BB&T Lecture in American History with Matthew Skic, Curator of the Museum of the American Revolution
Matthew Skic
Barton College and the Wilson County Historical Association are proud to announce a compelling lecture event: Picturing Washington’s Army: Discovering a Sketch of Soldiers of the North Carolina Continental Line, taking place on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Howard Chapel.
Join us for an evening of historical discovery with distinguished guest speaker Matthew Skic, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at the renowned Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Since joining the Museum’s curatorial staff in 2016, Matthew has spearheaded multiple acclaimed exhibitions, including “Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Philadelphia” (2018-2019), “Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier” (2019-2020), and “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia” (2023). A graduate of the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture at the University of Delaware, Skic currently leads as project director for ”The Declaration’s Journey”—a groundbreaking special exhibition opening in October 2025 at the center of the Museum’s initiatives celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Lecture Highlight: A Revolutionary Discovery
Only about a dozen eyewitness-drawn images of George Washington’s army are known to exist, offering rare and invaluable perspectives on the individuals who fought for American independence. Until recently, historians believed no such images depicted North Carolina troops from the Revolutionary War.
In 2023, Matthew Skic made a remarkable breakthrough: he discovered the only known eyewitness sketch of North Carolina soldiers serving in the Continental Army. During this special lecture, Skic will reveal the fascinating detective work that led to the identification of this historic image, as well as share insights into its historical context and the artist behind it. The event promises to shed new light on the daily lives and appearances of those who shaped the nation’s history. The professional work preserving the sketch for future generations was funded by a grant from the N.C. Society of the Cincinnati.
Sketch that is the basis for our NC Brigade Exhibit that will travel NC for the America 250 celebration
Barton College welcomes students, faculty, history enthusiasts, and members of the public to attend this exceptional event. There is NO cost for admission. This lecture is free for all who would like to attend. Discover a hidden chapter of the American Revolution and witness the unveiling of a visual treasure from North Carolina’s past.
For more information, please contact Dr. Lydia Walker of Barton College, or Perry Morrison of WCHA at
