For 2026, you should make a resolution to know the Revolution

America's 250th anniversary in 2026 sparks urgent call to rediscover Revolutionary War stories, citing alarming 13% history proficiency among students today.

I prioritized original sources, such as letters, diaries and first-hand accounts, rather than the work of modern historians. I wanted to draw my own conclusions without being tainted.  Jane Hampton Cook is the author of 19 books, including "Why the 4th of July" and "War of Lies: When George Washington Was the Target and Propaganda Was the Crime." She is a presidential historian and a former White House webmaster. Janecook.com, janecook.substack.com.

I dove into writing "Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War." I was also pregnant at the time, but was soon put on bed rest after developing preterm contractions. As it turned out, bed rest allowed me plenty of time to research, think and write before I safely delivered my middle son.