Historians on Hamilton: How a Blockbuster Musical is Restaging America’s Past
Press Release · Monday, September 17, 2018

Washington, DC

WASHINGTON – Come to the National Archives on Thursday, September 27, at 7 p.m., to hear top scholars explain the “Hamilton phenomenon” and explore its connection to the understanding of American History.  This special event will include clips from the musical projected on screen. Nelson Pressley, theater critic for the Washington Post, will moderate a panel of experts including: Renee Romano, Robert S. Danforth Professor of History, Oberlin College; Joseph Adelman, Assistant Professor of History, Framingham University; Claire Bond Potter, Professor of History and Executive Editor of Public Seminar at The New School, New York; Brian Herrera, Assistant Professor of Theater, Lewis Center for the Arts, Princeton University; and Mike O'Malley, Professor of History, George Mason University. A book signing will follow the program.

The event will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater of the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. and live streamed on YouTube. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW.  This public program is free to the public, but reservations are recommended and can be made online.

The National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, is Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. For upcoming programs, visit the Calendar of Events online.

Related Featured Document Display: Alexander Hamilton Documents
In celebration of Alexander Hamilton and the Broadway musical inspired by his extraordinary story, the National Archives has showcased original records from the Founder’s life and legacy, paired with related Hamilton lyrics. The Featured Document exhibit, “Alexander Hamilton: An Inspiring Founder,” runs through September 18, 2018, in the East Rotunda Gallery.  See the National Archives News story for more information and images.   

Related Facebook Live: Hamilton Featured Documents
Can’t make it to DC?  Go “behind the scenes” with National Archives Historian Jessie Kratz to learn more about the rare Alexander Hamilton documents in the Hamilton display with Facebook Live.  These records relate to Hamilton's service at the Battle of Yorktown, participation in the Constitutional Convention, appointment as first Secretary of the Treasury, fatal duel with Aaron Burr, and his wife Eliza Hamilton's efforts to preserve his papers after his death.

Related Blog Post by Historian Jessie Kratz:  Alexander Hamilton: “I just need to write something down.”

See also:  Founders Online, the Papers of Alexander Hamilton