2015 Washington Birthday Exhibit

Webb County Heritage Foundation Announces an 
Unprecedented Exhibition:


“America’s Four Republics: The More or Less United States ©”


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.



      Monday, February 23, 2015 
  • 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”


Tuesday, February 24, 2015   
  • 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”


The key storytellers of the exhibit will be more than one hundred rare and original 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century documents, manuscripts, and letters from the United Colonies of America (1774-1776), the Thirteen Independent States United in Congress (1776-1781), the United States of America under the Articles of Confederation (1781 -1787), and We the People of the United States (1789-Present) under the 1787 U.S. Constitution and its 1789 Bill of Rights.


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.


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 Confederationand 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.



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.


The Congressional Evolution of the United States of America 

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]. 


Continental Congress of the United Colonies Presidents 
Sept. 5, 1774 to July 1, 1776


September 5, 1774
October 22, 1774
October 22, 1774
October 26, 1774
May 20, 1775
May 24, 1775
May 25, 1775
July 1, 1776

Commander-in-Chief United Colonies & States of America
George Washington: June 15, 1775 - July 1, 1776


Continental Congress of the United States Presidents 
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

Commander-in-Chief United States of America
George Washington: July 2, 1776 - February 28, 1781


Presidents of the United States in Congress Assembled
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
George Washington: March 2, 1781 - December 23, 1783

Articles of Confederation Congress
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.


Presidents of the United States of America
1789 - Present

POTUS - CLICK HERE


United Colonies and States First Ladies
1774 - Present

FLOTUS - CLICK HERE



Capitals of the United Colonies and States of America

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

Chart Comparing Presidential Powers Click Here


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!
Historic.us
A Non-profit Corporation

Primary Source Exhibits


Exhibit Inquiries

202-239-1774 | Office

Stan@Historic.us
Website: www.Historic.us

Edited: Open AI(2024)ChatGPT [Large language model] - https://chatgpt.com 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.