Famous Moments in Early American History

Short Films of Noteworthy Events

Each film in the 'Famous Moments' series highlights a true story of historical significance, providing 'students' of early America with a better understanding of the people, places and events of this important era.

Of added interest for viewers, each film tells its story using scenes and portraits from the Early American Digital Library. Many of the images are primary source documents — engravings, woodcuts and drawings that date back to the early to mid-1800s.

All of the films can be downloaded using a 56k modem except The Life of George Washington and The Ben Franklin Story, both of which require a high-speed connection such as DSL or cable/modem.

Please visit again as new films continue to be added.

	The Ben Franklin Story This man who stood before kings... who helped establish a nation...whose inventions improved the lives of millions... humbly began his last will and testament with the words: "I, Benjamin Franklin, Printer..."
	The Life of George Washington Washington's life — almost from his boyhood — was interwoven with the early history of this country. To understand his life is to understand that history — the important time before and during the founding of The Republic.
	Declaring Independence Now the Americans had a real cause to fight for... a country they could call their own.
	Paul Revere, Messenger of the Revolution Paul Revere had an illustrious career as an engraver, silversmith, watchmaker and soldier. But above all, we will always remember him as a patriot and folk hero in the name of freedom!
	The Shot Heard Around The World On this day — April 19, 1775 — where "once the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot heard 'round the world," the War for Independence had now begun!
	The Treason of Benedict Arnold Leaving a legacy of a name forever after synonymous with "traitor."
	The Real Face of George Washington It has been the good fortune of generations ever since — and ours as well — that the sculptor and his model created this important artifact as part of our national heritage, the Real Face of George Washington.
	Molly Pitcher. An American Heroine My name is Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley....although you know me better as Molly Pitcher. How did I get my name, you ask...and why?