Sending on behalf of our friends at The Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA). Online event features noteworthy speakers, and requires registration (no cost to register). January 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. EST. Registration link (zoom.us)
National Organizations Unite to Celebrate Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary War Service at Annual Birthdate Event: A Tribute to Thomas Paine’s Legacy
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.
Event Highlights
Distinguished Opening Remarks
Members of Congress Jamie Raskin and Victoria Spartz will provide opening remarks along with a special surprise guest.
Keynote Presentation
Jack Kelly, acclaimed historian and author of Tom Paine’s War. Kelly will cover Paine’s background, influence, and legacy.
Readings from Paine’s Writings
Award-winning actor Ian Ruskin will perform a dramatic reading from The American Crisis.
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, will highlight one of the most important historical sites connected to Paine’s life.
Learn More
Learn more about additional program features at the official event web page (thomaspainememorial.org).
Central Ohio Freedom From Religion Foundation (COFFRF)
A chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Protecting church-state separation and educating about freethought and nontheism locally. Freedom depends on freethinkers; become a member of FFRF today. National FFRF membership supports local chapter work. https://www.coffrf.org
Did you miss our January newsletter? You can read it at coffrf.org.
