Upcoming and Recent Events | By Webmaster, on January 10th, 2026%
National Organizations Unite to Celebrate Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary War Service at Annual Birthdate Event: A Tribute to Thomas Paine’s Legacy January 29, 2026 — Online Event | 4:00 PM PST / 7:00 PM EST Registration Required: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw The Thomas Paine Memorial Association (TPMA) and a coalition of leading secular, historical, and humanist organizations invite the public to the annual celebration of the birth of one of America’s most influential Founders — Thomas Paine. This year’s online commemorative program, “The Times That Tried Men’s Souls: Thomas Paine’s Service During The Revolutionary War,” will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026. TPMA, which educates about Paine’s legacy, has been authorized by Congress to erect a memorial to Paine in Washington, D.C. The group has since received preliminary approval to pursue a memorial in Area 1 (close to the United States Capitol Building). The approval bill is awaiting congressional action. Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense and The American Crisis, played an indispensable role in igniting the call for independence and sustaining morale through the darkest moments of the Revolution. His writing, service, and vision for a democratic society continue to inspire generations. Paine’s contributions recently have been highlighted in Ken Burns’ documentary “The American Revolution.” Event HighlightsDistinguished Opening RemarksThe program will commence with words from Members of Congress Jamie Raskin and Victoria Spartz, with a special appearance from Benjamin Franklin. Keynote PresentationAcclaimed historian and author Jack Kelly — whose book Tom Paine’s War explores Paine’s firsthand experiences during the Revolution — will deliver a keynote address examining Paine’s military service and enduring relevance. Kelly will cover: - Paine’s background and rise to prominence
- His Common Sense pamphlet and his influence on the Declaration of Independence
- His service with the Pennsylvania militia and involvement with the Continental Army
- The fall of Fort Washington and Fort Lee
- The march across New Jersey
- The writing of The American Crisis and its impact on the battles of Trenton and Princeton
- Paine’s legacy in modern times
Readings from Paine’s WritingsAward-winning actor Ian Ruskin, known for his one-man show portraying Paine, will perform a dramatic reading from The American Crisis synchronized with a photo slide show of various images of the Paine memorial sculpted by Georg Lober, dedicated in 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey. The statue portrays Paine in the midst of writing The American Crisis during the Revolutionary War — capturing both his intellectual and patriotic courage. A Veteran’s PerspectiveGene Jones of Florida Veterans for Common Sense will speak about Paine’s heroism, the challenges he aced after the war, and why Paine remains a powerful symbol of principled military service today. Showcase: The Thomas Paine CottageA video created by Suzanne Tanswell and Gary Bush, trustees of the Huguenot New Rochelle Historical Association which owns the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle, New York, will highlight one of the most important historical sites connected to Paine’s life. Additional Program Features- Musical selection from the celebrated play ‘The Crossing’
- Live Q&A with Jack Kelly, Gary Berton, Christopher Cameron, Ian Ruskin, Margaret Downey, Gene Jones, Frances Chiu, Joy Masoff, Suzanne Tanswell, and Gary Bush
- Cosponsor messages from national organizations
- Credits slideshow
- A post-event Social Hour and Toasts, including a special opening toast by renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis, who will show his progress in creating a statue of Thomas Paine that will be placed in a prestigious pre-approved location in Washington, D.C.
Event Hosts and SponsorsThe event will be co-hosted by TPMA President Margaret Downey and TPMA Board Member Christopher Cameron. Sponsors include: - Thomas Paine Memorial Association
- Black Nonbelievers
- Thomas Paine Historical Association
- Freethought Society
- Freedom From Religion Foundation
- Thomas Paine Society
- Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
- American Atheists
- Secular Coalition for America
- American Humanist Association
- Center for Inquiry/Richard Dawkins Foundation
Join UsThis event offers an extraordinary opportunity to rediscover Thomas Paine’s contributions through scholarship, performance, and reflection. Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ga-dvEPuR0iLzT5LA45BOw By Patti Butcheck, on January 23rd, 2022% If you are planning a visit to Paris, France and you have interest is visiting the places of significance to Thomas Paine’s work and life, please use this document: Thomas Paine-Themed Tour for Visitors to Paris, France The document indicates addresses for each location that was visited during September 2017 Paris, France Thomas Paine-themed tour conducted by Margaret Downey, Julien Musolino, and Gary Berton. Downey portrayed Marguerite Brazier Bonneville. She was a French citizen and was very helpful to Thomas when he lived in Paris. Musolino portrayed Thomas Paine during the tour. In the following script, Julien quoted the words Thomas Paine uttered in Paris and conveyed some of the most famous statements made in Paine’s writings. Thomas Paine expert, Gary Berton was also a host of the tour. The document includes all the information about Thomas Paine that was conveyed by Downey, Musolino, and Berton. We hope you enjoy your time in Paris and will support the efforts of the Freethought Society. To learn more about our Thomas Paine memorial efforts and related events, please visit our Thomas Paine Memorial Committee Page. Join us to celebrate Paine’s Birthday. More information is available here: online birthday celebration!  Thomas Paine Birthday Event By Patti Butcheck, on August 20th, 2019% Secular Dia de los MuertosSecular Day of the DeadThursday November 2, 2018
Emiliano’s
6690 Mission Gorge Road
San Diego, CA 92120 Bring photos of the loved one(s) you are honoring to place on the Secular Honoring Table. TicketsPurchase tickets through the Secular Day of the Dead sponsors or directly through Eventbrite Tickets include: - Activities for Children
- Honoring Table Ceremony
- (Bring photos of loved one(s) you are honoring to place on the table. Any cultural representation and all speakers are welcome to this event.)
- Live Classical Guitar Entertainment by Juan Carlos Cortes
- Free Parking
- Face Painting only $5
- On-site souvenir store featuring Secular Saint Candles, T-Shirts, Face Masks, Juan Carlos Cortes on the Classical Guitar and Face Jewelry
This event is sponsored by: The Freethought Society and The Humanist Fellowship of San Diego Tickets for the authentic Mexican fare buffet luncheon are only: - $20 per adult
- $10 children over 5 years old
- Free for children under 5 (please reserve a spot)
A Secular Day of the Dead event is a celebration of life – sans religion. More and more people are abandoning their religious upbringing, but still want to celebrate the beauty of their culture. Many nontheist Hispanics want to continue traditions and cultural rituals, but in a secular way. Nontheist Hispanics view the Secular Day of the Dead as a perfect way to remember the legacy of dead loved ones in a way that does not require prayer, church, or any religious dogma. This is why a Secular Day of the Dead was created. To nontheists, our legacies are our afterlife. The Secular Day of the Dead event will include many redesigned Hispanic traditions and rituals that celebrate our one and only life, legacies and cultural heritage. Any cultural representation and all speakers are welcome. Rave reviews were received for Secular Day of the Dead celebrations that have already taken place in San Diego, California and Los Angeles, California. We hope to see this tradition repeated in other cities around the country. Your participation will help establish this event as an important cultural tradition and a much needed outreach to nontheists/secularists in the Hispanic community. Please attend to experience this unique and beautiful event. You will find much joy in the appreciation of the here and the now combined with the remembrances of those who lived before us. Additional Hotel InformationHotel information if you want to make a weekend out of going to San Diego. The closest hotel to Emiliano’s Restaurant is: DoubleTree by Hilton
7450 Hazard Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92108 Reservation Phone Number: (619) 297-5466 Currently priced rooms are: $259.00 – Double Occupancy with 2 queen beds
$265.00 – 1 king bed
The price includes tax and an incidental hold of $75. The $75 hold per night is refundable if no parking or incidentals are applicable at check out. A 72-hour prior notice for full cancellation refund with no penalties. By FS Editor, on December 6th, 2011% The Freethought Society is pleased to announce A LOCAL EVENT OF INTEREST TO FREETHINKERS – created and sponsored by the Humanist Association of Greater Philadelphia (HAGP)December 18, 2011 Celebrate HumanLight! HumanLight illuminates Humanism’s positive secular vision in late December. With Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, it may seem as though the holiday season calendar is very crowded. But in Pennsylvania, non-theistic people will have their day too, when they enjoy their own gala holiday celebration of HumanLight on Sunday, Dec. 18 at the
Williamson Restaurant, 500 Blair Mill Road, Horsham, PA. (map and directions) Schedule: - 12:30-1:00 Gathering and cocktails
- 1:00-1:03 Joe Fox (Co-founder of HumanLight and HAGP Vice President) – Welcome and Introduction
- 1:03-1:10 Opening remarks by emcee Patrick Collucci (Vice Chair of the HumanLight committee)
- 1:10-1:25 Candle lighting and HumanLight song
- 1:25-2:15 Lunch
- 2:15-3:10 Wondergy Presents ElectriScience
- 3:10-3:30 Live music by Cantabile
- 3:30-4:00 Keynote speaker Fred Edwords, National Director for the United Coalition for Reason
- 4:00-4:10 Closing remarks and final song
Price: Tickets, which include the luncheon, are $30 for adults. People under 18 are admitted FREE if accompanied by an adult. For more information about how to purchase tickets online using PayPal visit the HAGP Meetup or the HAGP Facebook event page. ***Make sure to add a note during purchase about # of children and if guests prefer chicken, fish, or pasta primavera.*** Or, mail a check (with food preferences) to HAGP, P.O. Box 161, Willow Grove, PA. Any questions call Martha at 330-242-4741. | |
