Liberty and Its Limits: Hidden Lives of the American Revolution

George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Nathan Hale. The story of the American Revolution is often remembered through its most prominent figures—but others helped shape its course, too. Many others.

In this session, join Local History Librarian Kate Kisselstein as we explore the less visible stories of Indigenous peoples, people of African descent, and women, examining how their experiences reveal both the possibilities and contradictions of liberty in a time of upheaval.

We’ll place these stories within their historical context, highlighting the complex choices individuals and communities faced during the Revolution. From divided loyalties among Indigenous nations to the varied paths pursued by people of African descent, and the critical roles women played on the home front and beyond, this session will offer a broader, more inclusive view of the era.

Where possible, we’ll also connect these themes to Central New York, considering how the Revolution shaped the region and the people who lived here.

Whether you’re interested in history, genealogy, or uncovering overlooked perspectives, this program will deepen your understanding of the Revolutionary era and the lives it touched.