01/06/2026
National Organizations Unite to Celebrate Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary War Service at Annual Birthdate Event: A Tribute to Thomas Paine’s Legacy
January 29, 2026 — Online Event | 4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM EST
Registration Required:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw
The Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA) and a coalition of leading secular, historical, and humanist organizations invite the public to the annual celebration of the birth of one of America’s most influential Founders — Thomas Paine. This year’s online commemorative program, “The Times That Tried Men's Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During The Revolutionary War,” will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
TPMA, which educates about Paine’s legacy, has been authorized by Congress to erect a memorial to Paine in Washington, D.C. The group has since received preliminary approval to pursue a memorial in Area 1 (close to the United States Capitol Building). The approval bill is awaiting congressional action.
Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and The American Crisis, played an indispensable role in igniting the call for independence and sustaining morale through the darkest moments of the Revolution. His writing, service, and vision for a democratic society continue to inspire generations. Paine’s contributions recently have been highlighted in Ken Burns’ documentary “The American Revolution.”
Event Highlights
Distinguished Opening Remarks
The program will commence with words from Members of Congress Jamie Raskin and Victoria Spartz, with a special appearance from Benjamin Franklin.
Keynote Presentation
Acclaimed historian and author Jack Kelly — whose book Tom Paine’s War explores Paine’s firsthand experiences during the Revolution — will deliver a keynote address examining Paine’s military service and enduring relevance. Kelly will cover:
Paine’s background and rise to prominence
His Common Sense pamphlet and his influence on the Declaration of Independence
His service with the Pennsylvania militia and involvement with the Continental Army
The fall of Fort Washington and Fort Lee
The march across New Jersey
The writing of The American Crisis and its impact on the battles of Trenton and Princeton
Paine’s legacy in modern times
Readings from Paine’s Writings
Award-winning actor Ian Ruskin, known for his one-man show portraying Paine, will perform a dramatic reading from The American Crisis synchronized with a photo slide show of various images of the Paine memorial sculpted by Georg Lober, dedicated in 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey. The statue portrays Paine in the midst of writing The American Crisis during the Revolutionary War — capturing both his intellectual and patriotic courage.
A Veteran’s Perspective
Gene Jones of Florida Veterans for Common Sense will speak about Paine’s heroism, the challenges he faced after the war, and why Paine remains a powerful symbol of principled military service today.
Showcase: The Thomas Paine Cottage
A video created by Suzanne Tanswell and Gary Bush, trustees of the Huguenot New Rochelle Historical Association which owns the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle, New York, will highlight one of the most important historical sites connected to Paine’s life.
Additional Program Features
Musical selection from the celebrated play ‘The Crossing’
Live Q&A with Jack Kelly, Gary Berton, Christopher Cameron, Ian Ruskin, Margaret Downey, Gene Jones, Frances Chiu, Joy Masoff, Suzanne Tanswell, and Gary Bush
Cosponsor messages from national organizations
Credits slideshow
A post-event Social Hour and Toasts, including a special opening toast by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis, who will show his progress in creating a statue of Thomas Paine that will be placed in a prestigious pre-approved location in Washington, D.C.
Event Hosts and Sponsors
The event will be co-hosted by TPMA President Margaret Downey and TPMA Board Member Christopher Cameron.
Sponsors include:
Thomas Paine Memorial Association
Black Nonbelievers
Thomas Paine Historical Association
Freethought Society
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Thomas Paine Society
Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
American Atheists
Secular Coalition for America
American Humanist Association
Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation
Join Us
This event offers an extraordinary opportunity to rediscover Thomas Paine’s contributions through scholarship, performance, and reflection.
Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw
Please plan to join us for the yearly celebration of the official birthdate of one of the most important Founder of the United States of America, Thomas Paine. The online event, entitled “The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During the Revolutionary War,” will take place ...
