Drums, Diaries, and Duty: The Roles of Children in Revolutionary America
Discover how young people navigated wartime hardships, assumed new responsibilities, witnessed momentous events, and contributed to their families and communities during the struggle for American independence. Their stories are told through firsthand accounts, personal narratives, and historical records. Learn how to uncover these records and resources for your own ancestors and relatives.
New Database—United States: World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
We are excited to announce this new database of 9,038,855 records for individuals who enlisted in the United States Army and the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) from 1938 to 1946.Search Now
The Weekly Genealogist Survey
This Week's Survey:
Ancestors or Relatives Who Had an Unusual Occupation
Share your story! Each week in our Readers Respond column, we publish a selection of reader-submitted stories related to our most recent survey. Submissions must be 150 words or fewer and include your full name, city, and state. Published responses will be edited for clarity and length.
Events Related to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution
Total: 2,507Responses
48%, I have participated in at least one 250th anniversary event or activity and/or plan to participate in the future.
43%, I have not participated in any 250th anniversary events or activities, and I don’t plan to participate in the future.
66%, I participated in Bicentennial events in 1976.
20%, I did not participate in Bicentennial events in 1976.
Readers Respond
Deryn Avritt, Broomfield, Colorado: To honor my eleven known Revolutionary War Patriot ancestors, I participated in an America 250 quilt project. Each month, from October 2025 to June 2026, I made at least one red, white, and blue block from a pattern that was presented to participants. I embroidered the name of one of my patriot ancestors on each block. I now have a quilt that I hope will be passed down to future generations of my family.
Patti Jobe, Delaware, Oklahoma: The 1976 bicentennial was extra exciting for me! I took my first plane trip and flew in Braniff's red, white, and blue jet that was painted especially to celebrate 200 years of our country. I didn't know the jet’s significance until it pulled up to the gate and the other passengers cheered and clapped!
Lynda J. Hylander, Scottsdale, Arizona: For the July 4th weekend in 1976, my husband and I, along with my parents, sailed down the Hudson River from Newburgh, New York, to the Statue of Liberty to view the Tall Ships and enjoy the fabulous fireworks over New York Harbor. This year, my husband and I attended a 250th Birthday Ball sponsored by the Arizona State Society Sons of the American Revolution. I attended the 135th Continental Congress National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC. We will spend a week in Boston this summer to celebrate the 250th anniversary, including a tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.
Judith Roberts, Portland, Oregon: My daughter, Lori, was queen of the Fort Dalles Rodeo in July 1976. In that role, she accepted the bicentennial flag on behalf of the people of Wasco County, Oregon. During closing performances, the rodeo crowd and performers stood with salutes or hands over hearts as Lori rode her horse at a slow lope around the arena with the flag balanced on her boot, waving softly in the evening breeze. It was a very nostalgic and patriotic moment for me, her proud mother.
Christine Smith Andrews, Houston, Texas: To raise awareness of America's 250th birthday, I joined my fellow DAR chapter members in painting an old Scion with an American flag and topping it with a birthday cake for Houston’s Art Car Parade in April 2026. More than 300,000 spectators viewed the illuminated car and cake stand, which measured 11½ feet tall. The car has been featured at community events and on local news stations. It even made an appearance on the Today Show! Our patriotic art car is booked for many more 250th celebrations.
Spotlight: Burials in Roselawn Cemetery, Pueblo, Colorado
by Valerie Beaudrault
The city of Pueblo, the seat of Pueblo County, is located in south-central Colorado. The Roselawn Funeral Home, Cemetery, and Crematory has made a burial records database available on its website. Tap the “click here” link to open the burials search page. Enter a first and/or last name in the search box. The results returned include full name of the deceased, age at death, burial date, burial location, and funeral home name and location. A cemetery map is available for download. Search Now
Recently on Vita Brevis
Professor X
In this Vita Brevis article, an anonymous letter excerpted from the 1897 book Sexual Inversion offers a glimpse into early LGBTQ+ history. Long believed to have been written by Harvard mathematician James Mills Peirce, the letter reveals a passionate defense of same-sex love at a time when such openness was rarely possible. Read More
As a family historian, you know that wills are important in your research—but have you created a will for yourself? Free Will, an easy and free online will creation tool, will guide you step-by-step through identifying beneficiaries for your assets, supporting the causes that are important to you, and planning for the preservation of your research. Learn More
