Bring your sandwich, soup or snack and join us for a Lunch & Learn with Nick Williams as he explores the Declaration of Independence through the lens of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Musical and Movie “1776 .”🎬. The musical dramatizes the debates and events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The show, which premiered in 1969, focuses on the political struggles of the Second Continental Congress, particularly John Adams’ effort to persuade delegates to declare Independence from Britain. The story follows Adams and his cohorts, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, as they debate and work towards that independence, culminating in the signing of the Declaration.

Peter Stone wrote the book, focusing on the arguments and intrigue within the Continental Congress. Sherman Edwards, a composer who researched the American Revolution for years, wrote the music and lyrics. The musical won five Tony Awards in 1969, including Best Musical and Best Book. A film version was released in 1972, with the original stars reprising their roles.

Nick will exhibit several musical numbers from the show, and will discuss where it is true to history, where it takes some liberties for dramatic effect and the implications of 1776 from a historical perspective.