St Barbe Friday Talk: Special? : The British-American relationship at 250

Friday 19 June, 7.30pm

Our Speaker is Frank Cogliano, Professor of American History, University of Edinburgh

It is not often that a speaker of genuine international standing appears in Lymington. On Thursday 19 June, St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery will welcome Professor Frank Cogliano, one of the world’s leading authorities on the American Revolution and the history of the United States.

Originally from Boston and now Professor of American History at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Cogliano has spent more than three decades researching, teaching and writing about the events that shaped the modern United States. He is the author, co-author or editor of twelve books and is widely recognised as one of the foremost experts on the American Revolution and America’s Founding Fathers.

His influence extends far beyond academia. Professor Cogliano has become one of the most respected public historians working today, regularly appearing on television, radio and podcasts. BBC audiences may recognise him from five appearances on Radio 4’s acclaimed In Our Time with Melvyn Bragg, while he has also featured on Greg Jenner’s popular You’re Dead To Me podcast, helping bring the story of the American Revolution to a wide audience.

His expertise is frequently sought by broadcasters and documentary makers. He recently served as historical consultant for a major documentary series on Thomas Jefferson and has advised on a BBC series presented by Lucy Worsley exploring the American Revolution ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Professor Cogliano is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and former President of the Scottish Association for the Study of America. He has lectured at leading universities, museums and historic institutions across Britain, Europe and North America, including the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia and George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Professor Cogliano is at the forefront of the international conversation about the Revolution and its enduring legacy. His talk at St Barbe, Special? The British-American Relationship at 250, offers a unique opportunity to hear from a historian whose research, broadcasting and consultancy work are helping shape public understanding of one of history’s most significant anniversaries.

Opportunities to hear a scholar of Professor Cogliano’s calibre in such an intimate setting are exceptionally rare. For anyone interested in history, politics or the remarkable relationship between Britain and the United States, this promises to be a fascinating and memorable evening.

ALL WELCOME @ Friday Friends Talks  at Lymington Baptist Church  | Doors open 7pm | Talk starts 7.30pm | Friends FREE | Guests £5