Defending the Seacoast: Martha’s Vineyard in the Revolution, April 1775-March 1778
Defending the Seacoast: Martha’s Vineyard in the Revolution, April 1775-March 1778
When war broke out between Britain and the Thirteen Colonies on April 19, 1775, life on Martha’s Vineyard and other offshore islands became precarious overnight. Britain had the largest navy in history, and coastal Massachusetts towns were highly vulnerable to blockade and attack. Every act of defiance carried real risk.
Yet, rebel forces in Dukes County did their best to keep their neighbors safe and the British off-balance. Join MVM Research Librarian Bow Van Riper for a look at the first three years of the Revolution, when blockade runners, citizen-soldiers, and sailors in armed whaleboats took on the most powerful empire in the world.
Arrive early—join us at 4pm in the First Light Café for drinks & light bites.
MVM Members: $15; Non-Members: $25
DETAILS
| Date | May 19, 2026 |
|---|---|
| From | 5:00 pm |
| To | 6:00 pm |
| Type | Talk |
| Venue | Martha’s Vineyard Museum |