2026 Revolutionary War Conference

“Forging Independence: The Revolutionary War’s Early Years”

DoubleTree, Front Royal, VA

February 20-21, 2026

The 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States in 2026 calls for the commemoration and study of the grueling war that was instrumental in bringing about the establishment of our country. As part of this eight-year celebration of the important people and events of the American Revolution, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation offers a detailed look at the conflict’s early years with historian presentations and a historic home tour of one of the Shenandoah Valley’s Continental Army generals. Join us for an exciting exploration of the war’s early campaigns and several of America’s key leaders.

Cost

Member: $55

Non-Member: $65

Schedule

Friday (February 20)

10:30 and 11:45 AM: Tour of The General Adam Stephen House and Museum, 309 E John St, Martinsburg, WV 25401.

Visit the home of Revolutionary War General Adam Stephen in Martinsburg, WV. The shaped limestone house was built between 1772-1789 and was restored in the 1960s by the General Adam Stephen Memorial Association.

Two tour times are available on a first come, first served basis on-site. Admission is $2 so bring your cash! For more information on this site, visit https://www.cityofmartinsburg.org/about-us/general-adam-stephen-house.

7:00 PM: The Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville, VA: 95 Chalmers Ct, Berryville, VA 22611.

Dr. Kevin Weddle: America’s Turning Point: Leadership and Strategy in the Saratoga Campaign, 1777

Based on his award-winning book, The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution, Weddle provides an analysis of the strategic underpinnings of the historic Saratoga campaign, why events unfolded the way they did, and a new interpretation of George Washington’s role in the American success.

Colonel (Ret) Kevin Weddle, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Fellow at the US Army War College. He previously served as professor of Military Theory and Strategy and as the Elihu Root Chair of Military Studies. His most recent book is The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution, winner of six national and international literary awards including the Gilder Lehrman Prize in Military History and the Society of the Cincinnati Prize.

This free presentation is jointly hosted by the Barnes of Rose Hill.

Saturday (February 21)

8:00 AM: Registration Opens

8:45 AM: Welcome/Introduction

9:00 AM: Robert Orrison: Opening Shots - The Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill

Prolific military historian Rob Orrison focuses on the initial outbreak of violence between British troops and Massachusetts militia at Lexington, Concord, and the bloody retreat of the Redcoats to Boston in April 1775. Followed by the brutal fighting at Bunker Hill, these clashes were important early milestones on the road to independence.

Robert Orrison received a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation at Longwood University and a master’s degree in public history from George Mason University. Rob serves as the Division Manager for the Prince William County (Virginia) Office of Historic Preservation. He is the co-author of A Single Blow: The Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Beginning of the American Revolution, April 19, 1775 (2018).

10:00 AM: Dr. John R. Maass: Horatio Gates: The Rise of a Controversial General

Continental Army general Horatio Gates served the American cause from the war’s outbreak to the conflict’s final days. Although hailed as the “Hero of Saratoga” in 1777, his military service was also fraught with controversy. Learn about Gates’s early role at Trenton, and his conflicts with Washington through 1778.

John R. Maass is a staff member of the National Museum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He received a BA in history from Washington and Lee University and a PhD in early American history at The Ohio State University. He is the author of several books and numerous articles on early U.S. military history, including From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War (2025).

11:00 AM: Elizabeth L. Maurer: Martha Washington: Founding Mother, Political Partner

Forget the frilly cap—Martha Washington was no passive figurehead. Museum educator Elizabeth Maurer uncovers the real Martha: a savvy political partner, wartime confidante, and symbol of revolutionary resilience. From managing a vast estate to shaping public perception at winter camps, Martha played a vital role in the founding of the nation. Her influence helped define the image of the new republic, and made America’s first First Lady one of its most surprising Founding Mothers.

Elizabeth Maurer is the Chief of Programs & Education at the National Museum of the United States Army. She previously held various roles in education, operations, and collections at notable institutions including Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, the National Women's History Museum, and the DEA Museum. She's a former editor-in-chief of The Journal of Museum Education and currently teaches at the George Washington University.

LUNCH - 12:00-1:30 PM

1:30 PM: Christian McBurney: The Enigmatic Charles Lee

Since the Revolutionary War, Maj. Gen. Charles Lee has been treated as either an enemy of George Washington or a defender of American liberty. Neither approach is accurate, argues author Christian McBurney. Rather, he was the war’s most complicated general. Learn how McBurney uses original documents (some newly discovered) to combine two dramatic stories to create one balanced view of one of the Revolutionary War’s most fascinating personalities.

Christian McBurney is a retired attorney and author of six books on the American Revolutionary War, including The Rhode Island Campaign: The First French and American Operation in the Revolutionary War, and George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War.

2:30 PM: Robin Young: Bold, Brave and Brash, Anecdotes of Valley Revolutionary War Soldiers

Generals Daniel Morgan, “the old waggoneer,” and Pete Muhlenburg, “the fighting Pastor.” Captain Isaac Hite Jr of Belle Grove, 8th VA, ADC to the above, and cousin to: LT George Hite, 7th VA. Substitute soldier David Spong, and escaped POW Militia member John Forehand. From Shenandoah, Frederick, Berkeley and Rockbridge counties.

Robin Young is the author of, For Love and Liberty, the Biography of Major Sullivan Ballou. Upcoming: the Biography of Nelly Madison Hite. Valley Historian, based at Belle Grove Plantation. MSc The London School of Economics and Political Science.

3:15 PM: Gary Ecelbarger: George Washington at Trenton and Princeton

How did George Washington and his hard-pressed army pull off decisive victories at Trenton and Princeton? Historian Gary Ecelbarger demonstrates that these winter battles of 1776 and 1777 were a desperately needed turning point early in the Revolutionary War, in no small part due to Washington’s courageous perseverance.

Gary Ecelbarger is an award-winning author of ten books and more than three dozen articles and essays relating to 18th and 19th Century personalities and events. His presentations and discussions have frequently appeared on BookTV (C-Span). His most recent work, George Washington's Momentous Year, is a two-volume history and analysis of Continental army headquarters during the iconic Valley Forge winter and the two campaigns that surrounded it.

REGISTRATION

SOLD OUT

To join the waiting list, fill out the form below. If space becomes available, we’ll reach out to those on the waiting list on a first come first serve basis.