Travel and history lovers came together Jan 18th at the Ripley Center on The National Mall at the Smithsonian for “Travels with Darley: Revolutionary Road Trips!” Darley Newman hosted Smithsonian Associates event in Washington, DC that was also livestreamed to share lesser known stories and sites related to the American Revolution.
Darley Newman took the stage with a panel of experts to kick off her new PBS series “Revolutionary Road Trips” in the lead up to the 250th and to share information on travel sites with lesser-known stories related to the American Revolution. Despite snow and inclement weather, a packed auditorium participated for the in-person event and hundreds Zoomed in for the livestream to learn about our nation’s founding and travel destinations where history takes center stage today.
Darley moderated a panel of travel and history experts representing four states– South Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey and New York.
Panelists included:
- Carrie Fellows, Executive Director of Crossroads of the American Revolution
- David Duncan, President of the American Battlefield Trust
- Rita D. McClenny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Lauren Roberts, Saratoga County Historian
Darley kicked off the night with a challenge to the panelists… whose state would ultimately have the most action during the American Revolution and which have the best road trip potential today? Panelists relished in the opportunity to share little known facts and great stats about their state’s role in the American Revolution. For instance, during six years of conflict during the American Revolution, General George Washington and the Continental Army spent more time in … than any other state. It’s New Jersey!
Darley also introduced the concept for her “Revolutionary Road Trips” sub-series of “Travels with Darley,” which kicks off on PBS stations starting in March 2024 and will be broadcasting and streaming for the next three years and beyond. Six half hours debut as part of Season 11 of “Travels with Darley,” taking viewers to:
South Carolina- Charleston, Camden, Eutaw Springs, Berkeley County
New Jersey- Princeton, Morristown, Monmouth Battlefield, Trenton, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Somerset County, Washington Crossing
New York- Saratoga and beyond
Virginia- Prince William County in Northern VA and beyond
Link to information and tickets
Post Panel Reception
Those who attended in person enjoyed an after-panel reception with food and drinks with a historical theme, including George Washington Hoecakes from Mount Vernon, Revolutionary Beer from New Jersey, Laird’s Applejack and more. She worked to taste history with a sampling of Colonial inspired food and drinks Thursday evening, Jan 18th, at a reception following the “Revolutionary Road Trips” panel.
- Laird’s Applejack from America’s oldest distillery
- “Revolutionary” Beer from Glenbrook Brewery in Morristown, New Jersey
- George Washington Hoecakes cooked up by Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s Historic Home
- Turkish pastries from My Cravingz in Visit Prince William, Virginia
- Eavesdrop Brewery Beer from Virginia
- Revolutionary Red Wine from Unionville Vineyards in New Jersey
- Saratoga Spring Water and Saratoga Chips
The “Revolutionary Road Trips” series begins as part of Travels with Darley Season 11 on PBS stations across the nation (check your local listings), WETA in the Washington, DC area starting in March and on stations across the nation and streaming on GoTraveler.
Hungry to travel? Check out the “Travels with Darley” new podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.