Unprecedented Exhibition:
“America’s Four Republics: The More or Less United States ©”
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First United American Republic: United Colonies of North America: 13 British Colonies United in Congress was founded by 12 colonies on September 5th, 1774 (Georgia joined in 1775) and governed through a British Colonial Continental Congress. Peyton Randolph and George Washington served, respectively, as the Republic's first President and Commander-in-Chief |
Historic Exhibit at Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum
The Webb County Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with Ms. Toni L. Ruiz, will host an exhibit of rare and historic documents titled “America’s Four Republics: The More or Less United States.” This unique display, exploring America’s political evolution from 1774 to 1791, will be featured at the Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum, located at 810 Zaragoza Street, from January 21 to February 24, 2015. The exhibit highlights the transformation of the United States through four distinctly different republics during its formative years.
To celebrate the exhibit's opening, the public is invited to a Gallery Talk and Reception at the museum on Wednesday, January 21st, at 6:00 pm, followed by a book signing. This event offers an excellent opportunity to engage with history enthusiasts and gain deeper insights into the artifacts on display.
- 12:30 am – 2:30 pm In-Service with UISD middle school history teachers at La Posada. Topic: America’s Four United Republics Middle and High School Curriculum Supplement.
- 3:30 – 4:45 pm Student talk at Texas A&M International University with Dr. James Norris and Dr. Mark Menaldo. Topic: “America’s Four United Republics” and “The Forgotten Presidents”
- 9:30 am Laredo Community College debate with students about Who were the First President and First Lady of the United States?
- 6:30 pm Laredo Community College evening public lecture at the Kazen Center Topic: “The Forgotten Presidents”
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Second United American Republic: The United States of America: 13 Independent States United in Congress was founded by 12 states on July 2nd, 1776 (New York abstained until July 9th), and governed through the United States Continental Congress. John Hancock and George Washington served, respectively, as the Republic's first President and Commander-in-Chief; |
Key Storytellers of the Exhibit: Rare Historic Documents
The exhibit “America’s Four Republics: The More or Less United States” brings history to life through more than 100 rare and original documents, manuscripts, and letters spanning the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. These priceless artifacts chronicle the evolution of the United States across four distinct phases:
- The United Colonies of America (1774–1776): The earliest collaboration of American colonies as they sought unity against British rule.
- The Thirteen Independent States United in Congress (1776–1781): A coalition forged during the Revolutionary War.
- The United States of America under the Articles of Confederation (1781–1787): The nation’s first, albeit flawed, attempt at a central government.
- We the People of the United States (1789–Present): The enduring republic formed under the 1787 U.S. Constitution and reinforced by the 1789 Bill of Rights.
The collection, on loan from nationally renowned author and historian Stanley Klos, was curated in collaboration with Dr. Naomi Yavneh Klos of Loyola University New Orleans. Together, they spearheaded the development of this groundbreaking exhibit.
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Third United American Republic: The United States of America: A Perpetual Union was founded by 13 States on March 1st, 1781, with the enactment of the first U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and governed through the United States in Congress Assembled. Samuel Huntington and George Washington served, respectively, as the Republic's first President and Commander-in-Chief; |
“There was no precedent when the representatives of the American colonies first convened at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia in 1774,” Klos explained. “Despite their deep distrust of centralized authority, these revolutionaries forged three distinct republics, each with significant weaknesses but reflective of the best they could achieve in their time. It took a fourth attempt—the U.S. Constitution of 1787, bolstered by the 1789 Bill of Rights—to create a sustainable system of governance.
“Our aim is to immerse visitors in the 15-year nation-building process that shaped the United States of America and to illustrate its ongoing evolution through the constitutional amendment process,” Klos added.
This compelling exhibit offers a rare opportunity to engage with the documents and ideas that defined the nation’s path from revolution to constitutional stability.
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Fourth United American Republic: The United States of America: We the People was formed by 11 states on March 4th, 1789 (North Carolina and Rhode Island joined in November 1789 and May 1790, respectively), with the enactment of the U.S. Constitution of 1787. The fourth and current United States Republic governs through the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in Congress Assembled, the U.S. President and Commander-in-Chief, and the U.S. Supreme Court. George Washington served as the Republic's first President and Commander-in-Chief. |
Stanley Klos: Historian and Collector of Rare Historic Documents
Stanley Klos's journey into the world of historic documents began in 1983 when he discovered 18th-century Philadelphia shipping records in his attic. This discovery ignited a passion for research and exhibition, eventually leading him to build an extraordinary collection of rare and significant artifacts. Over the years, his collection has headlined special exhibits at prestigious universities, national historic sites, libraries, and museums, offering audiences a closer look at the documents that shaped history.
Klos’s work has been featured in hundreds of print and digital media outlets. His expertise has enriched popular programs and publications such as the History Channel’s Brad Meltzer’s Decoded, The Declaration of Independence, U.S. News & World Report’s 2006 cover story “Washington? Get In Line,” and the Discovery Channel’s Unsolved History: Plots to Kill Lincoln.
In addition to his curatorial achievements, Klos is an accomplished author, with five published works to his name:
- President Who? Forgotten Founders
- The Rise of the U.S. Presidency and the Forgotten Capitols
- Happy Birthdays USA
- Economic Home Runs
- America’s Four Republics: The More or Less United States
Through his writing and exhibits, Klos continues to bring history to life, highlighting the stories and artifacts that define the American experience.
February Events Featuring Stanley Klos: Lectures and Debates
During February, Stanley Klos will deliver a series of talks and host student debates at several educational institutions in Laredo, Texas, including Laredo Community College, Texas A&M International University, United Independent School District, and United Day School. These events promise to engage students and the public with thought-provoking discussions on pivotal moments in American history.
The month-long series will culminate with a free public lecture at Laredo Community College on Tuesday, February 24th, at 6:30 pm. The lecture, held at the Martinez Fine Arts Center, is titled “America’s Forgotten Presidents” and will explore the lives and contributions of the 14 men who served as Heads of State before George Washington’s inauguration in 1789 under the current U.S. Constitution.
Klos’s presentation will provide a compelling narrative tracing the evolution of the U.S. Presidency. He will delve into how the role transitioned from a unicameral system under the Colonial Continental Congress to the modern office of the Chief Executive, distinct in authority from the legislative and judicial branches.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the often-overlooked figures who shaped the presidency during the formative years of American governance, as well as their influence on the system that exists today. The lecture will be followed by a book signing, offering an opportunity to engage with the author personally.
Rare U.S. Founding Documents on Display at the Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum
“People have to travel to Washington, D.C., and visit the National Archives and Library of Congress to see a collection of U.S. founding documents of this caliber,” says Toni L. Ruiz, sponsor of the America’s Four Republics exhibit. “This is a truly monumental event for Laredo and an incredible opportunity for our community. The exhibit is significant not only because the documents are national treasures but because they offer a comprehensive narrative of the complex founding and ongoing political evolution of our great country.”
The exhibit, on display at the Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum (810 Zaragoza St., Laredo), offers visitors an opportunity to explore America’s foundational history through rare artifacts, enhanced by new media and interactive experiences. The America’s Four Republics exhibit will run through February 24, featuring over 100 original and rare documents that illuminate the transformative journey of the United States.
Museum Details
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Admission: $2.00 (Free admission on Tuesdays)
- Contact: Villa Antigua® Border Heritage Museum at 956-718-2727
For additional information, reach out to Margarita Araiza, Executive Director, at maraiza@webbheritage.org.
For students and teachers of U.S. history, this video features Stanley and Christopher Klos presenting America's Four United Republics Curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Filmed in December 2015, this video is an informal recording by an audience member capturing a presentation attended by approximately 200 students, professors, and guests. To explore the full curriculum, [download it here].
September 5, 1774 | October 22, 1774 | |
October 22, 1774 | October 26, 1774 | |
May 20, 1775 | May 24, 1775 | |
May 25, 1775 | July 1, 1776 |
July 2, 1776 to February 28, 1781
July 2, 1776 | October 29, 1777 | |
November 1, 1777 | December 9, 1778 | |
December 10, 1778 | September 28, 1779 | |
September 29, 1779 | February 28, 1781 |
March 1, 1781 to March 3, 1789
March 1, 1781 | July 6, 1781 | |
July 10, 1781 | Declined Office | |
July 10, 1781 | November 4, 1781 | |
November 5, 1781 | November 3, 1782 | |
November 4, 1782 | November 2, 1783 | |
November 3, 1783 | June 3, 1784 | |
November 30, 1784 | November 22, 1785 | |
November 23, 1785 | June 5, 1786 | |
June 6, 1786 | February 1, 1787 | |
February 2, 1787 | January 21, 1788 | |
January 22, 1788 | January 21, 1789 |
Commander-in-Chief United States of America
United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) Sessions
USCA | Session Dates | USCA Convene Date | President(s) |
First | 03-01-1781 to 11-04-1781* | 03-02-1781 | |
Second | 11-05-1781 to 11-03-1782 | 11-05-1781 | |
Third | 11-04-1782 to 11-02-1783 | 11-04-1782 | |
Fourth | 11-03-1783 to 10-31-1784 | 11-03-1783 | |
Fifth | 11-01-1784 to 11-06-1785 | 11-29-1784 | |
Sixth | 11-07-1785 to 11-05-1786 | 11-23-1785 | |
Seventh | 11-06-1786 to 11-04-1787 | 02-02-1787 | |
Eighth | 11-05-1787 to 11-02-1788 | 01-21-1788 | |
Ninth | 11-03-1788 to 03-03-1789** | None | None |
* The Articles of Confederation was ratified by the mandated 13th State on February 2, 1781, and the dated adopted by the Continental Congress to commence the new United States in Congress Assembled government was March 1, 1781. The USCA convened under the Articles of Confederation Constitution on March 2, 1781.** On September 14, 1788, the Eighth United States in Congress Assembled resolved that March 4th, 1789, would be commencement date of the Constitution of 1787's federal government thus dissolving the USCA on March 3rd, 1789.
Philadelphia | Sept. 5, 1774 to Oct. 24, 1774 | |
Philadelphia | May 10, 1775 to Dec. 12, 1776 | |
Baltimore | Dec. 20, 1776 to Feb. 27, 1777 | |
Philadelphia | March 4, 1777 to Sept. 18, 1777 | |
Lancaster | September 27, 1777 | |
York | Sept. 30, 1777 to June 27, 1778 | |
Philadelphia | July 2, 1778 to June 21, 1783 | |
Princeton | June 30, 1783 to Nov. 4, 1783 | |
Annapolis | Nov. 26, 1783 to Aug. 19, 1784 | |
Trenton | Nov. 1, 1784 to Dec. 24, 1784 | |
New York City | Jan. 11, 1785 to Nov. 13, 1788 | |
New York City | October 6, 1788 to March 3,1789 | |
New York City | March 3,1789 to August 12, 1790 | |
Philadelphia | Dec. 6,1790 to May 14, 1800 | |
Washington DC | November 17,1800 to Present |
Secure a unique primary source exhibit and a professional speaker for your next event by reaching out to Historic.us today. Serving a wide range of clients—including Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits, colleges, universities, national conventions, and PR and advertising agencies—we are a premier national exhibitor of primary sources. Our engaging and educational historic displays are crafted to captivate and inform your audience, creating a memorable experience. Join our roster of satisfied clients and see how Historic.us can elevate your event. Contact us to explore options tailored to your audience and objectives!
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