Wars of Empire and Liberty

The History Center partnered with the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to showcase the Wars of Empire and Liberty: Featuring the revolutionary art of Don Troiani exhibition, which was on view from July 2023 through July 2024.

The exhibition included more than 25 original works of art along with rare objects from the History Center’s collection.

Paired with the History Center’s long-term Clash of Empires exhibition, Wars of Empire and Liberty provided a fresh look at two epic conflicts – the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War – that dramatically reshaped global empires and ultimately gave rise to a new nation.

The experience began with Clash of Empires, examining the origins and aftermath of the Seven Years’ War from the perspectives of each of the participants: British, French, and American Indian.

The story continued with a focus on liberty and the struggle for American independence, featuring the stunning paintings of nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani.

Troiani’s paintings chronicle a diverse cast of characters swept up by the Revolution, including Margaret Corbin, part of the doomed American garrison at Fort Washington, who helped keep two cannons firing after her husband was killed.

Artifact Highlights

Margaret Corbin, Fort Washington Twenty-five-year-old Margaret Corbin witnessed the death of her husband, John, at the Battle of Fort Washington on Manhattan Island on November 16, 1776. The young woman took her husband’s position at a cannon and continued to fight. Shown in the painting, Corbin fell wounded when three grapeshot hit her. She survived her wounds and became the first woman military pensioner of the United States. Painted by Don Troiani, Southbury, Connecticut, 2011, Oil on Canvas, Private Collection. Photo courtesy of Don Troiani.

Lieutenant James Grant Campaign Chest The campaign chest of Lieutenant James Grant of the 77th Regiment of Foot. On loan from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

Lieutenant James Grant’s Sword The sword of Lieutenant James Grant of the 77th Regiment of Foot. On loan from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

Washington at the Battle of Princeton, 1777 General George Washington charged across the fields of the Clarke family outside Princeton, New Jersey, on January 3, 1777, to rally retreating troops from his army. Exposed to enemy musket fire, Washington led brown-coated Philadelphia Associators (volunteer militia) and Pennsylvania riflemen to drive the British from the battlefield. Some officers thought Washington might be killed for such bold leadership, but the general emerged from the battle unscathed. For those that witnessed the scene, Washington’s charge at Princeton was one of his most inspiring actions as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Painted by Don Troiani, Southbury, Connecticut, 2007, Oil on Canvas, Private Collection. Photo courtesy of Don Troiani.

The Oneida at the Battle of Oriskany, August 6, 1777 The divided loyalties of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy) during the Revolutionary War came with heavy costs. At the Battle of Oriskany, warriors of the Oneida Nation, who allied themselves with the United States, battled against Seneca, Cayuga, and Mohawk allies of the British. As shown in this painting, Oneida war captain Thawengarakwen (Honyery Doxtater) and his wife Tyonajanegen (Two Kettles Together) fought alongside the militia of Tryon County, New York, in the thick woods of the Mohawk River Valley. The day-long battle, which also included Loyalist troops and Hessian Jäger, ended in a stalemate. Both sides suffered heavy casualties and both sides claimed victory. Oriskany was only the start of continuous fighting between the six nations of the Haudenosaunee during the war. Painted by Don Troiani, Southbury, Connecticut, 2005, Oil on Canvas, Oneida Indian Nation. Photo courtesy of Don Troiani.