Historic Rock Ford, 881 Rock Ford Road, Lancaster, has posted two lectures. Both events will be held in the Langmuir Education Room on the first floor of the Rock Ford Barn.

As part of the America250 Lecture Series, Nancy K. Loane will present "Valley Forge Celebrates the French Alliance" on Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. On May 6, 1778, the Valley Forge encampment celebrated the alliance between France and the United States of America, which had just been ratified. The alliance was important in supplying military and financial aid to the new country. Now, Washington's soldiers could hope that the war would soon be over.

Loane has given more than 250 presentations across the country, all focusing on the experiences of the women and soldiers at Valley Forge and the myths and stories associated with the encampment. She is a seasonal ranger at Valley Forge National Park, as well as the author of the award-winning book "Following the Drum: Women at the Valley Forge Encampment."

The fee for the lecture also includes admission to the Snyder Gallery and Rock Ford's 2026 focus exhibit. The Snyder Gallery closes at 4 p.m.

As part of the Untold Stories of the Revolution Series, author Zara Anishanslin will present a lecture on her book "The Painter's Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution" on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m.

Artists played a crucial role in the American Revolution, including Robert Edge Pine, Prince Demah, and Patience Wright. Anishanslin's book argues that art was a powerful tool for forging revolutionary ideals, highlighting how these diverse artists - including a woman and an enslaved man - used paint, canvas, and wax to support the cause of liberty on both sides of the Atlantic. Copies of the author's book will be available for purchase and signing following the lecture.

Anishanslin is associate professor of history and art history at the University of Delaware and director of its Museum Studies and Public Engagement Program. She is the author of the award-winning book "Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World," is the creator and a co-host of the history podcast "Thing 4 Things," and has served as a historical consultant for the Philadelphia Art Museum as well as "Hamilton: The Exhibition."

Admission is for the lecture only and does not include the Snyder Gallery or Hand Mansion.

To purchase tickets to either lecture, visit http://www.historicrockford.org/special-events.