A national public history project

# National Liberty Memorial Atlas Project

Mapping the Invisibles of the Revolution

Recovering the names, hometowns, military service, and journeys of African-descended patriots who helped secure American independence.

Life Atlases Patriot Profiles

The atlas

## Discover patriots in communities across the first six state atlases.

The project currently presents six completed state atlases. Each one connects individuals to places, service, pensions, movement, and public memory.

VAVirginiaAvailable MAMassachusettsAvailable CTConnecticutAvailable MDMarylandAvailable NCNorth CarolinaAvailable SCSouth CarolinaAvailable

Why mapping matters

## A map changes what the record allows us to see.

Traditional records often preserve individual lives in isolation. Mapping reveals relationships. By connecting service, residence, migration, family, and community, the atlas uncovers patterns that are difficult to see when records are viewed one document at a time.

Featured publications

## The public arguments behind the atlas.

The New York Times · July 31, 2004
We Need to Learn More About Our Colorful Past

Maurice A. Barboza and Gary B. Nash explain the public origins, obstacles, and historical importance of recovering African-descended Revolutionary service.

Open article
Cardinal News · 2024
Virginia’s Black Patriots Uplift the Spirit of 1776
Richmond Times-Dispatch · December 26, 2023
A monument without the chains, or an emancipator
Virginian-Pilot / Daily Press · 2026
Use a Neglected Corner of the Mall to Honor American Patriots

From research to public memory

## The atlas is not only a database. It is an encounter.

The proposed Precursor Garden and future National Liberty Memorial extend the research into public space. Visitors will be able to search names, hometowns, service, and movement, connecting family memory to the geography of American independence.

Precursor Garden National Liberty Memorial