On 4 July 1776, Thirteen Colonies declared independence from Great Britain. This talk takes a deeper look into this significant moment of world history and one of the medals – featured in the new Room 3 display Declaring Independence: USA 250 – gifted as part of a treaty of friendship a year afterwards.
Commemorating 250 years since the US Declaration of Independence was signed, this talk will reflect on its significance and explore the ideas of diplomacy that shaped alliances and cross-cultural relations and how this is still resonant and relevant today.
The American Revolution unfolded on Indigenous land, fought between American Revolutionaries, Great Britain and Indigenous Nations. During the War of Independence (1775–83) treaties and alliances were negotiated and agreements were often marked with the exchange of gifts, like the Washington Peace Medal. Made in Boston in 1777 and given as a gift in a treaty of friendship between the Revolutionaries and members of the Wabanaki Confederacy, it was confiscated under threat of military force and given to King George III as a war trophy. Displayed alongside other articles of diplomacy, these surprising objects evidence the significance of the Revolution and its aftermath.
Tickets: £10 / £8 (Concessions)
