#United States #Washington, D.C. #American Revolution #Queen Sofía #DAR

Symposium to Highlight Spain's Contributions to American Independence

On September 19-20, 2025, Washington, D.C. will host an important symposium titled "Spain and the Birth of American Democracy." This event, organized by The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) alongside the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute (QSSI) and the Fundación Ramón Areces (FRA), aims to celebrate and educate the public on Spain's pivotal role in the American Revolution. It marks the official U.S. initiation of QSSI's AmericaSpain250 initiative, which commemorates 250 years of shared history and friendship between the United States and Spain.

A Collaborative Endeavor

This symposium promises to be a cornerstone event, featuring a variety of free activities, including lectures, panel discussions, and informative exhibits. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the significant yet frequently overlooked contributions made by Spain during this crucial period. Understanding these contributions can provide a fresh perspective on how international dynamics shaped the fight for American independence.

QSSI President and CEO Maria Begonia Santos expressed excitement over the collaboration with DAR, emphasizing that this partnership reflects a mutual goal of promoting education about historical events that encompass the global context of the American Revolution. "We aim to shine a light on these contributions and provide a richer understanding of our shared history," she stated.

Highlighting Spanish Patriots

Among the prominent figures to be discussed is Bernardo de Gálvez, a pivotal Spanish leader whose strategic alliances and military leadership provided essential support to American forces. Gálvez's correspondence with notable American figures like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson showcased his significant role before Spain's formal involvement in the war. His efforts not only included securing key ports but also orchestrating military actions against the British, thereby disrupting their operations in the southern colonies.

"Our mission is to illuminate the contributions of all patriots, including Spanish leaders, who fought valiantly for freedom," commented Pamela Wright, DAR President General. This sentiment underscores the symposium's goal of celebrating all those who contributed to America's fight for independence.

Registration and Participation

The symposium is free and open to the public but requires registration via the Eventbrite page. This accessibility promise reflects the event's educational objectives and is part of DAR's broader America250 initiatives to engage communities through service projects, scholarships, and more, promoting awareness of underrepresented figures in American history.

Additionally, attendees will have access to resources from both DAR and QSSI to facilitate further exploration of Spanish contributions to American history. QSSI's educational platform, designed in collaboration with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Royal Academy of History of Spain, will offer primary sources, lesson plans, and historian-led videos.

Conclusion

As the date approaches, updates on the symposium schedule, sessions, and events can be found on the Eventbrite page and the official websites of DAR and QSSI. This event not only seeks to honor Spain's historical alliances but also encourages contemporary reflections on the significance of collaboration in achieving freedom and independence. Join in this expansive exploration of history to gain a better understanding of our complex past and the unyielding spirit that shaped the nation we know today.