To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Catholic Philly featured a series of articles celebrating the enduring contributions of Catholics to our nation’s history. Three of the articles were researched and written by ACHS board members, Thomas Rzeznik and Patrick Shank. We hope these will lead to continued collaboration between the ACHS and Catholic Philly.

Quakers’ Toleration Led Skeptical Young Nation to Accept Catholics as Americans

By Thomas F. Rzeznik

Catholics were present in colonial America but faced restrictions and discrimination. In Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty, they found freedom and earned respect from their peers.

Read the story on Catholic Philly.

Catholics Had Prominent Roles in Last 3 Milestone Celebrations of America’s Founding

By Patrick Shank

In Philadelphia, Catholics left their mark on the Centennial, Sesquicentennial, and Bicentennial celebrations of America’s founding.

Read the story on Catholic Philly.

Not All Were Patriots: Remembering American Catholics Loyal to the British Crown

By Patrick Shank

While many noted Catholics sided with the American patriots during the Revolution, many lesser-known Catholics sided with Crown forces — and paid the price when they left.

Read the story on Catholic Philly.

About the authors

Thomas Rzeznik is an ACHS Board Member and co-editor of the Society’s quarterly journal, American Catholic Studies. He is professor of history at Seton Hall University.

Patrick Shank is an ACHS Board Member and Archivist for the Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.