Local Historian Fred Zilian, Ph.D., to Conduct Lecture Series on Revolutionary History and Why It Still Resonates Today
[Portsmouth, RI, March 10, 2026] – Pegasus Enrichment Services today announced its slate of lectures paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The lecture series will begin with “Caty and the General: The Greenes of Rhode Island,” to be held March 21st at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, Rhode Island.
As the country celebrates the Semi-quincentennial this year, Dr. Zilian will present lectures on a variety of subjects related to the American Revolution, with a particular focus on Rhode Island.
Zilian states that “learning and thinking about the American Revolution can help us think about the challenges we face today.” He sees parallels between the Revolutionary era and current times: He sees parallels between the revolutionary era and today: citizens with different visions of America and with different definitions of an “American” and of “freedom,” along with bitter partisanship.
Upcoming Lectures in Rhode Island
- March 21, 10:00 a.m. – “Caty and the General: The Greenes of Rhode Island,” Blithewold Mansion, Bristol, RI
- March 24, 6:00 p.m. – “Nathanael Greene: Rhode Island’s Unsung Revolutionary War Hero,” George Hail Library, Warren, RI
- April 8, 6:30 p.m. – “Nathanael Greene: Rhode Island’s Unsung Revolutionary War Hero,” Tiverton Library, Tiverton, RI
- April 16, 7:00 p.m. – “Jefferson, the Declaration, and American Freedom,” Linden Place, Bristol, RI
- April 22, 6:30 p.m. – “Rhode Island and the American Revolution,” Portsmouth Library, Portsmouth, RI
- April 29, 6:00 p.m. – “Rhode Island and the American Revolution,” Newport Public Library, Newport, RI
- May 13, 6:30 p.m. – “Rhode Island and the American Revolution,” Tiverton Library, Tiverton, RI
- June 18, 6:00 p.m. – “Rhode Island and the American Revolution,” Richmond–Carolina Fire Station, Richmond, RI
- June 25, 6:30 p.m. – “Jefferson, the Declaration, and American Freedom,” Portsmouth Historical Society, Portsmouth, RI
- August 20, 6:00 p.m. – “Nathanael Greene: Rhode Island’s Unsung Revolutionary War Hero,” Richmond–Carolina Fire Station, Richmond, RI
To book a speaking engagement or attend a lecture, visit: www.pegasusenrichment.com
About Fred Zilian, Ph.D.
Fred Zilian is the founder of Pegasus Enrichment Services of Newport. The organization offers lectures, literature and poetry readings, and tours of Newport and Boston, including the Battle of Rhode Island. Tours are offered in English or German.
After a 21-year career as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, Zilian was an educator at Portsmouth Abbey School from 1992 to 2015, where he taught history, ethics, and German. He later served as an adjunct professor of history and politics at Salve Regina University from 2016 to 2022.
He now heads Pegasus Enrichment Services, offering a wide range of programs designed to educate and enrich audiences through history, literature, and cultural experiences. www.pegasusenrichment.com.
Zilian holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of numerous articles, essays, and book reviews appearing in publications ranging from The Wall Street Journal to the Newport Daily News. For ten years, he also wrote a regular column for the Newport Daily News.
Media Contact:
Fred Zilian
401.714.4667
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