This lecture series is commemorating the American Revolution on the 250th anniversary of our nation. All talks in this series are presented by a member of Army Sustainment Command's Office of the Historian, based on the Arsenal.

This program is suitable for adults and teens. Registration is not required.

This program is jointly hosted by the Davenport Public Library and the Rock Island Public Library. If you are unable to attend the Davenport Public Library's session, another session will be offered earlier in the day at 2:00 PM at Rock Island Public Library.

The 2026 dates are February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14. This program takes place on the second Wednesday of the month at 6p at the Eastern Avenue Branch of the Davenport Public Library. No meeting in January, June, November or December.

American Revolution on the 250th Anniversary of our nation.

11 February 2026. America & Colonialism. This discusses the early foundation of the European settlement of North America and their interactions with the Native Americans as well as conflicts between European powers.

11 March 2026. The French-Indian War. This month we will discuss the French and Indian War and the importance on the foundations of the future of the United States. The military experience that this provided to the British colonial militia would prove to be invaluable.

8 April 2026. The Roots of the American Revolution and the enlightenment. This will discuss the early impacts upon the colonies by the British Government. Additionally, this will discuss how the enlightenment impacted the early decisions of the Continental Congress and the founding members of our Nation.

13 May 2026. War for Freedom: First blood and major battles during the early part of the war. Highlighting an overview of major battles, the strategic alliances, especially with France and leadership of George Washington and the founding of the Continental Army.

8 July 2026. Forging a Nation with the Declaration of Independence: Vision and Resolve. This will discuss the drafting and significance of the Declaration of Independence. Key philosophies of natural rights and self-governance and major contributors: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin. Also, how this impacted the Soldiers and the war.

12 August 2026. The turning tide: how the war began to shift in the favor of the Americans and the conclusion of hostilities. This will discuss the later portion of the war as well as the conclusion of the military conflict.

9 September 2026. Forging a Nation the foundation of the new nation. This will discuss the Constitutional Convention, the writing of the bill of rights and the protections of our key rights as Americans.

14 October 2026. Setting the Standard and a rocky start. This will discuss Washington’s presidency and the early rocky start to the nation.