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On Demand: Germans in the Revolution: Hessians and Patriots
Part of our 2026 Revolution in the Records Lecture Series
Presented by Hallie Kirchner
After purchase, you will receive an email with a link to access the recording and lecture materials.
If you are unable to attend the broadcast for any reason, you will be able to view a recording on the program page. You can also access this page under “My Account” > “Digital Content.”
What role did Germans play in the American Revolution—and how might their stories intersect with your own family history? In this lecture, Senior Genealogist Hallie Kirchner will explore the complex experiences of German-speaking people on both sides of the conflict: from the so-called “Hessians” hired by the British to the many German immigrants who supported the Patriot cause. Along the way, we’ll examine how to identify German origins in colonial records, trace Hessian soldiers who remained in North America, and better understand the cultural and political forces that shaped their decisions. Whether your ancestors fought for independence, arrived as soldiers in foreign service, or lived in German-American communities during the Revolutionary era, this online lecture will provide valuable historical context and practical strategies for discovering their stories.