Coffee, Then History: A Daily Dose of the Past in the Present as America Celebrates Our 250th

Starting now: I'm seeing a 12 year celebration of America's 250th

The American Revolution didn't begin on July 4th, 1776. And it did not end in that year.

Tides were turning years earlier, and the sentiment of "no taxation without representation" was vocalized by Patrick Henry and others in response to the Stamp Act of the 1760s. After the Stamp Act repeal, the Declaratory Acts of Parliament-- we were decidedly on the road to Revolution.

All of this took place well-before a few Bostonians dumped tea in their harbor in 1773.

Blood was shed, and military activity was taking place before the July 4th, 1776- we were already battling it out:

• Lexington and Concord in April of 1775
• George Washington was named Commander-in-Chief June of 1775
• Benedict Arnold (an American general first) headed north to invade Quebec in October of 1775

This is just to name a few familiar moments.

And also before July 4th- Virginia voted for independence on May 15, 1776. Getting the "ball of revolution rolling" as I've heard said around town.

So as of November of 2025, we still have a 12-year celebration ahead of us, honoring 250 years of becoming independent and also- creating our United States of America.

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Reconstructed Capitol, where May 15, 1776 vote took place.

I start my day with coffee and always grab some history.

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me drop some hints about coffee - I've even set up my online tipping method with the moniker "Buy Me A Coffee" (and yes, you can do that here!)

So a typical morning:

• coffee with the man in my life
• something related to history

Writing is a big part of blogging but so is research- and that comes in many forms. From hitting libraries or museums to asking questions in CW and other historic sites, diving deep online, tracking down primary sources, etc. Also important: meeting people who have expertise, stories to tell, ideas to share.

And photos! Taking photos that relate to this blog's content and fit into social media posts could be described as a "job" in itself.

Even when I'm taking a day "off," I might be hitting Instagram or walking around Colonial Williamsburg getting steps in. Bottom line: there's history in my life- every single day.

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You can see it through my mission statement, the categories on this blog, and of course- through each and every article.

I've been keeping an eye on 250-specific celebrations and you can too. Click here to open America 250's website in a new tab, where you can bookmark what's happening in your state.

Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

1787 and beyond.

September 17, 1787 marks the day our United States Constitution was signed and our government established. The culmination of the previous 25+ years.

It's my intent to continue honoring 250th anniversaries as I continue the blog. As well as continuing the mission of sharing people, places, art, objects, and their stories that embody our shared American history.

I'll be continuing with the "beyond" AND the "before" - as there was a before that's relevant to understanding the scope of our shared history.

Will you?

If you visit Williamsburg, let's talk about how I can help make your visit extra-special and focused on America's 250th! Click here to book a call.

Closing words from history.

Written 250 years ago today in Alexander Purdie's Virginia Gazette, No. 40, page 1, Williamsburg. You can see it on the Library of Congress' website by clicking here to open a new tab.

Clearly - fear was abound as Committees of Safety were created and given authority well in advance of July 4, 1776. For a concise explanation of Committees of Safety, click here.

(transcribed as printed with the long "s" using an "f")

As the circumftances of the prefent times make it prudent to guard againft the conveyance of intelligence to the enemies of American, by means of certain evil-difposed perfons, who may travel through the country for that purpofe:

The Committee of Safety do therefore earneftly recommend it to all magiftrates and other officers, civil and military, the members of feveral committees, and all others within this colony, to be vigilant in examining all ftrangers, and fufpected perfons, whom they may find paffing, and to ftop fuch as do not give a proper account of their journey and employment.

Are you enjoying this free blog? I love writing and researching it! And I want to continue sharing What American History Is About with you. Use my online tip jar and buy me a coffee:

There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.

Musicians performing, Colonial Williamsburg courthouse steps