83 Percent of U.S. Adults Fail Test on Nation's Founding

/PRNewswire/ -- Who cares about the American Revolution? Should something that happened more than 200 years ago matter today?

These are among the questions raised by a recent national survey, sponsored by The American Revolution Center, which revealed an alarming lack of knowledge of our nation's founding history, despite near universal agreement on the importance of this knowledge.

The report, conducted in the summer of 2009 among a demographically representative random sample of U.S. adults, is the first national survey of adult knowledge of the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy. It reveals that Americans highly value, but vastly overrate, their knowledge of the Revolutionary period and its significance. Asked to grade themselves on their knowledge, 89 percent believed they could pass a basic test on the American Revolution. However, 83 percent failed when tested on the beliefs, freedoms, and liberties established during the Revolution.

"The American Revolution defined what it means to be an American. It forged those principles that unite us as a nation," says Dr. Bruce Cole, president and CEO of The American Revolution Center. "Unfortunately, those principles are fading from memory." This is alarming, Dr. Cole explains, because rights and values undefined and misunderstood cannot be defended or taught to future generations. "Knowledge of the ideas upon which our nation is built is essential, to maintain the relevance and vibrancy of our government," he says. "Many people are unaware that the everyday freedoms and liberties they enjoy - reading newspaper editorials, expressing a dissenting opinion while attending a public meeting, or worshipping at a religious institution of their choice - are the legacy of the American Revolution. For future generations to continue to enjoy these freedoms, we must know and preserve the promise of the American Revolution."

Some noteworthy findings from the report, titled "The American Revolution. Who Cares? Americans are Yearning to Learn, Failing to Know," include the following:

-- Many more Americans remember that Michael Jackson sang "Beat It" than
know that the Bill of Rights is part of the Constitution.
-- 60 percent of Americans can correctly identify the number of children
in reality-TV show couple Jon and Kate Gosselin's household (eight),
but more than one-third do not know the century in which the American
Revolution took place (18th). Half of those surveyed believe the
Civil War (1861-1865), Emancipation Proclamation (1863), or War of
1812 occurred before the American Revolution (1775-1783).
-- More than 50 percent of Americans surveyed wrongly attributed the
quote, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his
needs" to George Washington, Thomas Paine, or President Barack Obama,
when it is in fact a quote from Karl Marx, author of "The Communist
Manifesto."


Fortunately, the survey revealed that more than 90 percent of Americans - across all major demographic groups - think it is important for U.S. citizens to know the history and principles of the American Revolution, and that this knowledge be taught in schools.

The findings are a call-to-action for The American Revolution Center and for its efforts to address this "historical amnesia." The non-partisan, not-for-profit organization plans to construct The Museum of the American Revolution in historic Philadelphia. This will be the first national museum to tell the entire story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. The organization already has launched a website with informational resources on the American Revolution, offering lesson plans and other educational materials.

For more information about the survey, or about the mission and activities of The American Revolution Center, visit www.AmericanRevolutionCenter.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Colonial Williamsburg Opens America's Only 18th-Century Coffeehouse

/PRNewswire/ -- More than 200 years since Americans gathered to discuss political and social issues in an authentic 18th-century coffeehouse, Colonial Williamsburg formally dedicates the R. Charlton Coffeehouse, the Historic Area's newest exhibition building and the first major reconstruction on Duke of Gloucester Street in more than 50 years, at 4 p.m. Nov. 20.

"The reconstructed R. Charlton's Coffeehouse is a major architectural and educational addition to the Historic Area," said Colin G. Campbell, president of Colonial Williamsburg. "It adds a new dimension and vibrancy to our understanding and portrayal of life in Williamsburg on the eve of the American Revolution. We are extremely grateful to Forrest and Deborah Mars for enabling Colonial Williamsburg to create a fuller picture of social and political life during that tumultuous era. This project will be of great interest to guests, scholars and artisans alike."

The opening begins with re-enactment of the memorable event of 1765 when an angry crowd threatened Virginia's appointed administrator of The Stamp Act until he was rescued and escorted to safety by the royal governor.

Following the opening ceremony, a walk-through open house of the building is available. The open house continues 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22.

R. Charlton's Coffeehouse will open daily for interpretive tours Monday, Nov. 23 when guests will learn about the pre-Revolutionary significance of this establishment before concluding the experience with the opportunity to enjoy a sample tasting of period coffeehouse beverages - coffee, tea or chocolate. The newest exhibition site in the Historic Area will reflect its 18th-century role as a gathering place for the politically connected as well as for the socially ambitious. The reconstruction will provide an exciting new venue for Historic Area programming.

Archaeological evidence recovered from the coffeehouse site reflects the importance of fine dining as well as the consumption of tea, coffee and chocolate. Charlton offered an epicurean menu that included fish, shellfish, meat and game, even peacock. A Cherokee pipe fragment suggests the presence of Indians who may have been part of an official delegation.

Coffeehouse furnishings include carefully researched reproduction furniture, ceramics, glassware, hardware and other items representing the variety of activities that took place there. Hand-printed wallpapers will cover the walls of the well-appointed private meeting room and the north room, both based on microscopic study of original building fragments.

R. Charlton's Coffeehouse is built on its original foundations with 18th-century construction techniques.

Reconstruction of R. Charlton's Coffeehouse is possible through a $5 million gift from Forrest and Deborah Mars.

Williamsburg is located in Virginia's Tidewater region within an hour's drive of Richmond and Norfolk, and 150 miles south of Washington, D.C., off Interstate 64. For more information about Colonial Williamsburg, call 1-800-HISTORY or visit Colonial Williamsburg's Web site at www.history.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Superstar's Memory Honored by James Waldrop DAR in Fayetteville

Pictured are (l-r) James Waldrop DAR Member and Speaker Phyllis King, Regent Betty Harrah, Georgia State Society DAR Regent, Barbara Blakely Chastain, and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Commemorative Chairman Susan Sloan.

Do you know the significance of September 3rd in the history of America? What about September 6th?

If you answered with the end of the American Revolution and a Frenchman's birthday, you're right! The Treaty of Paris, which was signed on September 3, 1783, formally ended the American Revolution between Great Britain and the American colonies. Among the points made in the Treaty of Paris was the acknowledgement of the 13 colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution saluted this day in American history as well as the birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette, who was instrumental in the colonies' fight against the English crown by hosting a dinner in Fayetteville to celebrate these two events. The featured speaker was Phyllis King, DAR member and Fayetteville resident, who spoke about Lafayette's Superstar status after the American Revolution was over.

King said, "In the summer of 1824, cities and towns across the 24 States of the Union began plans and preparations for the visit of the last surviving General of the Revolutionary War, Gilbert du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette. The New Republic was dear to him and the feeling was mutual. For 13 monthes he was celebrated almost daily with speeches, banquets, balls, long processionals and gun salutes. The"Nation's Guest " laid cornorstones for monuments and buildings, greeted old comrades, and reviewed militias.

His superstar status led 26 states to name 18 counties, 36 cities, a military fort and a mountain in his honor and his face appeared on more currency, second only to George Washington. During his stay he met with the President, visited Congress, dined with former Presidents, met with many governors and mayors as well as citizens and Native Americans. Congress awarded him $200.000. After all, he paid his way here in 1777 at age 19, took a commision with no pay and outfitted his first command with uniforms and weapons. In 1779 he convinced Louis XVI to loan money, send Rochambeau and 5000 French troops, and a naval squadron to aid the colonies in their struggle for independence.One author, Alan Hoffman, writes of Lafayette, "He was the noblest, most consistent, most principled, most modern of the Founding Fathers. He was one of the Greatest men of his time, a 19th century "Superstar".

"On his visit through Georgia, he landed in Savannah on March 19, 1825 and laid the cornerstone for monuments to Casmir Pulaski and Nathanial Greene. He traveled on to Augusta and Milledgeville where he found a man who had helped carry him off the field of battle at Brandywine. In his last days in Georgia, traveling through Macon and Marion County he met and visited with Creek Chief William McIntosh's son. His travels continued through all states and he returned to Boston in time for the 50th anniversary of Bunker Hill."

"On his return to France." she continued," he would carry soil from Bunker Hill which would cover his grave after his death in May of 1834 at age 76. In Lafayette's speech to Congress, he summed up his beliefs and his life, "I have stayed faithful to the American principle of liberty,equality,true social order to which I have been devoted since my youth, and which til my last breath will be a scared duty to me."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

What happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors. These were tortured before they died. Twelve signers had their homes ransacked and burned. Two signers lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army. Yet another signer had two sons captured. Finally, nine of the 56 signers fought and subsequently died from wounds or hardships received during the Revolutionary War. Indeed, as the last line of the Declaration states, the entire contingent pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

These heroes came from all walks of life. 11 were merchants. Nine were farmers or large plantation owners. Twenty-four were lawyers or jurists. But as they signed the Declaration of Independence, they did so knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Truly, liberty is a blessing.

This year, join me in remembering those Americans in harm's way on the front lines of freedom around the globe.

Ivy and I send you each of you our very best this Independence Day weekend.

John Oxendine
Governor 2010
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.artsacrossgeorgia.com
Arts Across Georgia

The French in the American Revolution

We were recently asked if there was a definitive list of French soldiers who fought with the Marquis deLafayette during the American Revolution. After a few moments of head scratching, we contacted a local Fayette County Geni with the question.

Here is her response:

"The Title is "Les Combattants Francais de la guerre Americaine 1778-1783" published by Genealgoical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1969. At the top of the title page it says "58th Congress, 2nd session, Document No. 77." Perhaps it could be accessed in English on the NARA web page."

That, in addition to the information we located on the internet, should allow the person who asked the question to get started in his quest.

According to Wikipedia, the following list are the units of French Soldiers who were sent to fight with the American Colonies. Please keep in mind that over 6000 Frenchmen fought for America's freedoms and the French Navy also played a role so this list is not complete.

Without the support of France, the colonists would have been hard pressed to win their battle against England. We would suggest contacting your local French Embassy to see if they can lead you in the direction to find a list of men.

French Infantry regiments

Agenois Regiment
Auxonne Regiment
Bourbonnois Regiment
Gatinois Regiment
Metz Regiment
Royal Deux-Ponts Regiment
Saintonge Regiment
Soissonois Regiment
Touraine Regiment

Dragoons

Lauzun's Legion


Sources:
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_in_the_American_Revolutionary_War
-S. Sloan, Fayetteville, GA, via email

Let us know if you are successful!

Fayette Front Page Staff
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

"Come and Take It!" November 21 and 22

These famous words "Come and take it!" were defiantly said to the British back on November 25, 1778, by American Col. John McIntosh. The British withdrew only to return 45 days later when Fort Morris fell.

The weekend of November 21-22 will take park visitors back to the times of the American Revolution. On November 21, Rita Elliott, will discuss findings of her archaelogical study. November 22 will be an encampment complete with colonial demonstrations and a skirmish.

To learn more about Georgia's history and the importance of Fort Morris during the American Revolution and the War of 1812, be sure to visit the park outside of Midway. For more information, call 912-884-5999.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayetteville DAR Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution placed a wreath at the Peachtree City Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day. Regent Betty Harrah of Fayetteville stated, "Today is November 11, 2008, Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all the men and women who have served this country from the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to the battlefields of today. Often times we might forget what these soldiers have gone through to ensure the freedoms we have today. Where would we be without their sacrifices."

"They left their families, homes, jobs, farms to serve and protect our country," she continued. "Today marks the 90th anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I, the 11th hour, 11th day, 11th month, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day, November 11, 1919. It was changed to Veterans Day when President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954 to honor all veterans. When we see someone who has served our country, not just on Veterans Day, but every day, be sure and say "Thank You". There is a quote: "If you can read, thank a teacher; if it is in English, thank a veteran". We love you, we respect you and we thank you."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Presidential Visit to Fayetteville

The third president of the United States made a surprise visit to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution this week. President Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Tom Robinson, took the ladies back in time to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and to the time of his Presidency.

Thomas Jefferson was not known for his public speaking, but was known for his writings. His most prominent document was his draft of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson was one of five men who were selected by the Continental Congress back in 1776 to draft the document to declare the colonies' independence from England. The final vote for independence came on July 4, 1776. The rest is history.

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is chartered in Fayetteville. For more information, click here.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

3rd Annual Revolutionary War Debate October 7

HH Note: This sounds like a fun event. What a great way to learn more about the American Revolution!

Third Bi-Annual Revolutionary War Debate
October 7, 2008

Scholars Dan Morrill of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Rory Cornish of Winthrop University argue the pros and cons of the 13 colonies’ daring 1776 bid for freedom. Dr. Morrill will argue the Patriot side, while Dr. Cornish will argue for the Tories.

All lectures take place in the Savannah History Museum Theatre (303 MLK, Jr. Blvd.) at 7pm. Each is preceded by a light reception in the museum lobby at 6:30 p.m. Please call (912) 651-3673 for more information.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

News to Use in Fayetteville, Atlanta, Savannah, Peachtree City and all of Georgia

Chocolate – a True American Tradition

HH Note: Yes! Chocolate was a ration in the American Revolution! No wonder I love America so much! What can we say? This story definitely gets the Fayette Front Page coveted four chocolate covered strawberries award.

(ARA) – You’ve probably heard the saying, “As American as baseball, mom and apple pie.” Well, the original author of that famous phrase left something out. Chocolate is all-American too. So as you celebrate Thanksgiving over a meal with friends and family this year, take a moment to consider how chocolate has helped to shape the American experience for more than three centuries.

People tend to associate chocolate with European culture, yet the confection’s roots are actually a whole lot deeper in the Americas. The trees that grow the cacao beans, ultimately made into chocolate, actually originated in the tropical regions of the Americas. Chocolate didn’t find its way to Europe until Christopher Columbus brought the cacao bean back to Spain from his “New World” adventure. So, to eat and drink chocolate is to share a common connection throughout American history from before the Revolutionary War into the 21st century.

Here are some other interesting facts about chocolate in the Americas:

* Chocolate was a military ration during the American Revolutionary War.

* In 1768, John Hancock, protesting Britain’s decision to tax the colonies without representation in Parliament, organized a boycott of tea from China sold by the British East India Company. As it was unpatriotic to drink tea, colonists breakfasted on coffee and chocolate instead.

* George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin all drank chocolate.

* Chocolate was drunk for its purported medicinal benefits during the Lewis and Clark Expedition and on the Overland Trails by California Gold Rush miners.

* Amelia Earhart had a cup of chocolate during her record-setting flight over the Pacific from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland on Jan. 11, 1935.

Even though it seems as if chocolate is ubiquitous, we do not yet know all of the facts surrounding the origins of this tasty treat. Mars, Incorporated, maker of some of the world’s favorite brands such as Dove Chocolate, M&M's and Snickers, is leading the effort to identify and weave these threads into the true history of chocolate in the Americas. This effort has unearthed evidence of chocolate 60 years prior to all previous accounts and will be presented in a book that will be published in January 2009 called, Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage, authored by a team of scientists and historians. The book delves into the culinary, cultural, economic and social implications of chocolate from the Colonial era through the early 20th century.

“This book is a beginning,” says Howard-Yana Shapiro, Mars global director, plant science and external research. “Mars is a leader in cocoa science and has been making high-quality chocolate products for more than 100 years. Our intention is to uncover the mysteries and interesting stories surrounding the origins of chocolate.”

But you won’t necessarily have to pick up a copy of the book to learn more about the history of chocolate in America. Just log on to www.AmericanHeritageChocolate.com and go back in time to experience chocolate the way our ancestors did. The site features information about the history of chocolate and the role it played in the lives of early Americans, as well as recipes for chocolate desserts made the old-fashioned way.

Chocolate making is an art as well as a science. The modern chocolate making process is finely calibrated to consistently produce a smooth texture. In Colonial America, chocolate was either ground by hand or with stone mills. Sometimes chocolate makers, or “chocolate millers” as they were called, were diversified and also made ginger, mustard and pepper in their mills. As a result, early American chocolate often carried hints of these flavors.

Want to experience some “authentic Americana” for yourself? Try sampling American Heritage Chocolate (www.AmericanHeritageChocolate.com), which Mars manufactures. This chocolate is sold exclusively through and at the following historical sites: Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Deerfield, the Fortress of Louisbourg in Canada, Monticello, Mount Vernon, the Smithsonian and Fort Ticonderoga.

Here’s a recipe for chocolate ice cream with an old-world flair:

Ingredients:

1 5-oz. American Heritage Chocolate Bar
1 package of American Heritage Chocolate Spice Drink
1 quart of whole milk
6 large eggs
1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp. of vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

Grate the chocolate bar into a bowl. Add the entire contents of the spice drink package, and set aside.
Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Save the whites for another recipe.
Split the vanilla bean in half down the entire length of the pod and scrape out the seeds from both halves. Put the seeds and scraped pods into the milk.
Pour all the milk and the chocolate into a sauce pan and heat to a boil, stirring continuously. Add the sugar and cook until both the sugar and the chocolate are melted.
Take a quarter of a cup of the hot mixture and slowly add to the egg yolks, stirring constantly with a whisk, to prevent scrambling.
Stir the warmed egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and bring all the ingredients to a boil for about a minute or until slightly thickened. Strain the hot custard through a sieve into another bowl. Set aside and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 4 hours or overnight.
Freeze the cooled chocolate mixture in an ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer’s directions

You may also want to try an old-world recipe for a chocolate tart:

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. rice flour
3 Tbsp. white sugar or to taste
5 medium egg yolks or 4 large eggs
1 Tbsp. whole milk
1 pint heavy cream
1 5-oz. American Heritage Chocolate Bar
1 prepared frozen 9-inch pie shell
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Grate the chocolate into a bowl and set aside.
Combine salt, egg yolks, rice flour and milk in a separate bowl and set aside.
Pour all the cream and the chocolate into a sauce pan and heat to a boil, stirring continuously. Add the sugar and cook until both the sugar and the chocolate are melted.
Take a quarter of a cup of the hot mixture and slowly add to the egg yolk and rice flour mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk, to prevent scrambling.
Stir the warmed egg yolk mixture into the sauce pan and bring all the ingredients to a boil for about a minute. Set aside and allow it to cool to room temperature. While the mixture is cooling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the frozen pie shell, set it upon a cookie sheet to prevent spillage and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until set.
Remove from oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

For more recipe ideas, log on to www.AmericanHeritageChocolate.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Constitution Day Bell Ringing in Fayetteville Georgia

Carolyn Balog and James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution joined in the Bells Across America Celebration on September 17 as the country celebrated the 221st anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution. Over 2 dozen local citizens, DAR members and SAR members rang bells for two minutes in honor of the signing. A 6 foot long scroll with over 500 names of local citizens who have pledged support of the Constitution over the last month was on display. The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution provided a musket salute.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayetteville Intermediate School Learns About the Constitution from DAR

The fourth and fifth graders at Fayetteville Intermediate School learned about the Constitution from the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in a special Constitution Week program. To conclude the presentation, the children read the Preamble to the Constitution and waited in line to pledge their support to the Constitution, which turns 221 years old on September 17.

Pictured (l-r) are Regent Betty Harrah and Carol Key of Fayetteville.

_____
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Fayetteville Georgia Proclaims Constitution Week for September 17-23

Pictured (l-r) are Linda Robinson, Ann Eldredge and Mayor Ken Steele.

The City of Fayetteville proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week at a recent City Council Meeting. Ann Eldredge, Constitution Week Chairman of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, commented that this year Americans celebrate the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution. The James Waldrop Chapter DAR and the City of Fayetteville urge all citizens to reaffirm the ideals of the Constitution and to vigilantly protect the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone