SYMPOSIUM | Revolutionary Rivals: Portraits from the Global Theater of War

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the National Portrait Gallery will present the 2026 Edgar P. Richardson Symposium, titled “Revolutionary Rivals: Portraits from the Global Theater of War.” Presentations by subject matter experts will enrich our understanding of the global context of the American Revolution. Speakers will highlight the interchange of individuals across the Atlantic—both foreign nationals who joined colonial forces in fighting the British, and Americans who wielded their influence abroad.

The Edgar P. Richardson Symposium will be presented in person at the National Portrait Gallery and streamed live via Zoom. Registered participants will receive the Zoom link in the week leading up to the symposium. Recordings will be available on the National Portrait Gallery's YouTube channel following the symposium.

The Portrait Gallery strives to provide programs that are accessible to all visitors. If you have questions about the accessibility of this program, or if you would like to request real-time captioning (CART), sign language interpretation, or any other accommodations, please contact Vanessa Jones at [email protected]. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated for requesting accommodations.

The Edgar P. Richardson Symposium is generously supported by the Edgar P. Richardson Fund.

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Portraits of Patience Lovell Wright, Bernardo de Gálvez, and Henry Laurens. Installation image courtesy of Mark Gulezian.

Info: Enjoy a selection of clips featuring art, music, and literature from the Revolutionary Era from the 2025 documentary series directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt.

Info: A presentation on the conservation of Barlett Frost’s Declaration of Independence Diorama, on view in the Portrait Gallery's exhibition "Out of Many, Portraits From 1600 to 1900."

Info: Participants will have the opportunity to view the exhibition "Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900" at their own pace.

Info: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution

Info: Participants may view "Out of Many, Portraits from 1600 to 1900" and ask questions to curators and historians.

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