations, and hosts an annual conference that brings together leaders in preservation and public history to share best practices, exchange ideas, and inspire collaboration.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point (Class of 1982), Tom later founded and led Gilman Cheese Corporation. Now retired from business, he devotes his time to Americana Corner and serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Battlefield Trust. He lives with his wife, Char—who reviews all of his work and is his biggest supporter—and enjoys American history, classic literature, and playing the guitar.

Options for online and in-person available.