HOW WE LOST AMERICA
A New Perspective on American Independence
Exploring the dawn of American Independence through a British lens, a new exhibition uncovers the hidden histories of female revolutionaries, enslaved soldiers who fought for their liberty, and the radical arsonist who bombed Portsmouth Harbour. Exploring satire, newspapers and letters of the time, we discover how these new-born ideas of liberty and equality set a democratic precedent for the world. ‘How We Lost America’ tours to:
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Benjamin Franklin House (July 2026)
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Books on the Rise bookshop (August 2026)
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Hogarth’s House (October 2026)
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Boston Manor House (November & December 2026)
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Surrey History Centre (January 2027)
Throughout its tour, the exhibition will be accompanied by talks by leading academics and readings of Howard Ginsberg’s acclaimed historical play Jefferson & Adams, offering an immersive experience of this crucial piece of British history.
‘How We Lost America’ is presented by Aurora Metro Arts & Media and made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to celebrate this historic anniversary.
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OUR COLLABORATORS
Partners & Venues
Aurora Metro Books & Supernova Books
Books on the Rise
The Benjamin Franklin House
Thomas Paine: Legacy
Boston Manor House
Hogarth’s House
Surrey History Centre
Book Alongside the exhibition, Aurora Metro Books is publishing ‘How We Lost America: A New Perspective on American Independence’
Academic Advisory Committee
‘How We Lost America’ is written by an academic advisory committee, which includes
Dr Jon Chandler is an Associate Professor at UCL, who specialises in the eighteenth-century Atlantic World with a particular interest in the impact of war on politics, society, and economy. He is also interested in history education and especially the use of technology in higher education.
Dr Tom Cutterham is an Associate Professor of United States History at the University of Birmingham. He specialises in the American Revolution and the Atlantic world in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries (particularly American political thought and women in the revolutionary era). He is currently writing a biography of Angelica Schuyler Church, and his book, ‘Empire Ablaze’, about James Aitken, is being published this summer.
Becca Palmer, PhD is a student in History at UCL, studying the political thought of the American Revolution. She is particularly interested in the way that ideologies are adapted and re-developed on the ground in particular historical situations. Through her dissertation, she is uncovering neglected sources, including sermons and newspapers, and tracing their influence using digital methods. She is also your researcher in residence at the Benjamin Franklin House.
Leanne O’Boyle is the Founding Director of Thomas Paine: Legacy and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. She is an author, lecturer, and experienced Director in the heritage sector. A skilled broadcaster (featured on BBC, PBS and CBS) and Associate of the Society of Authors, her forthcoming book, Patriots, Radicals & Revolutionaries, will be published in June 2026
Artistic contributors
Selena Scott is a Cambridge-based artist She has now kindly shared her portraits of Peter and John King (two enslaved men who lived with, and worked for, Benjamin Franklin in London) She is also hoping to present some multi-media artist’s workshops.
We are also delighted to feature the words and music of Singer-Songwriter Sejel Bodereau, who composed a single violin piece in commemoration of John King, a 15-year-old boy who escaped enslavement at Benjamin Franklin’s House in London and lived the rest of his life in the UK.