Inside the Vault

Inside the Vault: The Whiskey Rebellion and United States Great Seal

Join us on June 1, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT), when our curators will discuss the Whiskey Rebellion and the United States Great Seal with Dr. Gautham Rao, Associate Professor of History at American University. The Whiskey Rebellion occurred among farmers in western Pennsylvania during George Washington’s presidency, when the federal government instituted a tax on liquor. This program will explore the broader context of the rebellion and how it, like the Great Seal, legitimized federal power in the early United States. This program is made possible by the Fund for the Endowment of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms.

Submit your questions for Dr. Rao here.

Register Here

I cannot attend the live program. Will it be recorded?

Yes! The program is recorded and sent in an email the following day to everyone who registers.

Upcoming Programs

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About Inside the Vault

Inside the Vault: Highlights from the Gilder Lehrman Collection is an online program that highlights unique primary sources from the Gilder Lehrman Collection. From iconic historical treasures, such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation, to personal letters that reveal the contributions of ordinary American citizens, each session will investigate primary sources and discuss their background, impact, and potential use in the classroom.

View the full archive of Inside the Vault programs.