Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution

Presented by Cary Library

In Woody Holton’s  “hidden history” of the American Revolution, nothing is quite what it seems. The phrase “Liberty is Sweet” sounds like the sentiments of Jefferson or Franklin, but actually comes from a 1775 letter describing George Washington’s slaves’ aspirations to escape Mount Vernon. Holton entitled his preface “Invisible Enemies” in a nod to the Native Americans who were long omitted from the story of American Independence but played a crucial role in bringing on the Revolutionary War and shaping its course. And these are far from the only surprises in Holton’s astounding reappraisal of the founding of the United States. Holton challenges much of the history we imagined we knew and aims to tell stories of the many who fought for liberty.

This event will be moderated by Robert A. Gross.

Admission is free and first-come, first-served.