Phillips Academy instructor Donald A. Slater argues Paul Revere did more than ride a horse.
Slater presents "Paul Revere Makes a Buck: The Mass Appeal of His Currency" on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. at the Andover Center for History & Culture, 97 Main St. Admission is pay what you like.
The talk focuses on Revere's work as the primary engraver and printer of Massachusetts paper currency from 1775 to 1778. Slater argues that Revere deliberately used pine tree imagery on the bills to boost public trust in paper money at a time when colonists preferred coins, according to the center's program listing.
That mistrust ran deep. Colonists viewed paper currency as unreliable and favored metal coinage for everyday commerce. But coin shortages forced colonial governments to print paper money anyway. Revere, the center said, recognized the problem and turned to a symbol Massachusetts residents already trusted: the pine tree.
The talk accompanies a companion exhibit, "Paul Revere Makes a Buck: Symbolism & Currency of the Revolutionary War," featuring pieces from Slater's own Revolutionary War-era collection. The exhibit remains on display through Oct. 31.
The event fits into Andover's America 250 commemoration, a yearlong series of programs honoring the nation's founding and the town's role during the Revolutionary War. The Andover Celebrates America 250 Committee is coordinating the effort.
Residents can register at andoverhistoryandculture.org, call 978-475-2221 or email [email protected].
More from the Andover Center for History & Culture this month:
- Sunday, Sept. 20: Elm Street historic walking tour
- Tuesday, Sept. 22: "The American Story in Song" fundraiser at Oak & Iron Brewing, 16 Red Spring Road. Tickets are $25 and $35.
- Sunday, Sept. 27: Old Andover Revolution Shuttle Tour, a collaboration with the North Andover Historical Society. Tours at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., $20 per person.
