Library Seed Banner Library Seed Banner Library Seed Banner Appleseed Store Appleseed Store

Project Appleseed. 13 Colonies. One Nation. One People. One Day...

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Concord Hymn"
written for the North Bridge memorial)

Paul RevereOn April 19th, 1775, British colonial farmers, shopkeepers, lawyers, doctors and craftsmen chose to face one of the world's most feared and best equipped armies in a dispute over their rights and privileges as Englishmen. Learn why and how these brave early Americans did what they did at an Appleseed near you. RWVA instructors use Brandeis University History Professor David Hackett Fischer's best-seller Paul Revere's Ride to teach how the Revolutionary War began in a series of stories that capture the initial hesitation as well as the ferocity of that day. After attending, you will be able to answer these four questions:

  1. When and where was the American Revolution won? The answer, direct from a founder, will surprise you...
  3. Who fired the first shots on Lexington Common? Historians may not know, but we'll be glad to supply at least circumstantial proof.
  4. Why did the Redcoats break and run at the North Bridge? When faced with rude country colonials...

Appleseed seeks to honor the Founders by remembering the choices they made. And we seek to pass on to our children what we were given:  a third option for civic participation rather than a choice between submission and violence.

Unhappy it is, though, to reflect that a brother's sword has been sheathed in a brother's breast and that the once-happy and peaceful plains of America are either to be drenched with blood, or inhabited by a race of slaves. Sad alternative! But can a virtuous man hesitate in his choice?
(G. Washington, letter written May 31, 1775)


