John Trumbull, Artist, John Trumbull was an American artist who was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War. He is known as the "Painter of the Revolution" for his historical paintings of the war. Trumbull was born in Connecticut in 1756 and graduated from Harvard in 1773. He began his painting career in 1777 and studied briefly in England with Benjamin West in 1780. His best work was created from 1784 to 1794, during which time he painted portraits and history paintings of American Revolution leaders and events. He returned to the US in 1789 and traveled along the East coast, painting portraits for his history paintings. In 1817, Trumbull received a commission to paint four large history paintings for the US Capitol rotunda, which he completed in 1824. He died in New York in 1843 at the age of 87.

Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution , A biography exploring the life and work of John Trumbull, the artist who visually chronicled the American Revolution, aiming to preserve its memory and principles for future generations. The book details Trumbull's firsthand experience as a soldier and aide to Washington, his artistic mission to create iconic images like those in the Capitol Rotunda, and how his work defined American exceptionalism, even as his career faced challenges. 

Constitution Convention of the United States - 1787 - The Constitutional Convention opens with a quorum of seven states in Philadelphia to discuss revising the Articles of Confederation. Eventually, all states but Rhode Island are represented.

Signing of the United States Declaration of Independence - 1776 - The signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on August 2, 1776, at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The 56 delegates from the 13 colonies, except for New York, which abstained, voted to approve it on July 4, 1776. The Declaration declared that the colonies were now "free and independent States" and no longer a part of the British Empire. The signers’ names are grouped by state, except for John Hancock, as President of the Continental Congress. The final draft was approved on July 4, but it was signed on August 2, according to most historians.

Battle of Princeton - 1777 - The Battle of Princeton, fought on January 3, 1777, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. After a surprise attack at Trenton, General George Washington decided to strike the British in New Jersey. Washington’s troops clashed with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood’s forces in Princeton. Despite initial setbacks, including the mortal wounding of Brigadier General Hugh Mercer, Washington rallied his troops and drove back the British. The remaining British troops sought refuge in Nassau Hall, but were persuaded to surrender by Brigadier General John Sullivan. This victory, following the one at Trenton, significantly boosted the morale of the Continental Army and proved they could defeat the British.

Battle of Quebec - 1775 - The Battle of Quebec (1775) took place on December 31, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. American forces, led by General Richard Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold, attempted to capture Quebec City from the British. The attack failed, resulting in Montgomery's death and heavy American casualties. Arnold was wounded, and over 400 American troops were captured. The British, led by General Guy Carleton, successfully defended the city, marking the first major defeat for the Americans in the Revolutionary War.

Battle of Yorktown - 1781 - The Battle of Yorktown, which unfolded in 1781, marked a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. This was where General George Washington, leading American troops, and Comte de Rochambeau, commanding French forces, joined together to confront the British Army, led by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. The Franco-American forces successfully besieged Cornwallis’s troops in Yorktown, Virginia, leaving them with no choice but to surrender. This significant victory essentially brought an end to the war’s military operations. It also set the stage for the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the conflict.

Battle of Bunker Hill - 1775 - The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, during the Siege of Boston, was a pivotal early battle in the American Revolutionary War. It occurred in Charlestown, now part of Boston, during the Siege of Boston. Despite being outnumbered, American forces fortified Breed’s Hill near Bunker Hill and bravely faced the British troops. The British won the battle after three assaults, but suffered heavy losses, including many officers, which demonstrated the costly nature of their tactical victory.The battle involved troops from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island against the British forces. The Americans set up their defenses on Breed’s Hill, and the British advanced from Boston by boat. After two failed assaults, the British succeeded on their third attempt, but with heavy casualties, including many officers. The American forces retreated but were encouraged by their strong resistance against the British.The Battle of Bunker Hill brought to prominence figures such as American Colonel William Prescott, known for his command to hold fire until seeing “the whites of their eyes,” and General Israel Putnam, who assisted in fortifying positions. New Hampshire’s John Stark significantly bolstered the American left flank, while the revered Dr. Joseph Warren was killed in action. On the British side, Officer William Howe led the charge, General Thomas Gage oversaw operations, and Robert Pigot commanded the decisive assault, with General Henry Clinton providing support. These leaders’ actions and decisions were instrumental in the unfolding of this historic battle.This engagement proved the mettle of the American troops and signaled a long and difficult conflict ahead, as it became clear that the colonies were prepared to fight for their independence with tenacity and courage.

Battles of Saratoga - 1777 - The Battles of Saratoga, fought during September and October 1777, stand as pivotal moments in the American Revolutionary War. The British, under General John Burgoyne, aimed to gain control of the Hudson River Valley to split the American colonies and weaken their resistance. Burgoyne's force of about 7,200 troops advanced from Canada, intending to meet other British forces in Albany, New York. The American forces, commanded by General Horatio Gates and numbering around 9,000, were prepared to counter this move.The first battle, known as Freeman's Farm, took place on September 19, 1777. Although the British initially gained ground, they suffered heavy casualties. Both sides endured significant losses, but the Americans managed to hold their positions. The second battle, fought at Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777, saw the Americans launch a successful counterattack, inflicting severe losses on the British and forcing their retreat. This crucial engagement culminated in General Burgoyne's surrender to General Gates on October 17, 1777.This victory marked a major turning point in the Revolutionary War. It bolstered American morale and played a critical role in securing French support for the American cause. The French alliance provided vital military assistance and resources, significantly enhancing the American effort to achieve independence. The Battles of Saratoga are thus remembered not only for their immediate tactical significance but also for their broader strategic impact on the war and the eventual success of the American Revolution.

Yale University Art Gallery - 2006 - The renovation of the 1953 Louis Kahn Art Gallery building restores many features of the original design and upgrades outmoded systems, including the complete replacement of the building’s original window-wall system, most dramatically along the west and north facades. The new system duplicates the appearance and profiles of the original while addressing the original wall’s technical shortcomings and accommodating the strict temperature and humidity requirements of a modern museum. The renovation restores an open exterior courtyard that was roofed over in the 1970’s. With the removal of partitions, the galleries now reveal spacious, unobstructed vistas according to Kahn’s original vision. Other highlights include the refurbishment of the tetrahedral ceilings, designed to house the electrical and ventilation systems; the transformation of the first-floor lobby into a media lounge, an inviting information center and gathering place; and a complete upgrade of building systems.