This year’s series focuses on the stories and events of 1774. Meet Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Gage, Samuel Adams, John Dickinson, and others as they discuss the rights of British America, the establishment of the first government of the 13 colonies—the Continental Congress—how to address the Intolerable Acts, and the adoption of the Articles of Association. These programs can be found in the Road to the Declaration Playlist on the National Archives YouTube channel. Pre-Registration for each program will be available soon.

Part One: The Intolerable Acts!

Monday, June 26, at noon ET
Lt. Gen. Thomas Gage, Commander-in-Chief of His Royal Majesty’s forces in North America, explains what the Intolerable Acts meant for the American colonies. Samuel Adams reads one of his many letters after the passage of the Boston Port Act, which became one of the catalysts for the First Continental Congress.
This program is presented in partnership with the National Archives Foundation and American Historical Theatre. General Gage is portrayed by Robert Gleason. Samuel Adams is portrayed by David Holland.

Part Two: A Summary View of the Rights of British America in 1774

Tuesday, June 27, at noon ET
As 1774 brings many changes to the life of Thomas Jefferson, he shares his sentiments on the recent British Parliamentary (Intolerable) Act and outlines a path forward for colonists.
This program is presented in partnership with the National Archives Foundation and American Historical Theatre. Thomas Jefferson is portrayed by Steven Edenbo.

Part Three: The Road to the First Continental Congress

Wednesday, June 28, at noon ET
By the summer of 1774, John Adams was a delegate to the First Continental Congress for the state of Massachusetts. As John and Abigail Adams discuss preparations for his trip to Congress in Philadelphia, they share the hardships and events of their temporary separation and look to a future that will include many more years of struggle on the Road to Independence.
This program is presented in partnership with the National Archives Foundation and American Historical Theatre. John Adams is portrayed by Peyton Dixon. Abigail Adams is portrayed by Kim Hanley.

Part Four: The Continental Association and the Resolves of the First Continental Congress

Thursday, June 29, at noon ET
John Dickinson details his Petition to the King asking Britain to repeal the Intolerable Acts. As a delegate to the First Continental Congress representing Pennsylvania, he further details the resolves made by the First Continental Congress, known as the Continental Association (Articles of Association), and how those resolutions will affect trade for both the colonists and the British.
This program is presented in partnership with the National Archives Foundation and American Historical Theatre. John Dickinson is portrayed by Douglas Thomas.

Part Five: 1774: The Year in Acts and Petitions

Friday June 30, at Noon ET
The Boston Gazette Print Shop sets the stage for a discussion of recent news including the Quartering Act, Manumission Petitions, and the Suffolk Resolves when Abigail Adams and Jeffrey Brace stop in and talk with Mrs. Benjamin Edes.
This program is presented in partnership with the National Archives Foundation and American Historical Theatre. Abigail Adams is portrayed by Kim Hanley, Mrs. Benjamin Edes is portrayed by Jill Lawrence, and Jeffrey Brace is portrayed by Keith Henley.