If not for that eponymous frothy beverage, Sam Adams might be largely forgotten. Yet among the cast of characters we call the “Founding Fathers,” Adams was the leader of the pack. Boston was the epicenter of the earliest struggle for independence—and Adams was the spark that lit the fire. Long before Washington led an army or Jefferson penned the Declaration, he was rallying resistance to British rule and working to unify the colonies. We’ll explore how his “riches to rags” family story may help explain his deep resentment of British interference in colonial life. A master of public sentiment, Adams stoked the flames of rebellion by channeling the crowd’s growing sense of oppression and injustice.

Cosponsored by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason).

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Heather Dudley taught at the high school and college level. She has an MA in History, an MA in Psychology, and a Doctorate from Georgetown University. She writes a blog—charactermattered.org—and is the author of a book on the founders, The Free and the Virtuous: Why the Founders Knew that Character Mattered. 

ABOUT OLLI MASON

OLLI Mason provides intellectual and cultural experiences to curious individuals. Learn more at OLLI.gmu.edu.

INVITE

This program is appropriate for ages 18+. Register by clicking on the "Begin Registration" button. A Zoom link will be emailed a day before start of each program.