Read the Revolution!
Each year through 2026, the America250PADelco committee will select a title examining the lead up to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence to be that year’s Community Read. This year the committee has chosen Frontier Rebels: The Fight For Independence in the American West, 1765-1776 by Patrick Spero.
In this book, Dr. Spero, the Executive Director of the George Washington Presidential Library housed within the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon, sheds new light on the origins of American Independence.
Revolutionary Reads will culminate with a visit from the author on Sunday, November 12 at 1:00 pm hosted by Widener University. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. Spero will discuss his 2018 book, which tells the story of the Black Boys, a band of rebels whose protests against the Stamp Act contributed to the start of the American Revolution.
“Widener University is pleased to partner with the Delaware County Libraries and America250PADelco to once again host a distinguished scholar who illuminates less examined roots of the American Revolution. Dr. Spero’s well-researched study shows how white colonists’ animus toward Native Americans on the ‘western frontier’ (including the area that is now Pittsburgh) helped drive forward the war for independence from the British. Learning history like this is not always comfortable but it is history we benefit from knowing,” said David Leaman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Widener University.
Revolutionary Reads will also include Book Club in a Bag totes for checkout at Delaware County Libraries locations, book clubs hosted at libraries and other organizations across Delaware County, and more.
“We are excited to once again be partnering with Delaware County Libraries and Widener University on our signature education program, Revolutionary Read,” said Kate Clifford, Chair of the America250PADelco Committee. “Our mission is to tell all the stories of the American people in the years leading up to and since 1776 and this book features lesser-known stories of the American West during the early history of our country. We encourage all Delaware County residents to participate in this year’s Community Read.”
The Revolutionary Reads Community Read from America250PADelco is presented in partnership with Widener University and Delaware County Libraries. For more information about America250PADelco, how you can volunteer, and details about the author event, visit america250padelco.org/
America250PADelco is a group of community members from throughout Delaware County who are interested in organizing events, projects, and partnerships to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Their mission is to engage all Delaware County residents in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by providing and supporting experiences, now through 2026, that ignite imaginations, elevate diverse stories, inspire service, and highlight the American founding and 250 years of American history through Delco’s unique lens.
Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek. Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks. Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens. Visit the university website at widener.edu.
Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit delcolibraries.org. Find More | Do More with the DelcoReads mobile app.
