Jane Hampton Cook

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.

The Founding Fathers had a real revolution to overcome before they could win the war

John Adams described the real American Revolution as a transformation of religious sentiments, not just a war, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.

A forgotten 1776 celebration launched America’s booming fireworks tradition

The first fireworks for American independence were launched on May 16, 1776, in Williamsburg, Virginia, weeks before the Declaration of Independence.

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

Author who researched Washington through letters and diaries says cultural ignorance of founding era is scandalous and scary.

First lady Dolley Madison would have had a ball with Trump's White House renovations

Dolley Madison would approve of Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction, understanding the need for larger entertaining spaces during President Madison's era.

Uncancel the minutemen: Celebrate Lexington and Concord heroes, Black and White, on battle's 250th anniversary

This month marks the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where minutemen fought British soldiers who tried to seize their guns and gunpowder.

5 keys to understanding America’s presidential inauguration

Presidential inaugurations show the world America’s orderly, peaceful transfer of power, which is the hallmark of America’s system of government.

Jane Hampton Cook: When cancel culture came for Ben Franklin – here's how this founder fought back

In the past year, Franklin has been the target of cancel culture. Washburn University removed Franklin's statue to appease vandals while a Washington, D.C., committee included him on their statue hit list.