Join us and The Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement to kick off First Friday in the shop on Friday, July 3, 2026 from 4-6 pm for a one-of-a-kind launch celebration of Be the Jury: A Mock Trials Series—The Revolution, an interactive new book that invites readers to step into the jury box one day before its official publication on July 4, 2026, as America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Be sure to stick around afterwards, as we will be open until 8pm!
About the Book
King George III stands trial for tyranny. The Crown has charged Betsy Ross with treason. This First Friday in Chestnut Hill, you decide their fate.
Unlike a traditional history book, Be the Jury places readers in the courtroom at pivotal moments of the American Revolution.
Lawyers argue both sides.
Witnesses—including George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross—take the stand.
Evidence is presented.
Then comes the question only you can answer:
Guilty ... or not guilty?
About the Organization
The mission of The Rendell Center is to promote civic education and engagement. To do this, it provides tools and opportunities for Students and Educators.
Since its founding in 2014, The Rendell Center has helped to restore the civic mission of schools by supporting K-12 teachers and administrators to advance the subjects of U.S. history, government, and civics. Its ability to translate constitutional concepts into engaging exercises with simple terms that teachers can use in the classroom is one of its greatest strengths.
The non-partisan pedagogical resources, programs, and events are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats so that teachers may successfully implement them in this new hybrid learning environment. But best of all, The Rendell Center’s programs and materials are FREE to students, teachers, and schools.