America’s ‘First Revolution’: Indigenous Nations, Bacon’s Rebellion, and Mythologies of Independence from 1676 to Today

CALL FOR PAPERS

As the United States reflects on the 250^th anniversary of independence, the question of what defines a revolution is an enduring one, especially its motivations, goals, and chronology. When veered toward separation from the British Empire, their prior experience with resistance and revolt shaped their answers. One example, Bacon’s Rebellion, was once called America’s ‘First’ Revolution by historians. Taking place exactly one hundred years before the Declaration of Independence, the conflict has often been understood as an early site of resistance to British authority, which elevated it to a prophetic event with mythological power. The narratives that subsequently developed around rebellion, revolution, and, eventually, independence—not only in the eighteenth century but also in popular and scholarly imaginations today—often reflected that perception. Moreover, these narratives were also part of an even earlier chronology, one where the specter of the English Revolution (1639–1659) was a pervasive narrative touchstone. Yet, as more recent scholarship demonstrates, the imaginary around Bacon’s Rebellion and the origins of revolution was far more complex, particularly in the roles that played alongside enslaved, colonial, and imperial actors.

For the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies’ (ITPS) Seventh Biannual Conference, we hope to contribute to ongoing dialogues about commemoration and American independence by considering these earlier debates around the meanings of revolution. We welcome proposals that consider these themes not just around late seventeenth century histories, but also how a variety of peoples interpreted the meanings of rebellion, revolution, and independence in the centuries before 1776. We are similarly interested in proposals that consider the influence of those interpretations in our present moment, and those that foreground tribal, community, and descendant histories, oral histories, digital tools, public history sites, archival resources, interactive platforms, classroom strategies, and more. “America’s ‘First’ Revolution” will be a fully hybrid program, with virtual and in-person components on the Iona campus in New Rochelle, which is located just outside New York City in Westchester County. Presentations can take the form of papers, posters, lightening talks, non-traditional presentations (including film or other creative works), and pre-formed panels and roundtables.

Scholars and experts of all disciplinary and professional backgrounds and levels are encouraged to apply. If needed, financial support for participation may be available. Please include a 250-word abstract and either a one-page curriculum vitae or brief bio in one document labeled with the applicant or session organizer’s last name, with participant name(s), title, and email address at the top of the first page of the proposal. Submissions may be sent to itps@iona.edu by May 15, 2026, and will be notified of decisions by early June. Proposals will be considered by the program committee, which includes Dr. Matthew Kruer of the University of Chicago, Dr. Haley Negrin of the University of Illinois: Chicago, Dr. Adam Arenson of the ITPS and Iona University Honors Program, Ms. Mindy De Palma of Iona University, and Dr. Nicole Mahoney of the ITPS and Iona University. For additional information or questions, please contact Dr. Nora Slonimsky, ITPS Director, at nslonimsky@iona.edu.

This conference is possible thanks to support from “Common Sense and the Constitution: Civic Engagement in the Spirit of 1776” initiative from the American History and Civics Education – Seminars (AHC-Seminars) Program at the Department of Education and the Lapidus Initiative for Early American Inquiry.