When we think about Americans who changed the course of history, we rarely think about children. In the popular imagination, young people usually stand on the sidelines of history, sheltered and coddled by the adults who really make things happen. In reality, however, children have played a vital part in American politics and culture since the colonial era.
In this online talk, I’ll explore the often-overlooked role of children in shaping the course of early American history. The Salem Witch Trials, the Revolutionary War and the fight against slavery were influenced by young people’s voices and actions. Children, I suggest, have consistently challenged us to reexamine our notions of authority, freedom, and human rights. They have pushed us to live up to the ideals we profess, often embodying the very spirit of revolution that we celebrate as quintessentially American.
Click here to register for this virtual event, hosted by Old North Illuminated.
Anna Mae Duane 