In 1776, fifty-six men risked everything to sign their names on a piece of parchment. If the Revolution failed, they would die as traitors. Yet they came — lawyers, farmers, doctors, merchants, a minister — united from thirteen colonies. The youngest was 26, the oldest was 70, the average just 44.  Some would rise to lead a new nation, others would lose their fortunes, their families, or their lives. This is their story — not just the history they made, but the risks they took, and the legacy they left. 

 

Who were these men? They were not all soldiers, nor were they all wealthy aristocrats. They were ordinary men with extraordinary courage.

 

25 were lawyers or judges.

11 were merchants.

9 were farmers and large plantation owners.

4 were doctors.

1 was a clergyman.

 

Others were teachers, surveyors, and everyday citizens.

 

By signing their names, they risked everything — their homes, their families, their fortunes, and their very lives. If the Revolution failed, they would be hanged as traitors. Yet they signed anyway, pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

 

This series, The Signers,  tells their stories, one video and one life at a time.  Not just of what they did in that hall, but of who they were, how they lived, and what became of them after they risked it all for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

 

Many signers have hundreds or thousands of books written about them, so each video in this series is a mere glimpse into their life.

 

These are the men behind the signatures… the men who lit the torch of freedom.