I am available to speak on my six Revolutionary War books.  My talks, which are accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation showing key images, generally last about 40 minutes, and I leave time for questions. I try to inject some humor in my talks—responses range from hand-over mouth tittering to knee-slapping guffaws.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

Christian McBurney will be giving the following lecture on his newest book, Machine Guns in Narragansett Bay: The Coast Guard’s War on Rumrunners:

Tuesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m., at Cross’ Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Road, Charlestown, RI. Sponsored by the Charlestown Historical Society.

Saturday, July 27, at Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum, 815 Gilbert Stuart Road, Saunderstown, RI.  “Rum Running & Rum Tasting with Christian McBurney.”  Rum tasting by Bottles from 4:30–5:30 pm.  Lecture, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.  For both, cost is $45 for museum members and $50 for non-members. You can also attend just the lecture for a separate charge.  To register, go to:  https://gilbertstuartmuseum.org/events/ and click on Reserve Seats

The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace says about this event:

Celebrate Rum & Rhode Island in two back-to-back events.

First, indulge your senses in a rum tasting event led by the experts at Bottles that will explore the best rums the Caribbean has to offer.

After the tasting, join Christian McBurney to learn about the 20th century rumrunners who defied Prohibition, and the Coast Guard’s battle to enforce the 18th amendment.

Tickets are $45 for 2024 museum members
and $50 for non-members

Seating is limited and reservations are required
There is no charge to attend the lecture only, but registration is still required

Sample Lectures and Book Signing Sites

In Rhode Island

Rhode Island Historical Society

Newport Historical Society

Pettaquamscutt Historical Society

Varnum Memorial Armory

Tiverton Land Trust and Tiverton Historical Society

Redwood Library

Naval War College Museum

Wakefield Books

Masonic Lodges

Outside Rhode Island

National Archives, Washington, D.C. (videotaped by CSPAN-3)

U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA (videotaped by CSPAN-3)

Massachusetts Historical Society

Fraunces Tavern Museum, New York City

Society of the Cincinnati, Washington, D.C.

American Revolutionary War Roundtables of New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, Delaware, and District of Columbia

Sons of the Revolution, District of Columbia

Silver Treasure Seekers, Taunton

David Library of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing

Washington’s Headquarters, Morristown, NJ