Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary with books, films & podcasts

By Lori Skinner
NWSCC head librarian

July 4, 2026, is an exciting day in America’s history. We are celebrating the Semiquincentennial (try saying that out loud) of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation.
If you would like to refresh your understanding of this founding event in American history, check out a book, podcast or film. I’ve listed a few for you below and hope there is something that will catch your interest.

Books
Amanda Vaill won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography with her work, “Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution.” If you have had the pleasure of seeing “Hamilton: An American Musical,” you are familiar with the Schuyler sisters, Angelica Schuyler Church, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton and Margarita “Peggy” Schuyler.
This well-researched and highly readable biography explores the lives the sisters led after they broke away from traditional aristocratic expectations and the active impact they each had on the American Revolution and the formation of a new country.
If you enjoy this one, also pick up “Glory, Passion and Principal: The Story of Eight Remarkable Women at the Core of the American Revolution” by Melissa Lukeman Bohrer.  Highlighting both well-known and obscure figures, this one is sure to surprise and inspire as you learn the surprising roles women held to further the cause of independence.
Just released in time for the 250th anniversary is a sprawling epic that tracks the development of the United States of America from early friction that led to the battles of Lexington and Concord to the final victory at Yorktown. “Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World” by Eric Metaxas patriotically focuses heavily on the faith, character and sacrifice of legendary figures on both sides of the conflict.
If you are looking for a fresh viewpoint of the American Revolution, Alan Pell Crawford presents a compelling argument that the pivotal theater of the war shifted to the South after 1778. Bringing historical figures, such as “Swamp Fox” Francis Marion and Banastre Tarleton, to vivid life, “This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South” explores the skirmishes and conflicts in the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia that provided a brutal and unconventional resistance to the British.
Often recommended to read together, “John Adams” and “1776,” are critically acclaimed works that are often considered modern classics.  David McCullough’s John Adams biography won the Pulitzer Prize in 2002 and is considered the definitive work about his marriage, life and political career.
Highly readable, the narrative vividly portrays John and Abigail’s relationship, his historical legacy and his role as patriot and president.  Combine this read with “1776,” also by McCullough, for a narrative history of the pivotal, low-point year of 1776. Examining the leadership of General George Washington and the role of common soldiers, McCullough skillfully weaves the story with viewpoints from both the British and Americans.
While this serves more as military history instead of political history, it vividly showcases that the birth of the United States rested on a thin margin of error.

Film
We’ve already mentioned this title for reading, but David McCullough’s mini-series adaptation of “John Adams” is considered by historians and critics to be the finest depiction of the Revolutionary War. With masterful performances by the cast, it captures the nuances of colonial life, the complexities of war and the chaos of the Continental Congress. Put this one at the top of your viewing list. You will not be disappointed.
If you are looking for a shorter viewing experience, be sure to screen “The Crossing” starring Jeff Daniels as General George Washington. With historical accuracy, tense pacing and historic military strategy, the Delaware River crossing and attack on Trenton are explored.
No film list would be complete without including the blockbuster, “Hamilton: An American Musical.” Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the musical was inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography, “Alexander Hamilton.” This engaging work has an iconic soundtrack of hip-hop, R&B, pop and traditional Broadway stylings that serve to mirror Alexander Hamilton’s prolific writing style. While historians agree there are inaccuracies, this is a cultural phenomenon that is worth exploring to get a basic understanding of Alexander Hamilton and his fraught tensions with Aaron Burr.
 
Podcast
Michael Troy’s “The American Revolution Podcast” is at the top of the list for bingeable podcasts that break down the founding of America. Each episode is roughly 20 minutes in length and has a style of short, engaging stories about large and small events, instead of a dry, academic tone. The episodes are in chronological order and begin with the French and Indian War, as well as colonial life and politics leading up to the Revolution. Be sure to give this one a listen!
Another great recommendation is “Ben Franklin’s World,” hosted by Liz Covart. This award-winning podcast treats the Revolution as a cultural shift across the Atlantic world, not as just a series of battles. Interviews feature historians, authors and curators to give professional insight into the events that shaped the course of American Independence.
If you are more interested in military operation aspects of the Revolution, “Key Battles of the Revolutionary War” may be just the listen for you. Hosted by James Early and Scott Rank, the focus is squarely on military action, tactics, outcomes and the figures involved.

(The Journal-Record is so grateful to Lori for sharing all of these great book, film and podcast recommendations for our readers! Thanks for your hard work, Lori. It’s always great to learn more about this great country we live in and how it was founded 250 years ago! God bless America!)