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John Eliot stands as one of the most notable early figures in American missionary history, particularly for his efforts in educating Native American youth in the 17th century. Often called the “Apostle to the Indians,” Eliot combined religious conviction with a practical commitment to literacy and learning, believing that education was essential to both spiritual and societal transformation. Arriving in Read more...
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The colony was in danger. As Robert Morgan said in 100 Bible Verses that Made America, After Hunt’s death, Jamestown again deteriorated into chaos, splintered by weak leadership and laziness. Many settlers refused manual labor. They had come to dig for gold, but had no intention of digging for crops. Captain John Smith responded: Countrymen, the long experience of our Read more...
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Fairview stands as one of the most meaningful historic residences associated with William Jennings Bryan, a towering figure in American political and religious life at the turn of the twentieth century. Located in Lincoln, Fairview was not only Bryan’s home but also a center of public thought, hospitality, and influence during some of the most formative years of his career. Read more...
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Three-time Democrat Nominee for President, William Jennings Bryan, was born in the small town of Salem, Illinois. Myron Lloyd and Jim Koehler from the William Jennings Bryan Boyhood Home discuss his life on Our Christian Heritage. Owned and operated by the City of Salem, Illinois, this home was constructed in 1852 for Illinois State Senator Silas Bryan. In 1860, Silas’ Read more...
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From the website: The Old Rugged Cross Historical Museum is an outgrowth of a memorial cross erected and dedicated on September 14, 1954, north of Reed City, Michigan, near the home of Reverend and Mrs. George Bennard. Reverend Bennard was the author of well-loved hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” written in 1913. The museum presently contains mementos and relics not only Read more...
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The connection between Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom represents one of the most important milestones in the development of religious liberty in the United States. Adopted in 1786 by the Virginia General Assembly, the statute disestablished the Church of England in Virginia and established the principle that no person could be compelled to support or attend Read more...
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James Madison (1751–1836) occupies a central place in American history as the “Father of the Constitution” and a principal architect of the Bill of Rights. His careful political thought, commitment to republican government, and skill in compromise helped shape the structure and liberties of the United States. Working alongside figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, Madison played a Read more...
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The Chesterfield County Museum provides more than a general survey of local history—it offers valuable insight into the development of religious liberty in Virginia, one of the earliest and most influential regions in the struggle for freedom of conscience in America. Through its exhibits and preserved artifacts, the museum connects visitors to a time when the right to worship freely Read more...
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Old Essex County Courthouse, commonly known as the 1728 Essex County Courthouse, is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the United States and a remarkable example of colonial architecture in Virginia. Located in the historic town of Tappahannock, the building stands as a lasting witness to the legal, political, and social life of early America. Constructed in 1728, the Read more...
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Newport Historical Society is one of the oldest historical organizations in the United States, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich past of Newport. Founded in 1854, the society has played a central role in safeguarding the city’s heritage, which spans colonial settlement, religious diversity, maritime trade, and the American Revolution. Newport itself was established in 1639 by settlers seeking Read more...
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Samuel Davies was born in Delaware, trained in Pennsylvania, and at 23 years of age, a missionary to Virginia. He was a “New Light” Presbyterian (like George Whitfield) that taught salvation by grace alone, thru a personal conversion that resulted in a Romans 12:2 transformation. He arrived in Hanover County, Virginia, and took Samuel Morris’ reading houses (such as we Read more...
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The Hanover County Courthouse occupies an important place in American history as the setting for one of the earliest and most influential public stands taken by Patrick Henry. Long before his famous speech at St. John’s Church, Henry rose to prominence within this courthouse, where his bold defense of colonial rights helped lay the groundwork for the spirit of resistance Read more...
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The Scotchtown is one of the most significant historic homes associated with Patrick Henry, offering a valuable glimpse into the private life of one of America’s most influential voices for liberty. Located in Hanover County, Virginia, Scotchtown served as Henry’s residence from 1771 to 1778, a crucial period that included the opening years of the American Revolution. Originally built around Read more...
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The life of John Lathrop (also spelled Lothrop) stands as a meaningful example of conviction, sacrifice, and pastoral leadership in the early 17th century. His journey from England to New England reflects the broader struggle for religious liberty that helped shape both Congregational and Baptist traditions in the English-speaking world. John Lathrop was born around 1584 in Etton Yorkshire and Read more...
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Hymn History: In the Sweet By and By Authors: Sanford Fillmore Bennett and Joseph Philbrick Webster “His (Bennett’s) poetry began appearing in [Illinois] newspapers and hymn collections; later he studied medicine while owning a drugstore in Wisconsin.” (Hymntime.com) The Origin of the Hymn “In the Sweet By and By” Among the most enduring and beloved hymns of the Read more...
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Learn from Tim Schmig about the multiple references to God in the Jefferson Memorial We’re at the Jefferson Memorial, a monument to Thomas Jefferson, a man who in his lifetime was full of personal contradictions, and he was also conflicted about those contradictions. And yet, the life of Thomas Jefferson, the writings of Thomas Jefferson, give us some Read more...
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Site of one of the most famous trials in the 20th Century, featuring Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan. My first visit to the Scopes Trial Museum proved unsuccessful. It was the Christmas season and the County Executive ordered the building closed early for the day. So I took some pictures outside – the statues of William Jennings Bryan and Read more...
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The University of Chicago was founded (and funded) by John D. Rockefeller, the oil baron. He spent millions digging up artifacts all over the Middle East, and floated much of it back to Chicago. The Oriental Institute collection contains over 300,000 items. In the first sections, look for artifacts from Ur – Abraham lived in Ur from 2166 BC to Read more...
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Watch our interview at the Ira Sankey Collection at the Lawrence County Historical Society on OCH Born in Edinburg, PA, to a Methodist family, Ira Sankey (1840-1908) loved music from an early age. At 16 he was saved at the King’s Chapel revival meetings. At 21 he volunteered for the Union in the Civil War. At 23, Read more...