Lyle and Florence Brothers, Florida-based nutrition consultants who collected right-wing political materials, gathered Bicentennial-era publications reflecting different ideological perspectives on America’s 200th anniversary. Collection includes materials from the People’s Bicentennial Commission, U.S. Senator James O. Eastland’s critique “The Attempt to Steal the Bicentennial,” and National Council of Churches materials including “Bicentennial Broadside” and religious observance materials from their Ecumenical Task Force on the Religious Observance of the Nation’s Bicentennial.
"The Attempt To Steal the Bicentennial"
This document was published by the conservative organization known as The Network of Patriotic Letter Writers. It covers a 1976 U.S. Senate report which accuses the Peoples Bicentennial Commission (PBC) of using patriotic language and public outreach to secretly promote far-left, anti-capitalist, and revolutionary goals during America's 200th birthday celebration. It claims the group disguised their radical agenda to gain access to schools, churches, and media, and criticizes the mainstream press for failing to investigate their true motives.
"Bicentennial … What Do We Celebrate?"
This document was published by the conservative organization known as The Network of Patriotic Letter Writers. It warns that some leaders have been using the Bicentennial to push for a “Second American Revolution” that could replace America’s founding values of independence and freedom with global government and centralized control. It encourages people to celebrate July 4th by standing up for the original ideas of the Declaration of Independence.
The Light In The Steeple - Religion & The American Revolution
This paper was distributed by the National Council of Churches. It provides historical religious context from the period of the American Revolution and encourages religious communities to take part in the Bicentennial by reflecting on the nation’s spiritual roots and working together to promote justice, compassion, and unity. It emphasizes that faith groups have an important role in shaping America’s future by serving others and living out values like freedom and equality.
Causes of the American Revolution
This Bicentennial flyer was distributed by the National Christian News. It provides a summary of the Acts of the British Government and other events that led up to the American Revolution.
Declare Your Independence From Big Business
This paper was distributed by the Peoples Bicentennial Commission. It calls for people to gather in Washington, D.C. on July 4, 1976, to protest the power of large corporations and demand a more democratic economy. It compares modern corporate control to the tyranny faced during the American Revolution and urges citizens to take action as part of a “Second American Revolution” for economic justice.