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:
-
Benjamin Franklin House (July 2026)
-
Books on the Rise bookshop, Richmond, Surrey (August 2026)
-
Hogarth’s House, Chiswick (September to October 2026)
-
Boston Manor House, South Ealing (November & December 2026)
-
Surrey History Centre, Woking (January 2027)
-
Bull House, Lewes. Sussex (February 2027)
-
Others tbc
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. To follow our calendar of events throughout 2026 and 2027, see our events page here. An accompanying book will be published, available here.
‘How We Lost America’ is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project was developed in association with Howard Ginsberg’s acclaimed play Jefferson & Adams published by Aurora Metro Books. Jefferson & Adams dramatizes the remarkable friendship between two former presidents of the United States – and the forthright Mrs. Adams. The play spans 50 years of their friendship, beginning in the early days of the Republic, extending through two wars with England, and continuing through their vigorous retirement.
Jefferson & Adams was first produced in 1995, at the Leatherstocking Theatre Company, Cooperstown, New York. Remarkably, it has been performed annually since 1995 with the same actors at Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Poplar Forest, Virginia, and in Adams National Historical Park, Massachusetts. Find a copy of the play here.
To listen to the audio guide of How We Lost America, click here.
Our Collaborators
_heic.png)
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
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.
‘How We Lost America’ is written by historians, writers and artists including
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.
SEJEL BODEREAU
the words and music of the Singer-Songwriter, are featured. Sejel Bodereau, 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.
SARAH TUCKER
is a journalist, broadcaster, novelist and doctoral researcher at Goldsmiths, exploring curiosity and questioning. She sits on the Montessori Global board, coordinating The Backwards World, an international competition encouraging children to question the obvious. Her latest work is The Books of Sizetrology - Size Six, Seven and Eight - for 7-12 year olds.
SELENA SCOTT
is a Cambridge-based artist whose work redefines the portrayal of Black people through a variety of mediums, including oil painting, film, textiles, and animation. Through her oil portraits, she challenges historical narratives by centring Black identity. 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.
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.
JOHN REES
is a lifelong resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania and has been writing about the experiences of common soldiers and women during the War for American Independence, for almost 40 years. His most recent book is Don Troiani's Black Soldiers in America's Wars, 1754-1865, which covers America's first four founding conflicts, focusing primarily on British and American Soldiers.
Featured articles
News team - Hounslow Herald
The article discusses the Hogarth Connection to the American Revolution:
'His biting satirical series and portraits were circulated in coffeehouses and print shops where revolutionary ideas spread. His work shaped the visual language of protest and influenced American artists who depicted Revolutionary leaders.'
Bridget Osborne - The Chiswick Calendar
Bridget discusses the impact in British democratic history
'There were many in Britain who were sympathetic to the colonial cause, including parliamentary reformers who wanted to make the British Parliament more democratic. [...]Expansion of political franchise took a lot longer in Britain. Universal suffrage was not achieved until 1928.'