American Heritage Partners

Saving the Past: The Incredible Story of Jamestown Rediscovery’s Archaeological Work at Jamestown Colony, and Its Race to Save the Remaining Archaeological Record of the First Permanent English Settlement in North America
2025-09-13 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Del Monte Ln, Reno, 89511, United States
Saving the Past: The Incredible Story of Jamestown Rediscovery’s Archaeological Work at Jamestown Colony, and Its Race to Save the Remaining Archaeological Record of the First Permanent English Settlement in North America
On September 13, 2025, American Heritage Partners and the Northern California Company of the Jamestown Society co-hosted a special luncheon featuring a fascinating lecture about the archaeological work being done at the historic Jamestown Colony, and the thousands of artifacts that have been unearthed at the site of the original Jamestown Fort and surrounding areas on the James River. Our special guest speaker was Mr. Michael Lavin, Director of Collections and Conservation at Jamestown Rediscovery, whose archaeologists have uncovered countless treasures and continue to make astounding discoveries. Mr. Lavin shareed some of those discoveries with us and explain the critical role that archaeology has played in our understanding of life in the earliest permanent English settlement in the New World. He also spoke about how climate change is posing an existential threat to the Jamestown site, and why public and private support for Jamestown Rediscovery’s work is so critically needed to complete the work before priceless artifacts are forever lost.

South San Francisco:
Location: The Basque Cultural Center, 599 Railroad Avenue, South San Francisco
Meal Selection – Salmon with Champagne Sauce, vegetables and rice OR Veal Roast with potatoes and vegetables
Cost – $25 in person

$10 virtual attendance via Zoom only

Reno:
Location: The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Del Monte Ln, Reno, NV 89511
Meal: Assorted buffet
Cost – $25 in person

$10 virtual attendance via Zoom only

Registration is open

Presentation on 250th Anniversary of the Siege of Quebec with Jay Dickey
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:00
On December 6, 2025, AHP President Jay Dickey delivered a talk on one of the defining events in the American Revolution, involving one of the greatest villains of the 18th century. The talk was entitled “Before He Was a Traitor: Benedict Arnold and the Siege of Quebec.” 250 years ago in 1775, American troops launched an expedition that was dubbed the “Arnold Expedition,” the purpose of which was to march from Massachusetts through the forests of northern Maine in the middle of winter, surprise British forces in Quebec, and seize the otherwise impregnable British fort there. Invading Canada was a fixation of many of the Revolutionary War leaders, and Arnold volunteered to lead the expedition. Other notable soldiers who joined him were Daniel Morgan, General Richard Montgomery and Aaron Burr. The march to Canada and the siege itself were disasters for the Americans. Many soldiers died on the way to Canada, and when Arnold made the decision to attack the British fort in a snowstorm on New Year’s Eve, the Americans were crushed, with many men killed or taken prisoner. Arnold himself was badly wounded. Yet, he emerged a hero of the battle, and soon became a revered military leader. Jay shared the story of Arnold’s heroism, and the courage of the American troops who took on an impossible task. Jay’s talk was presented to the Cascade Centennial chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, located in Seattle, Washington.

Robert Burns Celebration
2026-01-31 16:00 - 19:30 | Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, Nevada, 89595, United States
In January 2026, AHP once again was a corporate sponsor of the annual Robert Burns Celebration in Reno Nevada, hosted by the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans (“NSSC”), honoring one of the greatest Scottish poets in history. This annual event is a “blow out” evening banquet, featuring the full array of Scottish traditional entertainment, food (including haggis!), raffle items, and most importantly, a free scotch whisky tasting. AHP supports the NSSC because of the major impact Scottish-Americans have had on our shared American history, including many famous political leaders such as Presidents James Madison and James Monroe, and Founding Fathers Patrick Henry and Alexander Hamilton.

Civil War Spy: The Southern Belle Who Took Down the Confederacy - Sold Out
2026-02-28 11:00 - 13:30 | J Resort, 345 N Arlington Ave,, Reno, NV, 89501, United States
Civil War Spy: The Southern Belle Who Took Down the Confederacy
Where: J Resort Hotel, Reno
When: February 28, 2026, 11 a.m. to 1:30 pm.; 3-course plated lunch
On February 28, 2026, AHP hosted a special, sold out, luncheon at the J Resort Hotel in Reno, where we were treated to a performance by noted Chautauqua Kim Harris. Kim reenacted the life story of Elizabeth Van Lew, who lived in the heart of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia during the American Civil War, but whose sympathies were with the Union. She became an extremely effective spy for the Union Army, and was later lauded by General Ulysses S. Grant for her contributions to the Union Army’s victory over Robert E. Lee and his Army of the Potomac in 1865. Ms. Harris’ performance will tell the story of Van Lew’s dangerous work, and her amazing courage.
Cost: $30 per person
Menu:
• Caesar Salad Romaine Hearts, Shaved Parmesan, Torn Ciabatta Croutons, Caesar Style Dressing
• Artisan Breads, Butter
Meal Options

Herb Marinated Chicken Breast, Wild Rice Pilaf, Fresh Herbs, Goat Cheese, Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, Pesto Sauce

Skuna Bay Salmon, Creamy Farro, Broccolini, Lemon Caper Sauce

Lemon Tart Dessert

Oregon-California Trails Association Symposium
2026-04-17 09:00 - 2026-04-19 15:00 | Missouri Model Railroad Museum, 312 W. Pacific Ave, Independence, MO, 64050, United States
American Heritage Partners is proud to have sponsored a “Trails to Rails” Symposium hosted by the Oregon-California Trails Association from April 17 to 19 in Independence, Missouri. There was a walking tour of the original “Town of Kansas” before heading to Kansas City’s streetcar, which parallels the original route of these three trails. There was also a tour of Union Station and Westport, and more. On Friday night there was a buffet dinner where keynote speaker Jerry Enzler discussed “Jim Bridger in Kansas City”. Mr. Enzler is the author of “Jim Bridger – Trailblazer of the American West”.
For more information, or to register, visit the OCTA website.

Revolutionary War Memorial Dedication
2026-04-19 13:30 - 15:00 | Veterans Memorial Park, Southwest Watson Avenue, Central Beaverton, Beaverton, OR 97005, OR, United States
The Revolutionary War Memorial, which was dedicated on April 19, 2026 in Veterans Memorial Park in Beaverton Oregon, is intended to honor America’s veterans from the American Revolution and the patriots who supported them. April 19 is known as Patriots Day, an annual event throughout the country. The day has been formalized as a legal holiday in eight states so far, and commemorates the battle of Lexington & Concord, the famous “shot heard round the world” that started our American Revolution 250 years ago. American Heritage Partner is a sponsor of the Memorial, and AHP President Jay Dickey attended the dedication ceremonies on April 19 in support of this one-of-a-kind Memorial in the Western States.

Author’s Talk—When the Declaration of Independence Was News
2026-04-21 18:30 - 19:30
Historian Emily Sneff discussed her new book that reveals the stories of how the Declaration of Independence was communicated in the United States and around the Atlantic World. In 1776, people could hear the Declaration of Independence proclaimed in public squares and read it in the pages of their local newspapers. Histories of the Declaration typically recount the work that took place inside the Continental Congress, focusing on the men tasked with drafting the text. Although Congress declared independence, the work of spreading the news involved various individuals, ranging from printers and post riders to ship captains, clerks and translators. Drawing from the book, this talk provides fresh perspectives on the Declaration of Independence by focusing on the earliest public readings and print reactions to independence in English and European languages.
Registration is requested. To attend the author’s talk in-person, or to watch virtually, please use the appropriate links below.
Register to Attend the Author’s Talk at Anderson House
Register to Attend the Author’s Talk Virtually
About the Speaker
Emily Sneff is an early American historian and a leading expert on the Declaration of Independence who earned her Ph.D. from the College of William and Mary in 2024. Currently she is a consulting curator for exhibitions planned for the 250th anniversaries of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. She has been a consultant for the American Philosophical Society, Historic Trappe and the Museum of the American Revolution. She is also the curator of digital content for Declaration Stories and the managing editor for Americana Insights.

Bacon’s Rebellion: The First American Revolution
2026-05-09
On May 9, 2026, AHP’s President Jay Dickey gave a talk in Denver, Colorado on one of the major events in the early years of the Virginia Colony. Jay’s talk was entitled “Bacon’s Rebellion: The First American Revolution.” Jay delivered his remarks to the First Colorado Company of the Jamestowne Society. 2026 marks the 350th anniversary of Bacon’s Rebellion, which took place in 1676. Bacon was a political leader of the nascent Virginia Colony, and who became the chief antagonist against the Colony’s Governor, William Berkeley. The Governor’s failed leadership provoked Bacon and his allies to mount an armed rebellion, which ultimately led to the burning of the Jamestown Fort. Bacon himself was an articulate spokesperson who advocated for a more democratic government, and more rigorous defense of the Colony of repeated Indian attacks. Bacon died suddenly in the midst of the warfare, and the rebellion was crushed.

Santa Clara Heritage Expo
2026-06-13 | Central Library, 2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA, 95051, United States
American Heritage Partners will be attending the Santa Clara Heritage Expo on June 13. This event is sponsored by the Santa Clara County Genealogical & Historical Society and Co-Sponsored by the Santa Clara Library. Exhibitors include lineage societies, local museums and ethnic societies, as well as book authors.
For more information as it becomes available, visit the Central Library website or the San Mateo County Genealogical Society website

250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – A Special FREE Zoom Event
2026-06-19 16:00 - 17:00 | https://tinyurl.com/38h38v2n
250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – A Special Zoom Event

Event Description:Join us for a special **FREE Zoom event** commemorating the 250th anniversary of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence in June 1776!
Experience a live interview with **John Adams**, co-author of the Declaration of Independence, broadcasting straight from the historic City Tavern in Philadelphia.

Enjoy a captivating performance by **Mike Lebsock**, an award-winning educator and acclaimed John Adams interpreter, who brings history to life through engaging storytelling.

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026Time: 4:00 PM PSTWhere: Zoom (https://tinyurl.com/38h38v2n)

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the past and celebrate American heritage!

Sponsored by:American Heritage Partners and Oregon Sons of the American Revolution

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
2026-07-04
July 4, 2026

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration will take place on July 4, 2026 in Philadelphia, and our own Jay Dickey will be there in person to participate in the celebrations, and report back to us on the festivities. He expects to have several special guests to interview, and to visit several of the historic sites that witnesses the momentous events of July 1776.

Ghosts from the Past: the History of Northern Nevada's Pioneer Cemeteries
2026-08-01 10:00 - 12:00
SAVE THE DATE! On August 1 at 10 a.m, AHP’s President Jay Dickey will give a talk entitled “Ghosts from the Past: the History of Northern Nevada’s Pioneer Cemeteries,” in which he will provide an overview of some of the leading pioneers who came to Northern Nevada, and who founded the cities and towns that fueled the growth of Northern Nevada. The cemeteries of Northern Nevada contain the ghosts of many of the men and women who helped create the great state of Nevada, and who live on in our memories.

This summer event will take place at the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park in Minden, Nevada. Jay will be speaking at the Ranch’s outdoor (covered) stage, to which everyone is invited to bring their folding chairs and your favorite food & beverage. Admission is FREE. More details will follow as we get closer to the date.

Commemoration of the 350th Anniversary of King Philip’s War
2026-08-12 11:00 - 14:00 | Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartely Ranch Road, Reno, Nevada
August 12, 2026, in Reno, Nevada: A Special Summer Gathering to Commemorate the 350th Anniversary of King Philip’s War
THIS EVENT REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!
On August 12, AHP will be co-hosting a gathering to commemorate the 350th anniversary of King Philip’s War.
Our Guest Speaker is Beth Lambright, Member at Large and Chair of the Education Committee, The General Society of Mayflower Descendants. She will discuss the various crises that affected the Pokanoket people in the 17th Century that led to King Philip’s War.
Enjoy a summer picnic on the beautiful grounds of Bartley Ranch Regional Park and the Historic Huffaker Schoolhouse. This family-friendly event features activities for adults and children, including lectures inside the schoolhouse on the subject that brings us together: the 350th anniversary of King Philip’s War, which took place in the year 1676, and was a major event in the history of early America.
Co-hosting the event will be the Nevada Mayflower Society, the Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Order of Founders and Patriots of America. Come learn about this important event in our nation’s history and hear from representatives of several leading heritage societies in the United States, all of whom are descendants of men and women who lived in New England in the 17th Century, and who will share information with our guests about their organizations.
This event is free to members of the public, so please join us and bring your family and friends.

Video Dispatches from Historic Plymouth!
2026-09-11 - 2026-09-16
Building on the success of our Philadelphia 250th anniversary coverage, American Heritage Partners President Jonathan “Jay” Dickey is heading to Plymouth, Massachusetts, from September 11 through September 16, 2026!
Jay will broadcast short video dispatches on-location from the historic landmarks, monuments, and shoreline where early American history unfolded.
During this special six-day event, Jay will share with us a number of fun videos of his visits to various historical sites in Plymouth and neighboring towns that played a major role in the life of the Plymouth Colony in the 17th century. Viewers can look forward to quick, engaging field tours exploring Mayflower heritage and Pilgrim history, along with exclusive historical insights into the key figures and lesser-known stories that shaped early New England.

Exclusive "Behind the Scenes" Tour of the New SAR Museum & Library!
2026-10-01 - 2026-10-03
American Heritage Partners is heading to Louisville, Kentucky, from October 1 through October 3, 2026, for an exclusive look at the national headquarters of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). During this visit, AHP President Jonathan “Jay” Dickey will record special video dispatches as the SAR prepares to open its state-of-the-art Education Center and Museum. Viewers can tune in across the AHP website, YouTube, and social media channels to enjoy an insider’s behind-the-scenes walk-around of the newly constructed Education Center and Museum, offering an early peek at upcoming exhibits and interactive displays honoring the American Revolution.

Ghosts from the Past: Pioneer Cemeteries of the West
2026-10-08
Hosted by Jay Dickey
The series takes viewers on-location to historic Western burial grounds, using grave markers, local archives, and primary sources to uncover the personal stories of the miners, pioneers, and early settlers who built the American West.
Part 1 brings Jay to historic Virginia City, Nevada, for an on-location tour of the Silver Terrace Cemeteries, spotlighting the forgotten lives, hardships, and triumphs of 19th-century boomtown residents. The episode is tentatively set for release on October 8, 2026—commemorating the exact date in 1859 when the legendary Territorial Enterprise newspaper documented the very first recorded use of the name “Virginia City” in print. You can catch the premiere on the AHP website, YouTube, and social media.

Robert Burns Celebration
2027-01-30 | Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, Nevada, 89595, United States
American Heritage Partners is proud to serve as a corporate sponsor for the 38th Annual Robert Burns Celebration, hosted by the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans (NSSC) on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. This popular annual gathering honors the life, poetry, and enduring cultural legacy of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, whose literary contributions continue to inspire generations worldwide.
Guests will enjoy a full evening of Scottish tradition and festive entertainment, including performances by the Sierra Highland Pipers and the Ruby Mountain Pipe Band, Highland dancing by the Sierra Nevada Highland Dancers, and music by the featured Celtic band Cady Finlayson and Bond Street. The evening includes a silent auction, raffle prizes, a traditional plated dinner featuring haggis and a “Toast to the Haggis,” and a complimentary Scotch whisky tasting reception to kick off the night. Doors open for the whisky tasting at 4:00 PM, followed by the formal program at 5:00 PM and dinner at 5:30 PM.
Please note that American Heritage Partners does not handle ticket sales for this event. Tickets must be purchased directly through the Nevada Society of Scottish Clans website at https://www.nvssc.org/burns.
