Patriots in the Graveyard: Stories of Southern Patriots from the American Revolution w/ Kelly Gomez

As America marks its 250th anniversary, this illustrated talk introduces the militiamen, clergy, spies, suppliers, and ordinary citizens who made the Revolution possible: the names history skipped over, and a few familiar ones seen in a new light. The program draws on the 250 Graves Project by Kelly Gomez of The Forgotten South, who is visiting 250 Revolutionary War-era graves across the Southern backcountry and researching their stories, using pension files, land deeds, family records, church databases, and firsthand cemetery visits to document each life. One headstone at a time, we're learning about how the Revolution played out in the South; a real civil conflict fought by real people, not just a war of famous generals.

About the Author: Kelly Gomez is a historian and cemetery advocate. Since 2009, she has traveled the South through her company, The Forgotten South, https://theforgottensouth.com/ and documenting the historic sites that are quickly fading from the landscape. In 2026, in honor of America's 250th anniversary, she began a new project called 250 Years, 250 Graves, visiting the graves of 250 people who participated in the American Revolution to pay respects and share their stories. Through this work, audiences can learn about the ordinary people who made something extraordinary possible.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10

TIME: 12:00-1:00 PM

WHERE: Unity Presbyterian Church, 303 Tom Hall St.

TICKET PRICES: Event Only - $10, Event & Lunch - $20