Sandra Day O'Connor Institute

The daughter of Benjamin Franklin, Sarah Franklin Bache became a civic leader in her own right, organizing relief efforts and supporting the Continental Army. Discover how her leadership strengthened the Patriot cause and demonstrated the power of citizen service. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the Ame...

An English-born merchant turned revolutionary, Button Gwinnett risked his fortune and ultimately his life for American independence. Discover the remarkable story behind one of the Declaration's rarest and most famous signatures. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode look...

Benjamin Harrison V signed the Declaration of Independence and helped guide Virginia during the nation's founding. Discover the story of the statesman whose family's public service would influence America for generations. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks b...

Esther De Berdt Reed inspired women across the colonies to support the Patriot cause through organized fundraising and civic action. Discover how her leadership proved that service on the home front could change history. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the l...

Ratified on July 9, 1868, the 14th Amendment extended the protections of the Bill of Rights to formerly enslaved people—but the work of achieving equity and justice continues. In this revisited 2020 conversation, Justin Hansford, J.D., reflects on the ongoing challenges and progress in realizing the Amendment’s promise for all Americans. This podcast is created by the Sandra Day O'Connor Inst...

Benjamin Rush was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a pioneering physician, and a passionate advocate for education and civic virtue. Discover how his vision for an informed citizenry helped shape the foundations of the United States. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each e...

Across the Atlantic, historian Catharine Macaulay championed liberty, constitutional government, and the principles that inspired the American Revolution. Discover how her writings influenced the Founding Era and the enduring pursuit of self-government. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story...

William Williams signed the Declaration of Independence and dedicated his life to serving his colony and the new nation with integrity and conviction. Discover the story of a Founder whose steady leadership helped shape America’s future. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode l...

Long before the United States had a national currency, John Hull helped establish the first mint in colonial America. Discover how one silversmith’s work shaped commerce, trust, and economic life in the colonies. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend to...

Armies may win battles, but wars require resources. Robert Morris used his financial expertise and personal credit to help fund the American Revolution. Discover the story of the man who helped keep the fight for independence alive. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks...

How did America go from colonial coins and foreign currency to the paper money we use today? Discover the fascinating history of American money and how a growing nation built a financial system to support its economy and future. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyo...

During the American Revolution, Catherine Moore Barry used her knowledge of the South Carolina countryside to aid Patriot forces and support the cause of independence. Discover the story of a courageous woman whose actions helped shape the course of the war. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American...

Legend and history come together in the story of Molly Pitcher, the woman remembered for carrying water to soldiers and stepping into battle when duty called. Discover how her courage became a lasting symbol of perseverance during the American Revolution. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American sto...

Before the Declaration of Independence was written, Richard Henry Lee introduced the resolution that set America on the path to nationhood. Discover the story of the Virginia statesman whose bold proposal helped launch a revolution. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks...

America’s first national government united the states after independence, but serious weaknesses soon emerged. Discover how the Articles of Confederation shaped the early republic—and why they ultimately gave way to the Constitution. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks...

Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison played a pivotal role in creating the framework of American government and protecting individual liberties. Discover how his ideas helped shape the nation and continue to influence civic life today. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American sto...

Carter Braxton signed the Declaration of Independence knowing it could cost him everything and it nearly did. Discover the story of a Founder who risked his fortune, security, and future for the cause of American liberty. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the...

On the American frontier, Ann Bailey became known for her courage, resilience, and determination in the face of danger. Discover the remarkable story of a woman whose actions helped support early American communities during times of conflict. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each epis...

Often called America’s second war for independence, the War of 1812 tested the young nation’s resolve against Great Britain. Discover the battles, leaders, and events that helped define the United States in its early years. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond th...

As British forces bombarded Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, one symbol remained visible through the night: a flag that inspired a nation. Discover the battle that gave rise to “The Star-Spangled Banner” and became an enduring symbol of American resilience. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the Americ...

Peter Salem fought for American independence and earned recognition for his bravery on the battlefield. Discover the inspiring story of an African American soldier whose service helped shape the nation’s founding. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend t...

Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend to examine the decisions, conflicts, and ideas that tested the promise of liberty and helped define our democracy. This is history before it hardened into memory — and a conversation about what it means for us now....

Paul Cuffe built a successful shipping business while advocating for education, equality, and opportunity. Discover how this entrepreneur and civic leader used commerce as a force for conscience and public good. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend to...

Before the American Revolution, a global conflict reshaped North America and altered the relationship between Britain and its colonies. Discover how the French and Indian War set the stage for America’s fight for independence. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond...

Dolley Madison helped define the role of First Lady through hospitality, diplomacy, and leadership during a time of national uncertainty. Discover how she fostered unity, encouraged dialogue, and helped shape America’s national identity. Before It Became History , a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode l...