Saturday, January 29, 4-6pm, this on-line event requires advance registration

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 4pm, hundreds of people will gather on Zoom to celebrate the birthdate of an often-forgotten Founding Father, Thomas Paine. Hailed as “Freethought Hero” and great patriot, the January 29 event will be, as far as we know, the very first Zoom celebration of his birth. Zoom connections will be made from all over the world and everyone will be invited to deliver a toast in celebration of the life and work of this amazing champion of reason, independent thought, and revolutionary ideas.

The event is presented by the newly-formed Thomas Paine Memorial Association [TPMA] , a 501(c)(3) organization, with the purpose of educating the public and installing statues of Thomas Paine in Washington, DC and other places of significance to the life of Thomas Paine.

During the Thomas Paine Birthdate Celebration, the Stiefel Freethought Foundation (SFF) is pleased to offer an opportunity to triple any donation that is received. A $17.76 donation will be matched to become $53.28; a $1,776 donation becomes $5,328! An opportunity such as this should not be missed. Use this donation page to triple your money.

The American Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Freethought Society, the Stiefel Freethought Foundation, and the Thomas Paine National Historical Association are co-sponsors of this event.

Todd Stiefel will open the program with a few words about his triple-match offer and why the statue project is important.

Thomas Paine Memorial Association board members, including John de Lancie, Julia Sweeney, Gary Berton, Ann Druyan, Marnie Mosiman de Lancie, Christopher Cameron, Annie Laurie Gaylor, Tom Legg, and Robyn Blumner will welcome everyone to the event.

Actor Ian Ruskin will speak about his experiences portraying Thomas Paine. He will share photos of appearances and will include an overview of his “Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Paine” tour that took place in England.

Thomas Paine Memorial Association president Margaret Downey will be talking about the many Thomas Paine-themed activities she has sponsored, including her “Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Paine” that took place in Paris, France.

Sculptor Zenos Frudakis will join the festivities from his studio in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Closing remarks will be delivered by Congressman Jamie Raskin.

Educator, songwriter, and recording artist James Klueh will perform two Thomas Paine-themed songs prior to the interactive social hour.

Please click this link to register for this exciting international event.

Be sure to visit the following websites.

• Thomas Paine Memorial Association Facebook Page

• Birthday Celebration Event Page

• Thomas Paine Memorial Association Website

Schedule

• 4pm: Welcome by Emily Newman, Zoom Specialist and Co-Host

• 4:05pm: Statue Funding Announcement by Todd Stiefel, Founder and President of the Stiefel Freethought Foundation; Welcome from Board Members of the Thomas Paine Memorial Association

• 4:55pm: Ian Ruskin; Performances as Thomas Paine and England “Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Paine”

• 5:15pm: Margaret Downey; Performances as Madame Bonneville and Paris “Walk in the Footsteps of Thomas Paine”

• 5:30pm: Sculptor Zenos Frudakis and the Thomas Paine Statue Project

• 5:40pm: Question and Answer Portion and Closing Remarks by Congressman Jamie Raskin

• 6pm: Credits and Break Music by James Klueh; Interactive Social Happy Hour (Toasts and Questions Welcomed)

RSVP for this event by using this link.

Hosted by Thomas Paine Memorial Association.