In this week's newsletter:

• New book summary
• A Fun History Advent Calendar

We hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are so grateful for you. Your encouragement and support means the world to us as we endeavor to share this journey of discovery, exploring fascinating stories from United States history.

We visited family in Texas for an early holiday gathering before traveling to Jacksonville, Florida, to perform as the Thansgiving night show aboard the American Eagle. We remain onboard this week to host another "Eagle Society Cruise" with dedicated repeat cruisers, many with whom we've previously traveled. So much fun! In addition to musical performances, we'll be debuting a new presentation about the incredible history of St. Augustine. Wish us luck!

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NEW BOOK SUMMARY

"The Declaration of Independence History Highlights" Book RELEASES DECEMBER 13, 2025! Here's a summary to get you excited:

Discover the Bold Story Behind America’s Defining Document
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, my newest book explores the riveting, little-known stories behind one of the most important moments in world history. From the mounting tensions of the 1760s to the midnight debates of 1776, you’ll enjoy stories of the real people—rebels, thinkers, skeptics, and dreamers—who dared to declare independence. With vivid narrative, historical quotes, and rich context, this short but powerful volume brings the founding moment to life.

What’s Inside: Our Nation's Origin Story​
This book follows the story from the aftermath of the French and Indian War through years of British taxation, Colonial protest, and the eruption of violence, all the way to the signing of the Declaration. You’ll explore the political divisions among colonists, the influence of Thomas Payne's Common Sense, Thomas Jefferson’s drafting process, key edits by Congress, and how the Declaration reverberated around the world. Along the way, you’ll uncover the bold ideas, emotional debates, and human moments that shaped the birth of American independence. It’s an engaging, accessible read—perfect for general readers, educators, or anyone marking the United States of America's 250th anniversary with curiosity and pride.

Read It and Feel Reconnected to the American Idea
More than just a recounting of events, this book is about the emotional force of a revolutionary idea—that ordinary people, driven by conviction and courage, could reshape the world. You will feel inspired, more informed, and more connected to the values that sparked a nation. I hope you’ll join me to explore this incredible chapter of American history and rediscover the enduring power of those first, fearless words.

Watch for your December 13 newsletter and a link to a special discount!

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MAKE THE PAST YOUR PRESENT WITH OUR HISTORY VIDEO ADVENT CALENDAR

We have created a special treat for you - a fun history Advent Calendar with access to a different History Highlights video presentation every day from December 1 through Christmas Eve, plus a couple of special holiday bonuses. It's a festive, emailable gift! You can purchase it now and email it to your gift recipient any time you choose. (Or get it for yourself!) The videos can be enjoyed each day, in advent calendar style, or available to be enjoyed anytime. AND this weekend only, you save $12! It is a completely unique gift -- custom-created by us. And a wonderful way to support our small business this holiday season.

​CLICK HERE to get your Advent Calendar History Highlights Video Collection​

Here are the history videos that you will enjoy in the collection:

From our MISSISSIPPI RIVER collection:

• The Mississippi River: Then and Now
• The Louisiana Purchase: International Intrigue and Secret Deals
• The Journey of the New Orleans
• Steamboats Changed America
• Mark Twain and the Mississippi River
• The Grand Excursion: The Upriver Migration
• The Civil War Anaconda Plan: Explore the drama of the Union strategy that won the war.
• The King of the Riverboat Gamblers: History+Magic
• The Civil War's Vicksburg Campaign
• The Battle of New Orleans
• The Great Steamboat Race

From our COLUMBIA AND SNAKE RIVERS collection:

• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: 1 - Westward to the Pacific Ocean
• The Lewis and Clark Expedition: 2 - The Return Journey
• The Astorians: Bold Endeavors in Quest of Empire
• The Oregon Trail: Amazing Pioneer Stories from the Great Westward Migration
• The Eruption of Mt. St. Helens

From our ALASKA collection:

• Alaska History Highlights
• Discover Alaska with John Muir
• Occupied: Alaska in World War II
• Amazing Alaskan Women
• The Wonders of Glacier Bay National Park

Other MISCELLANEOUS topics:

• The Statue of Liberty: The story and legacy of a United States icon
• Benjamin Franklin
• The Wright Brothers

+ Some special surprise holiday bonuses!

And all of this is delivered to you or your gift recipient in a clever, holiday-themed way! Not only is this a great collection of history presentation videos that we know you and your gift recipients will enjoy, but it is also an opportunity to express your appreciation for all the free programs we share with you throughout the year. We appreciate the support more than you know! Don't miss out on the great discounted price this weekend only!

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All the best,

Bill and Laura
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