To Philly with Love (2026) Movie Script
1
It was so lovely
to meet you both.
I'm happy to see this piece
go to someone
who'll appreciate it.
We're grateful to have found it.
What a treasure.
Thanks again.
Sure.
Hi, Mom.
Emily, sweetheart.
It's so good to see you.
How was your drive?
- Oh, long but good.
- Yeah.
I'm glad Abby was able to cover
the store while you're gone.
It'll be nice to spend
this time together.
It will.
I pulled some storage boxes
out for us to go through,
and I already started
listing a couple pieces
of Mom's furniture
to sell online already.
I can see that.
Let's get you settled in.
I took Grandma's room
and I left the guest room for you.
Sounds good.
Grandma kept ticket stubs
from every special exhibit
she took me to at the museum.
She'd never let you miss one.
Look at this.
Aww.
Two peas in a pod.
I think the gene for history
buffs skipped my generation.
Oh, look.
It's Grandpa.
Oh, you didn't list Grandpa's
writing desk for sale, did you?
I would never.
Look at this.
Oh, I love that picture of them.
Dad always used to say,
"Every joy I've ever known..."
"traces back
to the day I met your mother."
I know. Mmh.
I think we've got
some work cut out for us
to get this place ready to sell.
Oh, can't be too bad.
When's the last time
you saw the attic?
I haven't been up here in ages.
Oh, I've always loved
Grandpa's desk.
Oh, your grandma would sit
at that desk for hours,
working on her history projects.
Oh, my.
I got this for Mom
for Christmas 30 years ago.
I don't think
she even touched it.
Mom, you are the only
seamstress in the family.
Grandma and I are all thumbs.
Oh.
Oh, I hope it's not that couple
wanting a refund already.
Oh, no, I doubt it.
I'll get it.
Hello.
You must be Emily.
Yes.
- You're every bit as beautiful as Beverly said you were.
- Oh.
I'm Nancy Roland, an old
friend of your grandmother's.
She and I met through the Ladies
of Liberty Historical Society?
Yes, I remember her
mentioning your name.
Please, come in.
This is for you.
Oh, what's this?
Ooh, fresh mint.
Smells amazing.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
It's from my greenhouse.
It was your
grandmother's favourite.
You know, she was
our most devoted historian.
And about the sweetest woman
you'd ever meet.
Thank you.
She was.
Are you still teaching?
Yeah.
Well, at the moment,
I'm taking some time off
to look for new
teaching opportunities.
Beverly was so proud
you decided to follow
in her footsteps.
Yeah, she was my inspiration.
Well, this is for you.
It was your grandmother's.
Oh?
I know she would
have wanted you to have it.
What is it?
It's only part
of Beverly's research,
and there's more
of it at our office.
But those letters there
were her most
cherished collection.
They date back to
the Revolutionary War,
written by a soldier
in the Continental Army
named Jonathan Ellis
to a Miss Mary Rutherford.
My mom talked
about those letters,
but I'd never seen them.
"Dearest Mary,
"your letter reached me
as a most unexpected blessing
"amid these unsettled times.
"I scarcely deserve
such kindness
"from one whose parents regard
my devotion to independence
"with disfavour."
It's a fascinating love story,
but an unfinished one.
How do you mean?
Jonathan's letters
are just one set.
It's clear Mary wrote him back.
Her letters have
never been found.
What's this?
The report your grandmother
was writing.
She was going
to present it to the Board
at the Historical Preservation
Society of Philadelphia
as evidence that
the Ladies of Liberty
were still engaged
in scholarly research.
Sadly, our non-profit status is
at risk of being revoked.
Why?
We've run into
some compliance issues.
All we want to do
is preserve the legacy
of the brave citizens
who helped found our country.
Well, do you know when
a decision being made?
In two weeks.
Oh, that's soon.
Is there anyone who can
finish her report?
Not to the level Beverly could.
She was the authority.
Well, I happen to know someone
who shares my mom's
passion for history.
Oh, well, yeah, but no,
I couldn't take this on.
Why not?
We have to get this house
cleaned up and ready to sell.
Plus, I'm taking a break
from teaching and
history in general.
And like Nancy said,
Grandma was the authority
on this, not me.
Hello, how can I help you?
Hi,
I was wondering if there was
an archivist I could speak with.
Nathan Callahan.
He's our chief archivist.
Let's see if he's available.
Follow me.
Great, thank you.
Oh.
Ahhhh, no, no,
please, stop, please, stop!
Oh, no, no, no, no, no!
Oh, come on, come on, come on.
Stop, stop, stop, stop!
Can I ask why you're trying
to break into the archives?
I, uh, I didn't mean
to set off the alarm.
I was just browsing
and thought I'd take a look.
The colonial
archives are restricted.
How would I know that?
Right.
Clearly, I didn't see that.
Those documents
are extremely valuable,
which is why they're restricted.
I am very sorry.
I was just curious.
Oh, that's not
necessarily a bad thing.
Something I can help you with?
I'm looking to speak
with an archivist
about some old letters.
Well, you found him.
Of course.
How old are those letters?
Uh, Revolutionary War Era.
If they date back that far,
they may need to be treated.
Otherwise, they could be
deteriorating by the day.
Right.
Would you mind
if I take a look at them?
Oh, that won't make
the ink bleed, will it?
I don't know.
I've never done this before.
You're very witty
for an archivist.
Well, archivists
are witty people.
Really?
Oh, yeah.
You should come by Custodians of
History conference sometime.
It is a barrel of laughs.
Okay, this letter was written
on rag-based paper,
which was common prior to 1850.
I treated it with an alkalized
buffering spray,
which neutralizes
its acidification.
But they're very dry,
so this process prevents cracking.
How long does it take?
I am dying
to read these letters.
- What?
You haven't read them yet?
Just the one I could see
through the protective sleeve.
I was too afraid to touch them
without talking
to an expert first.
Well, that was very smart.
I thought so.
Well, this process
is gonna take about an hour.
Um, you could leave or...
Uh-uh. I am not leaving
these letters.
Is there a place I can
get coffee while I wait?
There is.
Um, I could use one myself.
Do you mind if I join?
Sure.
Okay.
So tell me more
about these letters.
They were given
to my grandmother
from her grandmother.
My grandmother was
a teacher and history buff.
Hmm.
She passed away a couple
months ago.
I am so sorry.
Thank you.
She was a very special woman.
She was working on a project
with the Ladies of Liberty.
Oh, what kind of project?
It was a report she was calling
Love and Liberty,
Voices of the Revolution.
That is a great title.
But she was planning on
presenting the report
at their non-profit review,
and that's right around
the corner, so...
Hmm.
I decided to step in.
You know,
if those letters are authentic,
which at first glance
they appear to be...
it's a remarkable collection.
The problem is we only have
one side of the correspondence.
We have Jonathan Ellis' letters,
but we have nothing
for Mary Rutherford,
the woman he was writing to.
My hope was that somebody
from the National Archives
could help me dig
a little deeper?
Maybe find clues as to where
Mary's letters are?
It could get complicated
going back that far.
Mmh.
But regardless, I can help you
get started if you'd like.
I'd really appreciate it.
Okay, no problem.
Okay, here we go.
All right.
"Dear Mary,
"each moment in your presence
"awakens in me
a love beyond measure.
"That you should risk so much,
"defying both the commands
of your parents
"and their loyalty
to his majesty,
"moves me profoundly.
"Know that even the
briefest sight of you
"fills me with
courage and hope."
"When whence we stood to witness
our future as it were read,
"the words rang out
clear and strong
"as the tolling of the bell
from the tower.
"It is a song of freedom.
"Turning my head
towards you then."
"In your eyes I saw my future.
"At once you are my shelter
and my storm.
"With great endearment,
Jonathan."
What do you think this
is at the bottom here?
It's, uh, some sort of code.
It sounds like both families
were on opposite
sides of the war.
They probably had
some secrets to keep.
So you've seen this
kind of thing before?
I have.
It wasn't uncommon
during the war.
Nate, I'm so sorry to interrupt.
It's okay, Linda.
I just got a notification that
Richard Kent is on his way here.
I didn't know he was in town.
Nobody did.
Okay, it's okay.
Uh, everything is in order.
Uh, he should be pleased
with what he sees.
Okay.
I'll be back
in my office in a minute.
Thanks, Linda.
Sorry, uh,
Mr. Kent's my boss.
Um, kind of
have to switch gears.
Yeah, of course.
I've taken up too much
of your time as it is.
Would I be able to get some
protective sleeves for these
so I can read them without
having to touch them?
What do you think about
leaving the letters here?
I-I'd rather keep them
with me, if that's all right.
Well, it's important to make
sure they're probably cared for.
This is
my grandmother's project,
and it could be the key
to saving the Ladies of Liberty.
I just can't let them
out of my hands.
But I promise I will take
very good care of them.
I respect that.
Um...
Here's my card.
Huh.
Old school.
I like it.
But, um...
call me if you need any advice,
or, uh, for any reason.
Maybe I will.
Richard Kent is here.
Okay, great.
Um, no,
he's already walking
towards your office!
Oh, uh, buttoned
or unbuttoned? What do you think?
Mr. Callahan!
Oh, Mr. Kent.
What a pleasant surprise, sir.
I'm just here for a quick
meeting with a few donors.
Thought I'd stop in
and see how things are going.
- Oh, it's going very well.
Very well.
Um, let me take you around.
Ah, I appreciate it,
but no need.
I know my way around.
I did start my career here,
you know.
I am well aware.
Your career has
always inspired me.
Well, there are
opportunities in this field
for bright young people
with curiosity and integrity,
and the ability
to communicate well,
and not just with staff,
with the public at large.
It's good to know, sir.
Mr. Callahan,
when you think of archives,
what's the first thing
that comes to mind?
- Well...
- Exactly.
And that's
the other reason I'm here.
I want to create an exhibit
unlike anything
we've ever done before.
Something that shows people
that the archives
aren't just a place where...
old documents
are stored on shelves.
An exhibit that's...
interactive and exciting
and shows people the real value
of what we do here.
And equally as important,
if not more so,
something that
excites the donors.
Okay...
I hear you're a storyteller.
Well, I, uh, minored
in English Lit,
and I'm a pretty avid reader,
so, um, yeah, I think I got
a decent grasp of storytelling.
Great! I want you to put that
knowledge to use and come up
with an idea that excites
the public and the donors.
An exhibit that people want
to tell their friends about.
Okay, sure, um...
Any idea how we might make
this exhibit exciting?
No, but I have faith in you.
Oh, I appreciate that, sir.
Um, when were you thinking this
exhibit should be open?
Late spring.
Oh.
It's already spring, sir.
Well, then
we better get to work.
I will check back
in on you soon,
and you have a nice evening,
Mr. Callahan.
Uh, looking forward
to it... sir.
Okay.
My dearest Mary,
divided from you, my love,
I am lost,
adrift in a sea of apparitions,
ever receding from my reach,
with only your memory
to bind me.
Though I must leave you now,
know that I do with the heaviet
of heart and a sacred vow.
You will never be alone,
dear one,
for each time
you gaze up at the stars,
shrouded in their velvet abyss,
I so too will be at once
gazing upon them such.
And in that moment
we too shall be as one.
In your eyes,
I have seen the stars reflected
in the hope of
a new nation forming.
"Hence, I am called
to battle and fight I must,
but trust I take thee
with me always.
If I shall never return,
know that your notes
are forever safe.
Until we meet again,
yours in eternity, Jonathan."
No wonder you stayed up
all night reading these.
I couldn't put them down.
What Jonathan and Mary
risked to follow their hearts,
it's unbelievable.
They really must have
loved each other.
Yeah, but it's like Nancy said.
The story's unfinished.
Well, what does
the last letter say?
Well, Jonathan's about
to go off to war,
and he's professing
his undying love to Mary.
But he's also trying
to comfort her
because obviously she's worried
he's not coming back.
And then that's it.
Oh, I wonder if that
was Jonathan's last letter.
I don't know.
Breaks my heart to think about.
There's a few...
coded messages on the bottom
of a few of the letters.
If I'm gonna do grandma's
report any justice,
I'm gonna have to try
to decode those messages
and track down Mary's letters.
What about that archivist
who helped you with the letters?
Do you think he'd be willing
to help you dig deeper on this?
I don't know. Maybe.
I think so.
What is that face?
What?
Something that
excites the donors...
Hmm, no.
No, I don't think secret
is a cipher either.
Hey, Frank.
Hey, brother.
Sorry to bother you at work.
I know you're probably busy
preserving our
national heritage.
No, that's fine.
I just wanna make sure
you're coming to the cookout.
Burgers, dogs, kids, chaos.
Be good fun.
Count me in.
All right, I'll have Sonya
pick up a pack of cheddar brats.
Ooh, my favourite.
Hey, Sonya also wanted me
to remind you
that your invite
includes a plus-one.
You always gotta remind me
I'm single, don't you?
It's not that you're single,
it's how long
you've been single.
You made the leap
from amateur to pro.
Oh, thanks.
Look, all I'm saying is
if you do find someone,
we got plenty of
dogs to go around.
Oh, I'll be sure to lead with
that when I find someone.
Well, it's a good selling point.
Okay, well,
I'll see you soon, brother.
All right,
looking forward to it.
Bye.
I went through
all of these boxes,
and there is nothing
in them about
Mary's letters or the code.
Well, I'll keep an eye out
as I clean out these closets.
If you see anything
you like here, take it.
Some of these I might reimagine.
The rest I'm just gonna donate.
Okay, well, I'm gonna
take these boxes
to the recycling place
and have them shredded.
We're making some real headway.
On the cleanup, yes.
On the report, not so much.
Well, we're a little ahead
of the game thanks to your help,
so why don't you
take some time to work on it?
I know how important this is.
- Thanks, Mom.
- Yeah.
Knock, knock.
Emily.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm sorry to stop by
unannounced,
but I sort of misplaced
your business card.
I'm glad you did.
I-I mean, if you hadn't,
you wouldn't have stopped by.
Um, let me get you another.
As much as I welcome
a surprise visit,
I want you to be able to
get a hold of me any time.
Thank you.
I'm sorry to pester you.
I was just wondering
if you had any time
to look into the name
Ellis and Rutherford.
I had started looking in the
microfilm birth records,
but, um, I hadn't
gotten too far.
Oh...
Because I was trying
to decipher this code,
but I haven't gotten
too far with this either.
Mmh. You know what?
I think...
we put our heads together,
we can figure this out.
What...
You think so?
Are you kidding?
I am the Wordle champ.
All right. Okay.
Um, well, uh, usually,
there's a word
that starts either
at the beginning
or the end of the alphabet,
which moves the letters
one way or the other.
Um, let's just say Mary,
for example.
But I already tried that.
It doesn't work, but you get
what I'm saying, right?
- Yes.
- Yeah?
So this is...
just my best guess so far.
I haven't figured out
what the cipher word is yet.
Okay.
Well, let's say
that you are right.
The R is an E.
The most common letter
in the alphabet is S.
So let's say the P...
is an S.
So S-E something 22.
It has to be a meeting place.
Like a location or a address?
Or the 322 is
a meeting, date, and time.
Let's say, because
it's a meeting place,
that this is...
house.
Right.
So the vowels here
can't be O, U, or E.
They have to be A, I, or Y.
Hm, only sometimes.
OK, let's make this an A.
Okay. S-A-E house.
Pennsylvania...
State House!
So are we sure
it's a cipher word?
It has to be.
I mean, Liberty was even
capitalized in the letter.
That's how he highlighted
the cipher word to Mary
so that she could
decode the message.
Hmm.
Well, there it is.
Independence Hall,
which was once called
the State House.
Now see
the colonial era brickwork?
The pattern is
characteristic of its time.
It's called Flemish Bond.
It's amazing to think
the Declaration of Independence
was adopted here.
Imagine standing
in a crowd of patriots
while those words were
read out for the first time.
Gives me chills.
And I have a feeling that's what
Jonathan and Mary were doing.
Remember what he wrote
in his later letter.
"When whence we stood to witness
our future as it were read,
"the words rang out
clear and strong
"as the tolling of
the bell from the tower."
Hmm.
If we could track down
more evidence
to prove they were really here
and tie those letters to this
monumental moment in history,
that would be huge for my report
and for the Ladies of Liberty.
This is all so exciting.
Yeah, beats spending time
in the records room.
Well, I got to go help
my mom with a few things.
But I was going
to grab lunch first.
You hungry?
- Uh, yeah, I am.
What are you thinking?
Ever since I got here,
I have been craving a
Philly cheesesteak.
Oh, me too.
Let's go.
- This way.
- Yeah.
Okay.
- Mmh.
- Mmh.
Whoa.
Philly cheesesteak is
the perfect sandwich.
The steak is tender
and sliced just right.
It's the king of steaks.
You get whiz on yours,
don't you?
Ah, you better believe it.
I knew it.
So you ever gonna let me read
the rest of the letters?
- Yeah, sure, you can read them.
You just can't take them.
Not yet, anyway.
All right, understood.
But since you read them,
I'm curious.
What's your take?
Oh!
Well, first of all,
Jonathan has to be
the most romantic man ever.
Really? How so?
In one of the letters
he wrote to Mary...
there's this old legend
where a man goes to a place of meaning,
and he lights a candle
for the woman he loves.
And if the candle stays lit...
their fates are bound
together forever.
Wow. He was a romantic.
Mmh.
I feel like men like that
just don't exist anymore.
Sure they do.
I mean, if you really
love someone...
and you're desperate
for some kind of assurance
that the relationship
would endure...
I could see doing
something like that.
Hmm.
Mmh!
I found that in
the linen closet today.
Pretty cool, huh?
This family tree must go back,
what, four generations?
Yes.
And all of them living in this
house here on Maple Street.
So Agnes must have been
born just after Independence.
No maiden name, though.
Hmm.
Maybe Grandma was trying to
trace the history of the house
through the family tree...
but why?
You know, I'll show Nate.
He has access to all
the genealogical databases.
Oh, I also have to get the rest
of Grandma's research
from the Ladies of Liberty.
How about I do
that first thing...
and then I promise
I will be on cleanup duty
for the rest of the day?
A couple more days
and we'll be ready
to put the for sale sign
out front.
I know you're torn
about this, Mom.
This house holds
such deep roots for our family.
There's so many memories here.
It's gonna be hard to part with.
But my life is elsewhere.
You know, I have
the alteration shop,
and I'm not ready to retire.
And I can't afford to keep
this place in the meantime.
Hi, Nancy.
I just came to pick up
the rest of my Grandma's files.
- Oh, hi, Emily.
I'm glad you're here.
I was gonna call you.
What going on?
We have to move out.
What? Why?
Haven't you been here forever?
We have,
but we lost our lease.
We thought we'd be able to
renegotiate with the new owner,
but it didn't work out.
What happened?
- He's asking much higher rent.
- Oh.
And he's made it clear
he doesn't even think
we'll be around
after the non-profit review.
Well, I'm working on that.
Once we know what happened
to the other letters,
it's sure to help the review.
I know.
And we're so grateful.
I just wish I had more time.
Me too.
And I also wish
your grandmother were here.
She always knew
how to handle things.
Come with me.
I'll show you
your grandmother's files.
Mom, I picked up
Grandma's files.
I'll be upstairs.
Sounds good.
I'm just going
to do some vacuuming.
Okay.
Mom, look at this!
Grandma's recipes.
Aw.
Why don't we take a break,
pick one of those recipes,
and make a delicious meal
in memory of Grandma?
I'll go to the store
and get what we need.
You could even invite
a guest if you wanted.
Oh, yeah?
Who?
Whomever you like.
Hey, Emily.
What are the chances?
Yeah.
Well, I'm just about to
get some groceries,
but, uh, it looks like
you beat me to it.
What are you stocking up on?
Don't tell me
you ran out of cheese whiz.
Oh, never.
You should see my pantry.
I can only imagine.
Right next to the canned pasta.
Mmh, I'm so sorry for you.
I'll survive.
Just kidding.
I actually like to cook
when I have some time.
Uh, my mom is cooking
chicken pot pie tonight.
Pennsylvania Dutch style.
You're welcome to join us.
Unless, of course,
you're craving your canned pasta,
in which case,
I completely understand.
It is surprisingly tasty.
I'll let you read
the rest of the letters.
Maybe we can look at some
of the coded messages,
see if we can figure them out.
Oh, I see.
The dinner invite is just a ruse
to get me to help you
move your project forward.
What? No.
Well, lucky for you,
Pennsylvania Dutch
is my favourite style
of chicken pot pie.
Okay.
Thanks for helping
with the dishes, Nate.
Oh, you're welcome.
And thank you for dinner.
I appreciate it so much.
It was delicious.
My pleasure.
Okay, you two.
Don't stay up too late.
Good night, Mom.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Wow. What a cliffhanger.
- I told you!
- Yeah.
Oh, if only we could
find Mary's letters,
then we could know
how the story ends.
Yeah.
You know, my grandma made a note
that maybe the letters
are hidden somewhere.
Mmh.
Has anyone ever written you
a love letter?
Oh, I think an email is
the closest I've ever come.
Oh.
- How about you?
Have you ever written one?
Uh, I attempted to.
Once.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay, now I'm curious.
How did that turn out?
Uh, forced,
to tell you the truth.
Hmm.
That's the thing
about love letters.
Um, for the words to flow,
the feelings need to be real.
And they weren't real before?
When they're real,
you just know.
Mmh, like Jonathan.
He knew.
Yeah.
He did.
Oh, boy.
Uh, I should probably
get going soon.
- Yeah.
Big day tomorrow?
Yeah.
Yeah, I have to get
to the office early.
I've been given
this big assignment,
but, um, I've been,
uh, putting it off.
But don't worry, I'm
gonna get back to this soon.
I've taken pictures of all
the other codes of messages
and the family tree,
and when I got some time,
I'm gonna put all
the names into the database.
It's my fault
you've fallen so far behind.
I have been
a total distraction.
Yeah.
Yeah, you have.
But, um...
I don't mind at all.
Rutherford.
Rutherford.
Nope.
Hey, Nate.
Sorry to interrupt.
Hi, Linda.
I just spoke with Richard Kent.
What about?
He wants me to start
making arrangements
for a "one-of-a-kind" exhibit.
He wants to start
promoting it right away.
Did he give you a date?
Next Saturday.
Next...
Saturday.
That's not possible.
You want me to tell him
that you're gonna
want to push the date?
No, no, don't do that.
Okay, great.
So what is this
"one-of-a-kind" exhibit anyway?
It sounds exciting.
I...
haven't figured it out yet.
Oh, dear.
Uh... I'm gonna leave you
to get to it then.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hi, Nate.
Catching up on all
your work today?
Not at all.
But that's actually
why I'm calling.
Let me guess.
You can't stop thinking
about the coded messages.
I can't.
And you want to help me
find Mary's letters.
You read my mind.
We gonna get together
and try to figure this out?
Thought you'd never ask.
We need that second cipher word
if we're gonna find
Mary's letters.
That's true.
This letter must have
a different cipher
because Liberty
didn't work for this one.
Mmh.
What about courage?
Hmm.
That does look
slightly different
than the other words,
doesn't it?
Yeah, it's the only
word not slanted.
And all the other words are.
Let's try it.
Yeah.
We were right!
The cipher word was courage.
But the secret message
is mulberry and bread?
I think I know
where we need to go.
Where?
Well, in 1854,
Mulberry Street
was renamed Arch Street.
Maybe they're talking
about the Meeting House.
No, couldn't be.
It was built after the war.
It has to be a meeting spot.
I mean, it has a date
and time, too,
just like the first.
If it's Arch Street,
just west of bread, then...
Look what we have here.
Betsy Ross House.
Wouldn't it be amazing
if Jonathan and Mary
were somehow connected
to Betsy Ross?
I mean, if we're right,
this is where they met.
Come on.
Betsy Ross was
born Elizabeth Griscom in 1752.
Raised in a Quaker family,
she learned to knit and sew
when she was young.
She married a man
named John Ross
and started an
upholstery business.
Sadly, John died in
a gunpowder explosion
during the Revolutionary War.
According to legend,
in May of 1776,
Betsy Ross was approached
by none other than
George Washington about sewing
the first American flag.
He wanted the flag to continue
contain 13 stars and 13 stripes.
And when he asked if
she thought she could do it,
Betsy's reply was,
"I don't know, but I will try."
Do you remember any mentions
of flags in the letters?
I don't think so.
Now, whether this story
is fact or folklore,
Betsy Ross has secured
a place in America's heart
and remains to this day
a symbol of patriotism
and the powerful
influence women had
in the founding of our nation.
Mmh. Another high-pressure
assignment, huh?
Mmh, just like Jefferson,
she knocked out of the park.
Yeah, she did.
I love that quote by Betsy Ross.
I so admire her courage
and willingness to try.
It's quite a story, huh?
And the guide said
that she was approached by
Washington in May of 1776,
and Jefferson was drafting
the declaration in June of 1776.
Mmh. They would
have been working
on these things
around the same time.
Around the time that Jonathan
was writing the letters,
right before he went off to war.
I wonder why...
he asked Mary to meet him there.
Well, let's look
at the letters again.
Okay.
Look at this.
"In your eyes,
"I see those stars reflected,
"and the hope of
a new nation forming."
Yeah, well, hold on.
He could have been talking
about the stars in the sky.
Oh, come on!
The coded message
literally puts them there
while Betsy was
working on the flag.
And then the next message,
he talks about the stars
reflected in Mary's eyes?
Jonathan was
the exemplary patriot,
bringing the woman
he loves to these places
to show her what
their future could look like,
to show her
what he was fighting for.
Well, if true...
it is rather remarkable.
I mean, the backdrop
of their love story
is literally
the birth of our nation.
It's the making of an epic.
Feuding families,
forbidden love,
a revolution.
That's why
my grandma called them
the Romeo and Juliet
of the revolution.
Huh, she did?
Yeah, it's at the beginning
of her report.
That's a great hook.
I thought so.
You've got
a compelling hypothesis.
But the scholarly standards
the report will
be measured against
will definitely need proof.
And an ending would help.
Yeah, an ending seems important.
This is a lot to process,
and my head is spinning.
And the deadline for the report
is getting closer by the hour,
and I don't even know if
it's possible to get it done.
You know what? You were right.
Water Ice is exactly what
I needed.
These are so good.
Excuse me.
Wooder ice.
Right.
Being here makes me realize
Philly has this
gravitational pull, you know?
Yes, it does.
It's funny.
I spent a good part of my
life here, but at some point,
I started overlooking
all the amazing history.
Most historical city in America.
Mm-hmm.
Your grandmother
clearly appreciated it.
Yeah.
I think she's guiding me
in this journey.
Journey through the past.
It's more than just the past.
It's... a rediscovery
of everything
that's been missing
in my life lately.
Like what things?
My love of history and teaching.
That spark I used to wake up
to every morning before school.
It started to dim.
I lost that connection to
the passion that inspired me.
But these letters definitely
had me thinking differently
about a lot of things.
What about you?
What did you take away
from the letters?
Well, I think the letters are...
a great example of how
to express your feelings.
To take risks.
To speak and act
from the heart more often.
I agree.
I was so inspired by...
how Jonathan was so
vulnerable and didn't hold back.
Hmm.
After my last relationship, I...
..kind of shut that part
of myself off.
I think we can both learn
a thing or two from Jonathan.
Excuse me.
Of course.
Hello?
Hi, Mom.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down.
Oh, no. Okay,
I'm on my way.
I'm sorry. I have to go,
it's an emergency.
Well, what happened?
An electrical wire caught fire
and burned a hole
in the attic wall.
Well, I'll come with you
and see if I can help out.
Thanks.
Mom, what happened?
I don't know.
I-I was clearing out
these trunks,
and I heard a pop
and a flash of blue out
of the corner of my eye.
Oh, it must be an arc
of electricity.
What kind of wiring
do you have in this house?
Well, I know the first two
floors were updated years ago,
but up here, it could still
be knob and tube.
Okay, I should be able to tell
by checking in the panel.
I'm gonna go
to the basement, okay?
- Yeah.
- All right.
- Thank you.
- This is so dangerous.
I'm glad you're all right.
Yeah, we should turn
the power off up here
until we can get
an electrician in.
I'm afraid you're gonna have
to find a new work area.
Oh, I don't mind.
I think that's only safe.
Yeah.
Listen, I can come back and, um,
help you out with
whatever you need.
Oh, no, that's okay.
My mom's already on the phone
with an electrician
to fix the wiring.
Okay, well,
if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
Of course.
I'm sorry to ask, but, um,
where are the letters?
They are in a drawer
in my room in the house.
Are you sure they're okay?
Yeah, I checked.
Because Emily, you know,
letters that fragile are
important, they need to...
I know, Nate, I know.
Just let me
photograph them again.
The images I have are dark
and they need better lighting.
Well, I can get them
professionally digitized.
I just need my own copies
for my own peace of mind.
But I'll do it tonight and then
I drop them off to you tomorrow.
Okay, great.
And don't forget, no flash.
I'm aware.
I'm sorry.
If it feels like I've been
pressuring you into this.
No, no, you're right.
The letters need to be somewhere
safer than the house.
I don't think we're going to
find Mary's letters anyway.
Well, we can still finish off
the family tree,
see if there's connections,
and we still have, you know,
coded messages to figure out.
Yeah.
Yeah, we can work on that.
Yeah.
Okay.
Thank you for coming by
and helping us.
Don't mention it.
You know, my, uh,
brother and his wife
are having a cookout
this weekend.
Nothing fancy.
Kids will be running around,
probably screaming,
but it should be fun.
You feel like coming with?
I would love to.
Great.
Okay.
I'll see you soon.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Flemish bond?
Just like the State House.
Here they are,
safe and sound.
You made a good decision, Emily.
We'll take good care of them.
I need you to promise me
that I will have access
to the originals.
I am talking
priority VIP access.
I promise.
You can have access
to the letters anytime.
We can even list the collection
under your name, if you like.
No.
Let's list them under
Beverly Chandler
and the Ladies of Liberty.
Done.
Also, I found some brickwork
in the walls of the attic
that looked a lot like the
brickwork at the State House.
Seriously?
I need to do a little bit
more research on the house,
but if I can prove that it
has any historical significance,
then I might be able to pull
everything together.
I'm impressed by
your determination.
You don't give up.
Nope.
I'm going to finish
what my grandmother started
and help save
the Ladies of Liberty.
Which is exactly why
I want you to meet Sonya,
my sister-in-law.
You're gonna love her,
and she might be able to help.
As for my brother Frank...
I'll let you be the judge.
Boys, not in the house!
Nate, I got you your favourite.
Thank you, Sonya.
Emily, how do you
like your cheese brats?
Butterflied or natural?
Oh, natural, please.
Ah, let the casing
do the talking.
Oh, I know how you like them,
little brother.
Split and blackened.
Yep.
We are opposites
in a lot of ways.
Mmh. Might not be a bad thing.
So, Sonya, how did
you and Frank meet?
We met in college.
We had a class together,
and I thought he was cute.
And I knew she was cute.
Good answer, buddy.
He texts me one night
to see if I wanted to study.
We met at this all-night diner
and stayed up talking
until the sun came up.
That's all it took.
I fell for him right away.
Hey, boys, hit me.
Frank.
A little bit of the duck,
but not bad.
- Oh, okay.
- All right.
Whoa!
- Hey! Wow.
Where did that come from?
So, where have you been applying
for teaching jobs in Philly?
Oh, a number of schools.
But I'm looking for other
opportunities in education too.
I want to find something
that allows me
to reach more
students than I could
if I were just teaching
one history class at one school.
I thought about teaching
when I was younger.
I ended up in law school.
What kind of law
do you practice?
I'm an advocacy lawyer.
I work mostly with non-profits.
Ah, I know why Nate
wanted us to meet.
I could actually use your help.
Would it be okay if
I called you sometime?
Of course. Anytime.
Okay.
What are you sewing?
Oh, I didn't see you there.
I thought I'd try
making a quilt.
A little personal project
of my own while I'm here.
It's beautiful.
I feel like I've seen
this one before.
You have.
These are all Grandma's fabrics.
Her linens, her clothes.
I thought it'd make us
something to remember her by.
Each square is
a piece of our past.
Oh, Mom, I love it.
Who's the history buff now?
How was the cookout?
Oh, it was so fun.
Nate's brother's
family's really great.
And his sister-in-law
is a non-profit attorney
and might be able to help
the Ladies of Liberty.
- Oh, wow.
- Mmh.
Mom, I'm sorry I've been
so in and out.
I've just been
really preoccupied
with Grandma's project.
Preoccupied with Grandma's
project or with Nate?
Grandma's project
is my priority.
I don't know.
What do you mean you don't know?
Since you've met him,
you've had a...
A lightness about you, Emily.
A glow.
A glow?
Please.
You don't think I notice
the way you look at each other?
It's nice to see.
I've been worried about you
since your last
relationship ended.
Yeah, well, Nate is handsome
and charming
and funny and smart.
But I've learned my lesson.
I'm more guarded now.
I don't think
that's the right approach.
I mean, think
about those letters
of what Jonathan and
Mary were going through.
The uncertainty?
Jonathan risked everything
to tell Mary how he really felt.
And from his letters,
it sounds like she did the same.
There's something really
beautiful about that.
About believing in love
enough to take a chance.
Hello, Mr. Kent.
Mr. Callahan.
Just wanted to let you know
I'll be back in town
for a couple of days.
I'm hosting a dinner for a few
patrons of the archives.
I'd love it
if you could be there.
Oh, thank you for the
invitation, sir. I'll be there.
Now, bring a plus-one
if you'd like.
Great, um...
I have one in mind.
The people invited,
there's a select group of donors
I've approached about
funding our expansion.
Thought you could catch us up n
the, uh, status of the exhibit.
I assume it's coming along?
Um, yeah.
I've been, uh, putting
a lot of thought into it.
It's, uh, it's gonna
be one-of-a-kind.
That's for sure.
And... exciting.
Oh, and exciting.
Love it.
I'll send you the details,
and we'll see you soon.
See you soon, sir.
Hi, Sonya.
It's Emily Hollister,
Nate's friend from the cookout.
- Hi, Emily.
What can I do for you?
Well, yeah,
if you have a minute.
A non-profit my grandma
was a part of
has run into some trouble
with their 501C3 status.
The Ladies of Liberty?
- Yes, I love their work.
I'd be happy to advise on that.
Have them send me all
their supporting documents.
- Oh, I am so grateful.
Thank you.
It's my pleasure.
And how's Nate?
Have you seen him lately?
Yeah, Nate's great, actually.
I'm on my way
to see him right now.
I found the third cipher.
Hi.
Um, what is it?
Love.
Um...
what's the message?
First Masters,
High Street, Nightfall.
Mary Masters built
a house on High Street
that would go on to become
the presidential home.
Perhaps Mary Masters was
an ally of the revolutionaries
and provided a safe place
for Jonathan and Mary to meet.
Mmh.
Oh, and I got some other news.
There's a fourth coded message
on the back
of Jonathan's last letter.
On the back?
Yeah, it's so faint
you can hardly see it,
so I had to put it up on the
board and try to figure it out.
And then something else came up.
And now I'm pulling
you away from that
to help me with something else.
I can come back later...
No, no, no, no, no, it's okay.
I can, I can multitask.
You can?
No. Not at all.
I didn't think so.
The presidential house
doesn't really exist anymore,
so I don't think
we're gonna find anything
by retracing Jonathan
and Mary's steps there.
But what about the code?
Let's look at the letter again.
I didn't see a word written
in a different style
like the others were.
Yeah, neither did I.
Okay, he going off to war,
his future is uncertain.
What would his cipher word be?
This line stands out to me.
"Your notes are forever safe."
Notes.
And perhaps what he means
by forever safe
is that he hid them
somewhere not with him,
so that Mary
wouldn't get found out.
And if he never returned,
maybe that's a hidden message.
The location of the letters!
Attic wall, ma-ple...
Maple!
The brickwork in the attic!
Like at the State House!
I have to go.
I'll call you.
Wait, can I come?
If you hurry!
I'm hurrying!
We need to tear
all of this down.
Are you sure that's okay?
Okay...
Light?
Yeah.
What have we got here?
Wait!
That brick looks like
it's sticking out a bit.
Can I open it?
Very carefully.
Mary's letters.
My grandma thought
they were hidden.
You know, I think she may have
had a hand in that fire.
You know she did.
You better send me those letters
the second that
you get them scanned.
I am dying to find
out what happened
to our Romeo and Juliet
of the revolution.
Oh, please let it be
a happily ever after.
We'll get it started tomorrow.
Who's we?
Well, uh, these letters
are fragile
and should be handled
by the best.
Our chief conservator
needs to be involved.
Uh, he's handled documents
in Europe far older than these.
Okay. Well, as long
as I have time to read them
and get the report done
by the deadline.
Yeah, we should have 'em treated
and scanned by the weekend.
Okay.
Well, you should get some sleep.
Yeah, I have a big day tomorrow.
I just seem to keep falling
farther behind in my other work.
Yeah...
I think that one's on me.
I feel awful.
- No, no.
- Yes, I owe you one.
If there is anything I can do
to make it up to you.
Well, um, actually, uh,
my boss has invited me
to this dinner.
He asked me if I wanted
to bring anyone.
And do you want to?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think I would.
I don't know, I was thinking
about this smart, cool,
really attractive woman I know.
Hmm.
She sounds like a keeper.
Mm-hmm.
Should hurry up and ask her.
- You know what?
You're right. I should.
I'll get on that.
Emily, would you like to be
my date at my boss's dinner?
It's at a really
fancy restaurant.
Oh, well, I'm glad
you threw that in there.
I was a little bit on the fence.
Oh, were you.
I wouldn't miss it.
Okay, great.
- Good night.
- Bye.
Hey, Emily, I got your
favourite scones
to celebrate the
discovery of Mary's letters,
and I want to let you know
I finally got the house listed.
What?
Yeah, I got an agent
and everything.
I just put the for sale sign
in the front yard.
Mom, you have to take that down!
Why?
Why did you do that?
I think I found a way to keep the house.
How?
I am confident this place
has enough of a legacy
to get a historical designation.
What does that mean?
It means the city's Historical
Society would purchase
the home for a fair price
and the grant would go toward
maintenance and restoration.
Emily, that's wonderful news.
That's not the only piece.
I want to propose that it be
run by the Ladies of Liberty.
That way they have
a permanent home.
Grandma's home.
And then, we could develop
a youth education center
where we host field trips
and really make the history
come alive for the students
in a way that really
resonates with them.
The way Jonathan's letters did.
And how long
would this all take?
Well, it'll take them some time
to consider the application,
but I'm working on it right now.
Oh, Emily.
You've always
been so thoughtful.
Ever since you were little.
It's what makes you
such a wonderful teacher,
that and your passion
for history.
I know you've been
in a bit of a rut,
but seeing your excitement
over the letters and this house,
it shows that the passion
still burns inside of you.
Thanks, Mom.
I feel reinvigorated
by all of this.
And you think it could also
have to do with Nate?
Okay.
Maybe a little bit.
I'm glad you're finally
admitting it.
"Dear committee,
"we respectfully submit this
proposal to request support
"for the acquisition and
preservation of the home
"at 231 Maple Street.
"Residence of
exceptional historical
"and cultural significance
to Philadelphia."
Did you work on
the report all day?
I did.
I think I'll be able
to finish the application
by the end of the weekend.
I just need the
scans of Mary's letters.
And what's the status on that?
Nate has an expert
working on it.
Oh, speaking of Nate,
isn't tonight your big date?
It is.
But I don't even have
anything to wear.
What's the attire?
I need a dress.
Stay right there.
Your grandmother
has got you covered.
Oh, that's beautiful.
That was Grandma's?
She had style.
This is one of the pieces
I was gonna keep for myself,
but you should have it.
Mm.
She looked gorgeous in it,
and I know you will, too.
Cheers, everyone.
Improvements
were made to the archives.
It's great.
You guys will really
enjoy the new exhibit.
Mr. Callahan.
Please, let me
introduce you to our guests.
This is Nate Callahan,
our chief archivist.
Pleasure to meet you all.
Mrs. Langford
and the Pembrokes.
They have been generous patrons
of the archives over the years,
and both families have
contributed significantly
to our collection.
Yes,
the Langford Revolutionary
Pamphlet Collection.
Oh.
And the Pembroke
Portraits of Independence,
which includes a painting
of Washington's trusted general,
Nathaniel Green.
One of my favourite portraits.
Oh, mine as well.
Mr. Callahan, if I may put you
on the spot,
could you please fill us in
on what we can expect
from the archives' upcoming
one-of-a-kind exhibit?
Of course.
Um, but you're not
putting me on the spot at all.
I mean, we started working on
this, what, a week ago?
It is important to present
something new and exciting
to the public and
our generous donors.
After all, the archives have
something to say.
They hold the origin
stories of this great nation.
Is that not right,
Mr. Callahan?
Absolutely.
Which is why
this newest exhibit,
which is being billed
one-of-a-kind...
is just that.
It's a new collection.
A collection of
Revolutionary War era letters.
Oh!
Love letters,
as a matter of fact.
Ah!
From the Romeo and
Juliet of the Revolution.
Fascinating.
So how does this love story end?
Yes, I'm dying to know.
Hopefully not as
tragically as Shakespeare?
Let's hope.
Well, you're just gonna have
to wait and see.
Suspense. I love it.
Did I not tell you
that Mr. Callahan was
an exceptional storyteller?
Oh, please.
But the credit for this exhibit,
um, it must go to...
This is gonna be amazing.
I, for one,
cannot wait for the opening.
Yes. We'll be going.
We will, too.
Thank you. Thank you.
Um...
Excuse me.
You look...
breathtaking.
Oh, you look very handsome.
This tie really brings
out your eyes.
Glad you noticed.
Um, listen, I, um,
I found something that's
gonna help your application.
Oh, what?
It turns out that your house
was actually owned
by Stuart and Mercy Ellis,
Jonathan's parents.
Mercy was a seamstress.
She made coats
for the Continental Army.
That might have been
the connection to Betsy Ross.
- Who was also a seamstress.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh, wait till I tell my mom.
And Stuart Ellis
was a bricklayer
employed by Edmund Woolley.
Who built the
Pennsylvania State House.
Exactly.
It's amazing how connected
your grandma was to all of this.
I mean, there's
a high probability
you're a direct descendant
of the Ellis family.
- Agnes Ellis.
She's the link.
So that house has been
in our family
since America's independence.
Most likely.
Anyway, I emailed you
the report so you can use it
for your historical
designation application.
Oh, thank you, Nate.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Grandma would have
been so happy.
Um, let me introduce you
to some people.
Yeah.
Miss Hollister.
Oh.
It was such a pleasure
meeting you this evening.
Oh, thank you so much
for including me.
This was lovely.
Can we expect to see you
at the opening of
Nate's new exhibit?
I... You might.
I certainly hope so.
The Romeo and
Juliet of the Revolution.
It's just...
brilliant.
We'll see you then.
Um...
Emily, no, just wait.
You... you are claiming
my grandmother's project
as your own?
No. No, not at all.
We can all benefit
from this exhibit.
Yeah, but no one more than you.
How are the Ladies of Liberty
supposed to make claim
to those letters
if the National Archives are
putting them on public display?
- Emily...
- I should have known
there was an ulterior motive
behind all of this.
Emily, look...
I trusted you, Nate.
This project, yeah,
is the kind of thing
archivists live for,
and maybe it'll
help my career...
but it doesn't hold a candle
to my feelings for you.
Nate,
all I still need from you now
the scans of Mary's letters
so that I can finish
what my grandmother started.
You know, it's ironic.
We don't know how Jonathan
and Mary's story ends...
but we know how ours does.
"Dear Jonathan,
"I recall with vividness
the first occasion
"upon which I beheld you
from afar.
"So dignified and handsome.
"The undeniable fondness
we share for one another
"is a bridge over the rift
"that others say
should divide us.
"You have awoken in me
a passion within my heart,
"not only towards
your person, but...
"...for the dream of that
nation drawing nigh."
"My dearest Jonathan,
"our great vision shared by may
calls upon you now to realize
"that Washington's army
pulls you from my arms,
"and with it tears
my breath from my lungs.
"Though I grieve for
our impending separation,
"I know that the devotion
within your heart
"is the burning flame
that once illuminated you to me
"and your cause
to my consciousness.
"Go then with my blessing
and my prayers.
"Only promise that when the war
is done, you will return to me.
"You're ever faithful, Mary."
"My beloved Jonathan...
"...I read of the terrible
battles being fought
"and my heart grows
weary with fear.
"It has been well over a month
"since I last held
your words in my hand
"and the silence grows
heavy upon my heart.
"Sleep eludes me and
I can scarcely eat.
"How often I recall the blessed
moment before the State House,
"where you once
lit a candle for me,
"and where at last you knelt
to ask for my hand.
"When will I
see you again, my love?
"But one word,
"one scrap of paper from you,
"and I may breathe again
"with the knowledge
across such fibres,
"your own breaths did flow,
"and now kisses
the tips of my fingers.
"Your beloved, Mary."
"My beloved Jonathan,
"I cannot but contain
my happiness
"upon receiving word
from Officer Borne
"that you are safe and healing
in an army infirmary.
"My heart leaps with joy
that in the weeks to come
"we shall no longer
communicate through letters,
"but share
a single life together.
"Until that day, my love,
"the moments between
will pass as if an eternity.
"How I long to behold your face
and take your hand within mine.
"Still know that I am
with you now in spirit.
"My quill had never flowed with
such elation across the page,
"yet I know that,
with sincere emotion,
"the words unfold of
their own natural will.
"Yours eternally, Mary."
Hi.
Hi, Sonya.
So, 501C3 filings
can get complicated
with the new regulations.
We've seen a lot of non-profits
lose their status.
I'm glad you brought this to me.
All the compliance issues
have been addressed.
Oh, thank you so much, Sonya!
And the ruling
on the historical merit
of your report
will be made any day now.
But between you and me,
the senior board members
on my PTA,
she loves your work,
I have no doubts.
Oh, this is amazing news.
The Ladies of Liberty
will be so delighted.
Have they found another space?
No, but I'm working
on that right now.
They're lucky to have
you on their side.
I'm just picking up where
my grandmother left off.
Feel free to tell me
to butt out,
but if you don't mind me asking,
what happened between
you and Nate?
Frank said he's
never seen him so down.
"Dear Emily,
"I know I upset you
and I'm sorry.
"I just wanted you to know
my intention with the exhibit
"was to honour your grandmother
and help the Ladies of Liberty.
"If you come
to the preview tonight,
"I think you'll see that.
"Following the mystery
of the letters with you
"has pulled me
out of hiding in the past,
"and for the first time,
I have a vision of my future.
"Your ever faithful
servant, Nate.
"My dearest Mary,
"to you I must confess.
"I awaken each day
"in the hope of finding
my courage and fortitude
"arrive in the form
of your letters.
"Scarce have I found
such anticipation
"as when the postman brings
those precious pages forth
"and I find myself devouring
your words as sustenance."
"My dearest Jonathan,
"our great vision,
shared by many,
"calls upon you now to realize
That Washington's army
pulls you from my arms
"and with it tears
my breath from my lungs.
"Though I grieve for
our impending separation,
"I know that the devotion withn
your heart is the burning flame
"that once illuminated you to e
"and your cause
to my consciousness"
"My dearest Mary,
"the still of the night is
vast and chills my blood,
"so close to battle and yet
so far from your countenance.
"Divided from you,
my love, I am lost,
"adrift in a sea of apparition,
"ever receding from my reach,
"with only your notes
to bind me.
"Though I must leave you now,
"know I do so with
the heaviest of hearts."
Congratulations, Mr. Callahan.
Mr. Kent.
This exhibit will be
the talk of the town.
When I speak with the Board,
I'll be sure to let them know
who my pick is
for the opening in D.C.
Thank you.
But, uh, I don't want
a position in D.C.
No?
No, I want to stay
right here in Philadelphia.
But I do have
a favour to ask you.
Sure. Anything.
There's an application
for a historic designation
for a house recently submitted
by Emily Hollister.
Oh, Emily!
Yes. Such a lovely woman.
Is she here this evening?
I-I don't think
she's gonna make it.
But, um...
none of this would
have happened without her.
Could you please make sure
her application
gets due consideration?
Certainly will.
Thank you, sir.
Where are you off to?
Liberty Bell.
"Go, then,
"with my blessing
and my prayers,
"only promise that when
the war is done,
"you will return to me.
"You're ever faithful, Mary.
Excuse me.
Hey, Emily.
Hi, Linda.
Beautiful exhibit, isn't it?
It really is.
Nate's going to be
so upset he missed you.
Where'd he go?
He just left.
Said he was going
to the Liberty Bell.
Um...
He's been acting funny lately.
I think he's a little
sleep deprived.
Um, you know what?
I'm sorry, Linda.
I have to go.
Oh.
How many times are you going
to I'll try to light that thing?
As many times as it takes.
Here, let me help you
block the wind.
That's a good idea.
I read Mary's letters.
Jonathan and Mary's
love endured.
It did.
Do you think ours can?
I do.
Emily, Diane,
I still can't believe
we saved Beverly's home.
Welcome, guys.
Hello, welcome.
- Welcome, everyone.
- Come on in.
It's so good
to see you Miss Hollister.
Thanks for setting up
this sweet field trip to Philly.
Oh, you're welcome.
Do you have any questions?
Actually, yes.
Are you Miss Hollister fianc?
Oh.
That's a little off topic,
but that's okay.
The answer is yes.
We just got engaged
in front of the Liberty Bell.
I'm actually glad you asked,
because our engagement
is the perfect example
of how history
can inform the present.
Exactly.
Why don't you come inside?
Let me show you around.
We're gonna start the
workshop with a story
that starts way back
in the Revolutionary War.
And that actually starts
in this house right here.
Yeah.
It was so lovely
to meet you both.
I'm happy to see this piece
go to someone
who'll appreciate it.
We're grateful to have found it.
What a treasure.
Thanks again.
Sure.
Hi, Mom.
Emily, sweetheart.
It's so good to see you.
How was your drive?
- Oh, long but good.
- Yeah.
I'm glad Abby was able to cover
the store while you're gone.
It'll be nice to spend
this time together.
It will.
I pulled some storage boxes
out for us to go through,
and I already started
listing a couple pieces
of Mom's furniture
to sell online already.
I can see that.
Let's get you settled in.
I took Grandma's room
and I left the guest room for you.
Sounds good.
Grandma kept ticket stubs
from every special exhibit
she took me to at the museum.
She'd never let you miss one.
Look at this.
Aww.
Two peas in a pod.
I think the gene for history
buffs skipped my generation.
Oh, look.
It's Grandpa.
Oh, you didn't list Grandpa's
writing desk for sale, did you?
I would never.
Look at this.
Oh, I love that picture of them.
Dad always used to say,
"Every joy I've ever known..."
"traces back
to the day I met your mother."
I know. Mmh.
I think we've got
some work cut out for us
to get this place ready to sell.
Oh, can't be too bad.
When's the last time
you saw the attic?
I haven't been up here in ages.
Oh, I've always loved
Grandpa's desk.
Oh, your grandma would sit
at that desk for hours,
working on her history projects.
Oh, my.
I got this for Mom
for Christmas 30 years ago.
I don't think
she even touched it.
Mom, you are the only
seamstress in the family.
Grandma and I are all thumbs.
Oh.
Oh, I hope it's not that couple
wanting a refund already.
Oh, no, I doubt it.
I'll get it.
Hello.
You must be Emily.
Yes.
- You're every bit as beautiful as Beverly said you were.
- Oh.
I'm Nancy Roland, an old
friend of your grandmother's.
She and I met through the Ladies
of Liberty Historical Society?
Yes, I remember her
mentioning your name.
Please, come in.
This is for you.
Oh, what's this?
Ooh, fresh mint.
Smells amazing.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
It's from my greenhouse.
It was your
grandmother's favourite.
You know, she was
our most devoted historian.
And about the sweetest woman
you'd ever meet.
Thank you.
She was.
Are you still teaching?
Yeah.
Well, at the moment,
I'm taking some time off
to look for new
teaching opportunities.
Beverly was so proud
you decided to follow
in her footsteps.
Yeah, she was my inspiration.
Well, this is for you.
It was your grandmother's.
Oh?
I know she would
have wanted you to have it.
What is it?
It's only part
of Beverly's research,
and there's more
of it at our office.
But those letters there
were her most
cherished collection.
They date back to
the Revolutionary War,
written by a soldier
in the Continental Army
named Jonathan Ellis
to a Miss Mary Rutherford.
My mom talked
about those letters,
but I'd never seen them.
"Dearest Mary,
"your letter reached me
as a most unexpected blessing
"amid these unsettled times.
"I scarcely deserve
such kindness
"from one whose parents regard
my devotion to independence
"with disfavour."
It's a fascinating love story,
but an unfinished one.
How do you mean?
Jonathan's letters
are just one set.
It's clear Mary wrote him back.
Her letters have
never been found.
What's this?
The report your grandmother
was writing.
She was going
to present it to the Board
at the Historical Preservation
Society of Philadelphia
as evidence that
the Ladies of Liberty
were still engaged
in scholarly research.
Sadly, our non-profit status is
at risk of being revoked.
Why?
We've run into
some compliance issues.
All we want to do
is preserve the legacy
of the brave citizens
who helped found our country.
Well, do you know when
a decision being made?
In two weeks.
Oh, that's soon.
Is there anyone who can
finish her report?
Not to the level Beverly could.
She was the authority.
Well, I happen to know someone
who shares my mom's
passion for history.
Oh, well, yeah, but no,
I couldn't take this on.
Why not?
We have to get this house
cleaned up and ready to sell.
Plus, I'm taking a break
from teaching and
history in general.
And like Nancy said,
Grandma was the authority
on this, not me.
Hello, how can I help you?
Hi,
I was wondering if there was
an archivist I could speak with.
Nathan Callahan.
He's our chief archivist.
Let's see if he's available.
Follow me.
Great, thank you.
Oh.
Ahhhh, no, no,
please, stop, please, stop!
Oh, no, no, no, no, no!
Oh, come on, come on, come on.
Stop, stop, stop, stop!
Can I ask why you're trying
to break into the archives?
I, uh, I didn't mean
to set off the alarm.
I was just browsing
and thought I'd take a look.
The colonial
archives are restricted.
How would I know that?
Right.
Clearly, I didn't see that.
Those documents
are extremely valuable,
which is why they're restricted.
I am very sorry.
I was just curious.
Oh, that's not
necessarily a bad thing.
Something I can help you with?
I'm looking to speak
with an archivist
about some old letters.
Well, you found him.
Of course.
How old are those letters?
Uh, Revolutionary War Era.
If they date back that far,
they may need to be treated.
Otherwise, they could be
deteriorating by the day.
Right.
Would you mind
if I take a look at them?
Oh, that won't make
the ink bleed, will it?
I don't know.
I've never done this before.
You're very witty
for an archivist.
Well, archivists
are witty people.
Really?
Oh, yeah.
You should come by Custodians of
History conference sometime.
It is a barrel of laughs.
Okay, this letter was written
on rag-based paper,
which was common prior to 1850.
I treated it with an alkalized
buffering spray,
which neutralizes
its acidification.
But they're very dry,
so this process prevents cracking.
How long does it take?
I am dying
to read these letters.
- What?
You haven't read them yet?
Just the one I could see
through the protective sleeve.
I was too afraid to touch them
without talking
to an expert first.
Well, that was very smart.
I thought so.
Well, this process
is gonna take about an hour.
Um, you could leave or...
Uh-uh. I am not leaving
these letters.
Is there a place I can
get coffee while I wait?
There is.
Um, I could use one myself.
Do you mind if I join?
Sure.
Okay.
So tell me more
about these letters.
They were given
to my grandmother
from her grandmother.
My grandmother was
a teacher and history buff.
Hmm.
She passed away a couple
months ago.
I am so sorry.
Thank you.
She was a very special woman.
She was working on a project
with the Ladies of Liberty.
Oh, what kind of project?
It was a report she was calling
Love and Liberty,
Voices of the Revolution.
That is a great title.
But she was planning on
presenting the report
at their non-profit review,
and that's right around
the corner, so...
Hmm.
I decided to step in.
You know,
if those letters are authentic,
which at first glance
they appear to be...
it's a remarkable collection.
The problem is we only have
one side of the correspondence.
We have Jonathan Ellis' letters,
but we have nothing
for Mary Rutherford,
the woman he was writing to.
My hope was that somebody
from the National Archives
could help me dig
a little deeper?
Maybe find clues as to where
Mary's letters are?
It could get complicated
going back that far.
Mmh.
But regardless, I can help you
get started if you'd like.
I'd really appreciate it.
Okay, no problem.
Okay, here we go.
All right.
"Dear Mary,
"each moment in your presence
"awakens in me
a love beyond measure.
"That you should risk so much,
"defying both the commands
of your parents
"and their loyalty
to his majesty,
"moves me profoundly.
"Know that even the
briefest sight of you
"fills me with
courage and hope."
"When whence we stood to witness
our future as it were read,
"the words rang out
clear and strong
"as the tolling of the bell
from the tower.
"It is a song of freedom.
"Turning my head
towards you then."
"In your eyes I saw my future.
"At once you are my shelter
and my storm.
"With great endearment,
Jonathan."
What do you think this
is at the bottom here?
It's, uh, some sort of code.
It sounds like both families
were on opposite
sides of the war.
They probably had
some secrets to keep.
So you've seen this
kind of thing before?
I have.
It wasn't uncommon
during the war.
Nate, I'm so sorry to interrupt.
It's okay, Linda.
I just got a notification that
Richard Kent is on his way here.
I didn't know he was in town.
Nobody did.
Okay, it's okay.
Uh, everything is in order.
Uh, he should be pleased
with what he sees.
Okay.
I'll be back
in my office in a minute.
Thanks, Linda.
Sorry, uh,
Mr. Kent's my boss.
Um, kind of
have to switch gears.
Yeah, of course.
I've taken up too much
of your time as it is.
Would I be able to get some
protective sleeves for these
so I can read them without
having to touch them?
What do you think about
leaving the letters here?
I-I'd rather keep them
with me, if that's all right.
Well, it's important to make
sure they're probably cared for.
This is
my grandmother's project,
and it could be the key
to saving the Ladies of Liberty.
I just can't let them
out of my hands.
But I promise I will take
very good care of them.
I respect that.
Um...
Here's my card.
Huh.
Old school.
I like it.
But, um...
call me if you need any advice,
or, uh, for any reason.
Maybe I will.
Richard Kent is here.
Okay, great.
Um, no,
he's already walking
towards your office!
Oh, uh, buttoned
or unbuttoned? What do you think?
Mr. Callahan!
Oh, Mr. Kent.
What a pleasant surprise, sir.
I'm just here for a quick
meeting with a few donors.
Thought I'd stop in
and see how things are going.
- Oh, it's going very well.
Very well.
Um, let me take you around.
Ah, I appreciate it,
but no need.
I know my way around.
I did start my career here,
you know.
I am well aware.
Your career has
always inspired me.
Well, there are
opportunities in this field
for bright young people
with curiosity and integrity,
and the ability
to communicate well,
and not just with staff,
with the public at large.
It's good to know, sir.
Mr. Callahan,
when you think of archives,
what's the first thing
that comes to mind?
- Well...
- Exactly.
And that's
the other reason I'm here.
I want to create an exhibit
unlike anything
we've ever done before.
Something that shows people
that the archives
aren't just a place where...
old documents
are stored on shelves.
An exhibit that's...
interactive and exciting
and shows people the real value
of what we do here.
And equally as important,
if not more so,
something that
excites the donors.
Okay...
I hear you're a storyteller.
Well, I, uh, minored
in English Lit,
and I'm a pretty avid reader,
so, um, yeah, I think I got
a decent grasp of storytelling.
Great! I want you to put that
knowledge to use and come up
with an idea that excites
the public and the donors.
An exhibit that people want
to tell their friends about.
Okay, sure, um...
Any idea how we might make
this exhibit exciting?
No, but I have faith in you.
Oh, I appreciate that, sir.
Um, when were you thinking this
exhibit should be open?
Late spring.
Oh.
It's already spring, sir.
Well, then
we better get to work.
I will check back
in on you soon,
and you have a nice evening,
Mr. Callahan.
Uh, looking forward
to it... sir.
Okay.
My dearest Mary,
divided from you, my love,
I am lost,
adrift in a sea of apparitions,
ever receding from my reach,
with only your memory
to bind me.
Though I must leave you now,
know that I do with the heaviet
of heart and a sacred vow.
You will never be alone,
dear one,
for each time
you gaze up at the stars,
shrouded in their velvet abyss,
I so too will be at once
gazing upon them such.
And in that moment
we too shall be as one.
In your eyes,
I have seen the stars reflected
in the hope of
a new nation forming.
"Hence, I am called
to battle and fight I must,
but trust I take thee
with me always.
If I shall never return,
know that your notes
are forever safe.
Until we meet again,
yours in eternity, Jonathan."
No wonder you stayed up
all night reading these.
I couldn't put them down.
What Jonathan and Mary
risked to follow their hearts,
it's unbelievable.
They really must have
loved each other.
Yeah, but it's like Nancy said.
The story's unfinished.
Well, what does
the last letter say?
Well, Jonathan's about
to go off to war,
and he's professing
his undying love to Mary.
But he's also trying
to comfort her
because obviously she's worried
he's not coming back.
And then that's it.
Oh, I wonder if that
was Jonathan's last letter.
I don't know.
Breaks my heart to think about.
There's a few...
coded messages on the bottom
of a few of the letters.
If I'm gonna do grandma's
report any justice,
I'm gonna have to try
to decode those messages
and track down Mary's letters.
What about that archivist
who helped you with the letters?
Do you think he'd be willing
to help you dig deeper on this?
I don't know. Maybe.
I think so.
What is that face?
What?
Something that
excites the donors...
Hmm, no.
No, I don't think secret
is a cipher either.
Hey, Frank.
Hey, brother.
Sorry to bother you at work.
I know you're probably busy
preserving our
national heritage.
No, that's fine.
I just wanna make sure
you're coming to the cookout.
Burgers, dogs, kids, chaos.
Be good fun.
Count me in.
All right, I'll have Sonya
pick up a pack of cheddar brats.
Ooh, my favourite.
Hey, Sonya also wanted me
to remind you
that your invite
includes a plus-one.
You always gotta remind me
I'm single, don't you?
It's not that you're single,
it's how long
you've been single.
You made the leap
from amateur to pro.
Oh, thanks.
Look, all I'm saying is
if you do find someone,
we got plenty of
dogs to go around.
Oh, I'll be sure to lead with
that when I find someone.
Well, it's a good selling point.
Okay, well,
I'll see you soon, brother.
All right,
looking forward to it.
Bye.
I went through
all of these boxes,
and there is nothing
in them about
Mary's letters or the code.
Well, I'll keep an eye out
as I clean out these closets.
If you see anything
you like here, take it.
Some of these I might reimagine.
The rest I'm just gonna donate.
Okay, well, I'm gonna
take these boxes
to the recycling place
and have them shredded.
We're making some real headway.
On the cleanup, yes.
On the report, not so much.
Well, we're a little ahead
of the game thanks to your help,
so why don't you
take some time to work on it?
I know how important this is.
- Thanks, Mom.
- Yeah.
Knock, knock.
Emily.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm sorry to stop by
unannounced,
but I sort of misplaced
your business card.
I'm glad you did.
I-I mean, if you hadn't,
you wouldn't have stopped by.
Um, let me get you another.
As much as I welcome
a surprise visit,
I want you to be able to
get a hold of me any time.
Thank you.
I'm sorry to pester you.
I was just wondering
if you had any time
to look into the name
Ellis and Rutherford.
I had started looking in the
microfilm birth records,
but, um, I hadn't
gotten too far.
Oh...
Because I was trying
to decipher this code,
but I haven't gotten
too far with this either.
Mmh. You know what?
I think...
we put our heads together,
we can figure this out.
What...
You think so?
Are you kidding?
I am the Wordle champ.
All right. Okay.
Um, well, uh, usually,
there's a word
that starts either
at the beginning
or the end of the alphabet,
which moves the letters
one way or the other.
Um, let's just say Mary,
for example.
But I already tried that.
It doesn't work, but you get
what I'm saying, right?
- Yes.
- Yeah?
So this is...
just my best guess so far.
I haven't figured out
what the cipher word is yet.
Okay.
Well, let's say
that you are right.
The R is an E.
The most common letter
in the alphabet is S.
So let's say the P...
is an S.
So S-E something 22.
It has to be a meeting place.
Like a location or a address?
Or the 322 is
a meeting, date, and time.
Let's say, because
it's a meeting place,
that this is...
house.
Right.
So the vowels here
can't be O, U, or E.
They have to be A, I, or Y.
Hm, only sometimes.
OK, let's make this an A.
Okay. S-A-E house.
Pennsylvania...
State House!
So are we sure
it's a cipher word?
It has to be.
I mean, Liberty was even
capitalized in the letter.
That's how he highlighted
the cipher word to Mary
so that she could
decode the message.
Hmm.
Well, there it is.
Independence Hall,
which was once called
the State House.
Now see
the colonial era brickwork?
The pattern is
characteristic of its time.
It's called Flemish Bond.
It's amazing to think
the Declaration of Independence
was adopted here.
Imagine standing
in a crowd of patriots
while those words were
read out for the first time.
Gives me chills.
And I have a feeling that's what
Jonathan and Mary were doing.
Remember what he wrote
in his later letter.
"When whence we stood to witness
our future as it were read,
"the words rang out
clear and strong
"as the tolling of
the bell from the tower."
Hmm.
If we could track down
more evidence
to prove they were really here
and tie those letters to this
monumental moment in history,
that would be huge for my report
and for the Ladies of Liberty.
This is all so exciting.
Yeah, beats spending time
in the records room.
Well, I got to go help
my mom with a few things.
But I was going
to grab lunch first.
You hungry?
- Uh, yeah, I am.
What are you thinking?
Ever since I got here,
I have been craving a
Philly cheesesteak.
Oh, me too.
Let's go.
- This way.
- Yeah.
Okay.
- Mmh.
- Mmh.
Whoa.
Philly cheesesteak is
the perfect sandwich.
The steak is tender
and sliced just right.
It's the king of steaks.
You get whiz on yours,
don't you?
Ah, you better believe it.
I knew it.
So you ever gonna let me read
the rest of the letters?
- Yeah, sure, you can read them.
You just can't take them.
Not yet, anyway.
All right, understood.
But since you read them,
I'm curious.
What's your take?
Oh!
Well, first of all,
Jonathan has to be
the most romantic man ever.
Really? How so?
In one of the letters
he wrote to Mary...
there's this old legend
where a man goes to a place of meaning,
and he lights a candle
for the woman he loves.
And if the candle stays lit...
their fates are bound
together forever.
Wow. He was a romantic.
Mmh.
I feel like men like that
just don't exist anymore.
Sure they do.
I mean, if you really
love someone...
and you're desperate
for some kind of assurance
that the relationship
would endure...
I could see doing
something like that.
Hmm.
Mmh!
I found that in
the linen closet today.
Pretty cool, huh?
This family tree must go back,
what, four generations?
Yes.
And all of them living in this
house here on Maple Street.
So Agnes must have been
born just after Independence.
No maiden name, though.
Hmm.
Maybe Grandma was trying to
trace the history of the house
through the family tree...
but why?
You know, I'll show Nate.
He has access to all
the genealogical databases.
Oh, I also have to get the rest
of Grandma's research
from the Ladies of Liberty.
How about I do
that first thing...
and then I promise
I will be on cleanup duty
for the rest of the day?
A couple more days
and we'll be ready
to put the for sale sign
out front.
I know you're torn
about this, Mom.
This house holds
such deep roots for our family.
There's so many memories here.
It's gonna be hard to part with.
But my life is elsewhere.
You know, I have
the alteration shop,
and I'm not ready to retire.
And I can't afford to keep
this place in the meantime.
Hi, Nancy.
I just came to pick up
the rest of my Grandma's files.
- Oh, hi, Emily.
I'm glad you're here.
I was gonna call you.
What going on?
We have to move out.
What? Why?
Haven't you been here forever?
We have,
but we lost our lease.
We thought we'd be able to
renegotiate with the new owner,
but it didn't work out.
What happened?
- He's asking much higher rent.
- Oh.
And he's made it clear
he doesn't even think
we'll be around
after the non-profit review.
Well, I'm working on that.
Once we know what happened
to the other letters,
it's sure to help the review.
I know.
And we're so grateful.
I just wish I had more time.
Me too.
And I also wish
your grandmother were here.
She always knew
how to handle things.
Come with me.
I'll show you
your grandmother's files.
Mom, I picked up
Grandma's files.
I'll be upstairs.
Sounds good.
I'm just going
to do some vacuuming.
Okay.
Mom, look at this!
Grandma's recipes.
Aw.
Why don't we take a break,
pick one of those recipes,
and make a delicious meal
in memory of Grandma?
I'll go to the store
and get what we need.
You could even invite
a guest if you wanted.
Oh, yeah?
Who?
Whomever you like.
Hey, Emily.
What are the chances?
Yeah.
Well, I'm just about to
get some groceries,
but, uh, it looks like
you beat me to it.
What are you stocking up on?
Don't tell me
you ran out of cheese whiz.
Oh, never.
You should see my pantry.
I can only imagine.
Right next to the canned pasta.
Mmh, I'm so sorry for you.
I'll survive.
Just kidding.
I actually like to cook
when I have some time.
Uh, my mom is cooking
chicken pot pie tonight.
Pennsylvania Dutch style.
You're welcome to join us.
Unless, of course,
you're craving your canned pasta,
in which case,
I completely understand.
It is surprisingly tasty.
I'll let you read
the rest of the letters.
Maybe we can look at some
of the coded messages,
see if we can figure them out.
Oh, I see.
The dinner invite is just a ruse
to get me to help you
move your project forward.
What? No.
Well, lucky for you,
Pennsylvania Dutch
is my favourite style
of chicken pot pie.
Okay.
Thanks for helping
with the dishes, Nate.
Oh, you're welcome.
And thank you for dinner.
I appreciate it so much.
It was delicious.
My pleasure.
Okay, you two.
Don't stay up too late.
Good night, Mom.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Wow. What a cliffhanger.
- I told you!
- Yeah.
Oh, if only we could
find Mary's letters,
then we could know
how the story ends.
Yeah.
You know, my grandma made a note
that maybe the letters
are hidden somewhere.
Mmh.
Has anyone ever written you
a love letter?
Oh, I think an email is
the closest I've ever come.
Oh.
- How about you?
Have you ever written one?
Uh, I attempted to.
Once.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Okay, now I'm curious.
How did that turn out?
Uh, forced,
to tell you the truth.
Hmm.
That's the thing
about love letters.
Um, for the words to flow,
the feelings need to be real.
And they weren't real before?
When they're real,
you just know.
Mmh, like Jonathan.
He knew.
Yeah.
He did.
Oh, boy.
Uh, I should probably
get going soon.
- Yeah.
Big day tomorrow?
Yeah.
Yeah, I have to get
to the office early.
I've been given
this big assignment,
but, um, I've been,
uh, putting it off.
But don't worry, I'm
gonna get back to this soon.
I've taken pictures of all
the other codes of messages
and the family tree,
and when I got some time,
I'm gonna put all
the names into the database.
It's my fault
you've fallen so far behind.
I have been
a total distraction.
Yeah.
Yeah, you have.
But, um...
I don't mind at all.
Rutherford.
Rutherford.
Nope.
Hey, Nate.
Sorry to interrupt.
Hi, Linda.
I just spoke with Richard Kent.
What about?
He wants me to start
making arrangements
for a "one-of-a-kind" exhibit.
He wants to start
promoting it right away.
Did he give you a date?
Next Saturday.
Next...
Saturday.
That's not possible.
You want me to tell him
that you're gonna
want to push the date?
No, no, don't do that.
Okay, great.
So what is this
"one-of-a-kind" exhibit anyway?
It sounds exciting.
I...
haven't figured it out yet.
Oh, dear.
Uh... I'm gonna leave you
to get to it then.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Hi, Nate.
Catching up on all
your work today?
Not at all.
But that's actually
why I'm calling.
Let me guess.
You can't stop thinking
about the coded messages.
I can't.
And you want to help me
find Mary's letters.
You read my mind.
We gonna get together
and try to figure this out?
Thought you'd never ask.
We need that second cipher word
if we're gonna find
Mary's letters.
That's true.
This letter must have
a different cipher
because Liberty
didn't work for this one.
Mmh.
What about courage?
Hmm.
That does look
slightly different
than the other words,
doesn't it?
Yeah, it's the only
word not slanted.
And all the other words are.
Let's try it.
Yeah.
We were right!
The cipher word was courage.
But the secret message
is mulberry and bread?
I think I know
where we need to go.
Where?
Well, in 1854,
Mulberry Street
was renamed Arch Street.
Maybe they're talking
about the Meeting House.
No, couldn't be.
It was built after the war.
It has to be a meeting spot.
I mean, it has a date
and time, too,
just like the first.
If it's Arch Street,
just west of bread, then...
Look what we have here.
Betsy Ross House.
Wouldn't it be amazing
if Jonathan and Mary
were somehow connected
to Betsy Ross?
I mean, if we're right,
this is where they met.
Come on.
Betsy Ross was
born Elizabeth Griscom in 1752.
Raised in a Quaker family,
she learned to knit and sew
when she was young.
She married a man
named John Ross
and started an
upholstery business.
Sadly, John died in
a gunpowder explosion
during the Revolutionary War.
According to legend,
in May of 1776,
Betsy Ross was approached
by none other than
George Washington about sewing
the first American flag.
He wanted the flag to continue
contain 13 stars and 13 stripes.
And when he asked if
she thought she could do it,
Betsy's reply was,
"I don't know, but I will try."
Do you remember any mentions
of flags in the letters?
I don't think so.
Now, whether this story
is fact or folklore,
Betsy Ross has secured
a place in America's heart
and remains to this day
a symbol of patriotism
and the powerful
influence women had
in the founding of our nation.
Mmh. Another high-pressure
assignment, huh?
Mmh, just like Jefferson,
she knocked out of the park.
Yeah, she did.
I love that quote by Betsy Ross.
I so admire her courage
and willingness to try.
It's quite a story, huh?
And the guide said
that she was approached by
Washington in May of 1776,
and Jefferson was drafting
the declaration in June of 1776.
Mmh. They would
have been working
on these things
around the same time.
Around the time that Jonathan
was writing the letters,
right before he went off to war.
I wonder why...
he asked Mary to meet him there.
Well, let's look
at the letters again.
Okay.
Look at this.
"In your eyes,
"I see those stars reflected,
"and the hope of
a new nation forming."
Yeah, well, hold on.
He could have been talking
about the stars in the sky.
Oh, come on!
The coded message
literally puts them there
while Betsy was
working on the flag.
And then the next message,
he talks about the stars
reflected in Mary's eyes?
Jonathan was
the exemplary patriot,
bringing the woman
he loves to these places
to show her what
their future could look like,
to show her
what he was fighting for.
Well, if true...
it is rather remarkable.
I mean, the backdrop
of their love story
is literally
the birth of our nation.
It's the making of an epic.
Feuding families,
forbidden love,
a revolution.
That's why
my grandma called them
the Romeo and Juliet
of the revolution.
Huh, she did?
Yeah, it's at the beginning
of her report.
That's a great hook.
I thought so.
You've got
a compelling hypothesis.
But the scholarly standards
the report will
be measured against
will definitely need proof.
And an ending would help.
Yeah, an ending seems important.
This is a lot to process,
and my head is spinning.
And the deadline for the report
is getting closer by the hour,
and I don't even know if
it's possible to get it done.
You know what? You were right.
Water Ice is exactly what
I needed.
These are so good.
Excuse me.
Wooder ice.
Right.
Being here makes me realize
Philly has this
gravitational pull, you know?
Yes, it does.
It's funny.
I spent a good part of my
life here, but at some point,
I started overlooking
all the amazing history.
Most historical city in America.
Mm-hmm.
Your grandmother
clearly appreciated it.
Yeah.
I think she's guiding me
in this journey.
Journey through the past.
It's more than just the past.
It's... a rediscovery
of everything
that's been missing
in my life lately.
Like what things?
My love of history and teaching.
That spark I used to wake up
to every morning before school.
It started to dim.
I lost that connection to
the passion that inspired me.
But these letters definitely
had me thinking differently
about a lot of things.
What about you?
What did you take away
from the letters?
Well, I think the letters are...
a great example of how
to express your feelings.
To take risks.
To speak and act
from the heart more often.
I agree.
I was so inspired by...
how Jonathan was so
vulnerable and didn't hold back.
Hmm.
After my last relationship, I...
..kind of shut that part
of myself off.
I think we can both learn
a thing or two from Jonathan.
Excuse me.
Of course.
Hello?
Hi, Mom.
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down.
Oh, no. Okay,
I'm on my way.
I'm sorry. I have to go,
it's an emergency.
Well, what happened?
An electrical wire caught fire
and burned a hole
in the attic wall.
Well, I'll come with you
and see if I can help out.
Thanks.
Mom, what happened?
I don't know.
I-I was clearing out
these trunks,
and I heard a pop
and a flash of blue out
of the corner of my eye.
Oh, it must be an arc
of electricity.
What kind of wiring
do you have in this house?
Well, I know the first two
floors were updated years ago,
but up here, it could still
be knob and tube.
Okay, I should be able to tell
by checking in the panel.
I'm gonna go
to the basement, okay?
- Yeah.
- All right.
- Thank you.
- This is so dangerous.
I'm glad you're all right.
Yeah, we should turn
the power off up here
until we can get
an electrician in.
I'm afraid you're gonna have
to find a new work area.
Oh, I don't mind.
I think that's only safe.
Yeah.
Listen, I can come back and, um,
help you out with
whatever you need.
Oh, no, that's okay.
My mom's already on the phone
with an electrician
to fix the wiring.
Okay, well,
if you need anything,
don't hesitate to call.
Thank you.
Of course.
I'm sorry to ask, but, um,
where are the letters?
They are in a drawer
in my room in the house.
Are you sure they're okay?
Yeah, I checked.
Because Emily, you know,
letters that fragile are
important, they need to...
I know, Nate, I know.
Just let me
photograph them again.
The images I have are dark
and they need better lighting.
Well, I can get them
professionally digitized.
I just need my own copies
for my own peace of mind.
But I'll do it tonight and then
I drop them off to you tomorrow.
Okay, great.
And don't forget, no flash.
I'm aware.
I'm sorry.
If it feels like I've been
pressuring you into this.
No, no, you're right.
The letters need to be somewhere
safer than the house.
I don't think we're going to
find Mary's letters anyway.
Well, we can still finish off
the family tree,
see if there's connections,
and we still have, you know,
coded messages to figure out.
Yeah.
Yeah, we can work on that.
Yeah.
Okay.
Thank you for coming by
and helping us.
Don't mention it.
You know, my, uh,
brother and his wife
are having a cookout
this weekend.
Nothing fancy.
Kids will be running around,
probably screaming,
but it should be fun.
You feel like coming with?
I would love to.
Great.
Okay.
I'll see you soon.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Flemish bond?
Just like the State House.
Here they are,
safe and sound.
You made a good decision, Emily.
We'll take good care of them.
I need you to promise me
that I will have access
to the originals.
I am talking
priority VIP access.
I promise.
You can have access
to the letters anytime.
We can even list the collection
under your name, if you like.
No.
Let's list them under
Beverly Chandler
and the Ladies of Liberty.
Done.
Also, I found some brickwork
in the walls of the attic
that looked a lot like the
brickwork at the State House.
Seriously?
I need to do a little bit
more research on the house,
but if I can prove that it
has any historical significance,
then I might be able to pull
everything together.
I'm impressed by
your determination.
You don't give up.
Nope.
I'm going to finish
what my grandmother started
and help save
the Ladies of Liberty.
Which is exactly why
I want you to meet Sonya,
my sister-in-law.
You're gonna love her,
and she might be able to help.
As for my brother Frank...
I'll let you be the judge.
Boys, not in the house!
Nate, I got you your favourite.
Thank you, Sonya.
Emily, how do you
like your cheese brats?
Butterflied or natural?
Oh, natural, please.
Ah, let the casing
do the talking.
Oh, I know how you like them,
little brother.
Split and blackened.
Yep.
We are opposites
in a lot of ways.
Mmh. Might not be a bad thing.
So, Sonya, how did
you and Frank meet?
We met in college.
We had a class together,
and I thought he was cute.
And I knew she was cute.
Good answer, buddy.
He texts me one night
to see if I wanted to study.
We met at this all-night diner
and stayed up talking
until the sun came up.
That's all it took.
I fell for him right away.
Hey, boys, hit me.
Frank.
A little bit of the duck,
but not bad.
- Oh, okay.
- All right.
Whoa!
- Hey! Wow.
Where did that come from?
So, where have you been applying
for teaching jobs in Philly?
Oh, a number of schools.
But I'm looking for other
opportunities in education too.
I want to find something
that allows me
to reach more
students than I could
if I were just teaching
one history class at one school.
I thought about teaching
when I was younger.
I ended up in law school.
What kind of law
do you practice?
I'm an advocacy lawyer.
I work mostly with non-profits.
Ah, I know why Nate
wanted us to meet.
I could actually use your help.
Would it be okay if
I called you sometime?
Of course. Anytime.
Okay.
What are you sewing?
Oh, I didn't see you there.
I thought I'd try
making a quilt.
A little personal project
of my own while I'm here.
It's beautiful.
I feel like I've seen
this one before.
You have.
These are all Grandma's fabrics.
Her linens, her clothes.
I thought it'd make us
something to remember her by.
Each square is
a piece of our past.
Oh, Mom, I love it.
Who's the history buff now?
How was the cookout?
Oh, it was so fun.
Nate's brother's
family's really great.
And his sister-in-law
is a non-profit attorney
and might be able to help
the Ladies of Liberty.
- Oh, wow.
- Mmh.
Mom, I'm sorry I've been
so in and out.
I've just been
really preoccupied
with Grandma's project.
Preoccupied with Grandma's
project or with Nate?
Grandma's project
is my priority.
I don't know.
What do you mean you don't know?
Since you've met him,
you've had a...
A lightness about you, Emily.
A glow.
A glow?
Please.
You don't think I notice
the way you look at each other?
It's nice to see.
I've been worried about you
since your last
relationship ended.
Yeah, well, Nate is handsome
and charming
and funny and smart.
But I've learned my lesson.
I'm more guarded now.
I don't think
that's the right approach.
I mean, think
about those letters
of what Jonathan and
Mary were going through.
The uncertainty?
Jonathan risked everything
to tell Mary how he really felt.
And from his letters,
it sounds like she did the same.
There's something really
beautiful about that.
About believing in love
enough to take a chance.
Hello, Mr. Kent.
Mr. Callahan.
Just wanted to let you know
I'll be back in town
for a couple of days.
I'm hosting a dinner for a few
patrons of the archives.
I'd love it
if you could be there.
Oh, thank you for the
invitation, sir. I'll be there.
Now, bring a plus-one
if you'd like.
Great, um...
I have one in mind.
The people invited,
there's a select group of donors
I've approached about
funding our expansion.
Thought you could catch us up n
the, uh, status of the exhibit.
I assume it's coming along?
Um, yeah.
I've been, uh, putting
a lot of thought into it.
It's, uh, it's gonna
be one-of-a-kind.
That's for sure.
And... exciting.
Oh, and exciting.
Love it.
I'll send you the details,
and we'll see you soon.
See you soon, sir.
Hi, Sonya.
It's Emily Hollister,
Nate's friend from the cookout.
- Hi, Emily.
What can I do for you?
Well, yeah,
if you have a minute.
A non-profit my grandma
was a part of
has run into some trouble
with their 501C3 status.
The Ladies of Liberty?
- Yes, I love their work.
I'd be happy to advise on that.
Have them send me all
their supporting documents.
- Oh, I am so grateful.
Thank you.
It's my pleasure.
And how's Nate?
Have you seen him lately?
Yeah, Nate's great, actually.
I'm on my way
to see him right now.
I found the third cipher.
Hi.
Um, what is it?
Love.
Um...
what's the message?
First Masters,
High Street, Nightfall.
Mary Masters built
a house on High Street
that would go on to become
the presidential home.
Perhaps Mary Masters was
an ally of the revolutionaries
and provided a safe place
for Jonathan and Mary to meet.
Mmh.
Oh, and I got some other news.
There's a fourth coded message
on the back
of Jonathan's last letter.
On the back?
Yeah, it's so faint
you can hardly see it,
so I had to put it up on the
board and try to figure it out.
And then something else came up.
And now I'm pulling
you away from that
to help me with something else.
I can come back later...
No, no, no, no, no, it's okay.
I can, I can multitask.
You can?
No. Not at all.
I didn't think so.
The presidential house
doesn't really exist anymore,
so I don't think
we're gonna find anything
by retracing Jonathan
and Mary's steps there.
But what about the code?
Let's look at the letter again.
I didn't see a word written
in a different style
like the others were.
Yeah, neither did I.
Okay, he going off to war,
his future is uncertain.
What would his cipher word be?
This line stands out to me.
"Your notes are forever safe."
Notes.
And perhaps what he means
by forever safe
is that he hid them
somewhere not with him,
so that Mary
wouldn't get found out.
And if he never returned,
maybe that's a hidden message.
The location of the letters!
Attic wall, ma-ple...
Maple!
The brickwork in the attic!
Like at the State House!
I have to go.
I'll call you.
Wait, can I come?
If you hurry!
I'm hurrying!
We need to tear
all of this down.
Are you sure that's okay?
Okay...
Light?
Yeah.
What have we got here?
Wait!
That brick looks like
it's sticking out a bit.
Can I open it?
Very carefully.
Mary's letters.
My grandma thought
they were hidden.
You know, I think she may have
had a hand in that fire.
You know she did.
You better send me those letters
the second that
you get them scanned.
I am dying to find
out what happened
to our Romeo and Juliet
of the revolution.
Oh, please let it be
a happily ever after.
We'll get it started tomorrow.
Who's we?
Well, uh, these letters
are fragile
and should be handled
by the best.
Our chief conservator
needs to be involved.
Uh, he's handled documents
in Europe far older than these.
Okay. Well, as long
as I have time to read them
and get the report done
by the deadline.
Yeah, we should have 'em treated
and scanned by the weekend.
Okay.
Well, you should get some sleep.
Yeah, I have a big day tomorrow.
I just seem to keep falling
farther behind in my other work.
Yeah...
I think that one's on me.
I feel awful.
- No, no.
- Yes, I owe you one.
If there is anything I can do
to make it up to you.
Well, um, actually, uh,
my boss has invited me
to this dinner.
He asked me if I wanted
to bring anyone.
And do you want to?
Yeah.
Yeah, I think I would.
I don't know, I was thinking
about this smart, cool,
really attractive woman I know.
Hmm.
She sounds like a keeper.
Mm-hmm.
Should hurry up and ask her.
- You know what?
You're right. I should.
I'll get on that.
Emily, would you like to be
my date at my boss's dinner?
It's at a really
fancy restaurant.
Oh, well, I'm glad
you threw that in there.
I was a little bit on the fence.
Oh, were you.
I wouldn't miss it.
Okay, great.
- Good night.
- Bye.
Hey, Emily, I got your
favourite scones
to celebrate the
discovery of Mary's letters,
and I want to let you know
I finally got the house listed.
What?
Yeah, I got an agent
and everything.
I just put the for sale sign
in the front yard.
Mom, you have to take that down!
Why?
Why did you do that?
I think I found a way to keep the house.
How?
I am confident this place
has enough of a legacy
to get a historical designation.
What does that mean?
It means the city's Historical
Society would purchase
the home for a fair price
and the grant would go toward
maintenance and restoration.
Emily, that's wonderful news.
That's not the only piece.
I want to propose that it be
run by the Ladies of Liberty.
That way they have
a permanent home.
Grandma's home.
And then, we could develop
a youth education center
where we host field trips
and really make the history
come alive for the students
in a way that really
resonates with them.
The way Jonathan's letters did.
And how long
would this all take?
Well, it'll take them some time
to consider the application,
but I'm working on it right now.
Oh, Emily.
You've always
been so thoughtful.
Ever since you were little.
It's what makes you
such a wonderful teacher,
that and your passion
for history.
I know you've been
in a bit of a rut,
but seeing your excitement
over the letters and this house,
it shows that the passion
still burns inside of you.
Thanks, Mom.
I feel reinvigorated
by all of this.
And you think it could also
have to do with Nate?
Okay.
Maybe a little bit.
I'm glad you're finally
admitting it.
"Dear committee,
"we respectfully submit this
proposal to request support
"for the acquisition and
preservation of the home
"at 231 Maple Street.
"Residence of
exceptional historical
"and cultural significance
to Philadelphia."
Did you work on
the report all day?
I did.
I think I'll be able
to finish the application
by the end of the weekend.
I just need the
scans of Mary's letters.
And what's the status on that?
Nate has an expert
working on it.
Oh, speaking of Nate,
isn't tonight your big date?
It is.
But I don't even have
anything to wear.
What's the attire?
I need a dress.
Stay right there.
Your grandmother
has got you covered.
Oh, that's beautiful.
That was Grandma's?
She had style.
This is one of the pieces
I was gonna keep for myself,
but you should have it.
Mm.
She looked gorgeous in it,
and I know you will, too.
Cheers, everyone.
Improvements
were made to the archives.
It's great.
You guys will really
enjoy the new exhibit.
Mr. Callahan.
Please, let me
introduce you to our guests.
This is Nate Callahan,
our chief archivist.
Pleasure to meet you all.
Mrs. Langford
and the Pembrokes.
They have been generous patrons
of the archives over the years,
and both families have
contributed significantly
to our collection.
Yes,
the Langford Revolutionary
Pamphlet Collection.
Oh.
And the Pembroke
Portraits of Independence,
which includes a painting
of Washington's trusted general,
Nathaniel Green.
One of my favourite portraits.
Oh, mine as well.
Mr. Callahan, if I may put you
on the spot,
could you please fill us in
on what we can expect
from the archives' upcoming
one-of-a-kind exhibit?
Of course.
Um, but you're not
putting me on the spot at all.
I mean, we started working on
this, what, a week ago?
It is important to present
something new and exciting
to the public and
our generous donors.
After all, the archives have
something to say.
They hold the origin
stories of this great nation.
Is that not right,
Mr. Callahan?
Absolutely.
Which is why
this newest exhibit,
which is being billed
one-of-a-kind...
is just that.
It's a new collection.
A collection of
Revolutionary War era letters.
Oh!
Love letters,
as a matter of fact.
Ah!
From the Romeo and
Juliet of the Revolution.
Fascinating.
So how does this love story end?
Yes, I'm dying to know.
Hopefully not as
tragically as Shakespeare?
Let's hope.
Well, you're just gonna have
to wait and see.
Suspense. I love it.
Did I not tell you
that Mr. Callahan was
an exceptional storyteller?
Oh, please.
But the credit for this exhibit,
um, it must go to...
This is gonna be amazing.
I, for one,
cannot wait for the opening.
Yes. We'll be going.
We will, too.
Thank you. Thank you.
Um...
Excuse me.
You look...
breathtaking.
Oh, you look very handsome.
This tie really brings
out your eyes.
Glad you noticed.
Um, listen, I, um,
I found something that's
gonna help your application.
Oh, what?
It turns out that your house
was actually owned
by Stuart and Mercy Ellis,
Jonathan's parents.
Mercy was a seamstress.
She made coats
for the Continental Army.
That might have been
the connection to Betsy Ross.
- Who was also a seamstress.
- Mm-hmm.
Oh, wait till I tell my mom.
And Stuart Ellis
was a bricklayer
employed by Edmund Woolley.
Who built the
Pennsylvania State House.
Exactly.
It's amazing how connected
your grandma was to all of this.
I mean, there's
a high probability
you're a direct descendant
of the Ellis family.
- Agnes Ellis.
She's the link.
So that house has been
in our family
since America's independence.
Most likely.
Anyway, I emailed you
the report so you can use it
for your historical
designation application.
Oh, thank you, Nate.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Grandma would have
been so happy.
Um, let me introduce you
to some people.
Yeah.
Miss Hollister.
Oh.
It was such a pleasure
meeting you this evening.
Oh, thank you so much
for including me.
This was lovely.
Can we expect to see you
at the opening of
Nate's new exhibit?
I... You might.
I certainly hope so.
The Romeo and
Juliet of the Revolution.
It's just...
brilliant.
We'll see you then.
Um...
Emily, no, just wait.
You... you are claiming
my grandmother's project
as your own?
No. No, not at all.
We can all benefit
from this exhibit.
Yeah, but no one more than you.
How are the Ladies of Liberty
supposed to make claim
to those letters
if the National Archives are
putting them on public display?
- Emily...
- I should have known
there was an ulterior motive
behind all of this.
Emily, look...
I trusted you, Nate.
This project, yeah,
is the kind of thing
archivists live for,
and maybe it'll
help my career...
but it doesn't hold a candle
to my feelings for you.
Nate,
all I still need from you now
the scans of Mary's letters
so that I can finish
what my grandmother started.
You know, it's ironic.
We don't know how Jonathan
and Mary's story ends...
but we know how ours does.
"Dear Jonathan,
"I recall with vividness
the first occasion
"upon which I beheld you
from afar.
"So dignified and handsome.
"The undeniable fondness
we share for one another
"is a bridge over the rift
"that others say
should divide us.
"You have awoken in me
a passion within my heart,
"not only towards
your person, but...
"...for the dream of that
nation drawing nigh."
"My dearest Jonathan,
"our great vision shared by may
calls upon you now to realize
"that Washington's army
pulls you from my arms,
"and with it tears
my breath from my lungs.
"Though I grieve for
our impending separation,
"I know that the devotion
within your heart
"is the burning flame
that once illuminated you to me
"and your cause
to my consciousness.
"Go then with my blessing
and my prayers.
"Only promise that when the war
is done, you will return to me.
"You're ever faithful, Mary."
"My beloved Jonathan...
"...I read of the terrible
battles being fought
"and my heart grows
weary with fear.
"It has been well over a month
"since I last held
your words in my hand
"and the silence grows
heavy upon my heart.
"Sleep eludes me and
I can scarcely eat.
"How often I recall the blessed
moment before the State House,
"where you once
lit a candle for me,
"and where at last you knelt
to ask for my hand.
"When will I
see you again, my love?
"But one word,
"one scrap of paper from you,
"and I may breathe again
"with the knowledge
across such fibres,
"your own breaths did flow,
"and now kisses
the tips of my fingers.
"Your beloved, Mary."
"My beloved Jonathan,
"I cannot but contain
my happiness
"upon receiving word
from Officer Borne
"that you are safe and healing
in an army infirmary.
"My heart leaps with joy
that in the weeks to come
"we shall no longer
communicate through letters,
"but share
a single life together.
"Until that day, my love,
"the moments between
will pass as if an eternity.
"How I long to behold your face
and take your hand within mine.
"Still know that I am
with you now in spirit.
"My quill had never flowed with
such elation across the page,
"yet I know that,
with sincere emotion,
"the words unfold of
their own natural will.
"Yours eternally, Mary."
Hi.
Hi, Sonya.
So, 501C3 filings
can get complicated
with the new regulations.
We've seen a lot of non-profits
lose their status.
I'm glad you brought this to me.
All the compliance issues
have been addressed.
Oh, thank you so much, Sonya!
And the ruling
on the historical merit
of your report
will be made any day now.
But between you and me,
the senior board members
on my PTA,
she loves your work,
I have no doubts.
Oh, this is amazing news.
The Ladies of Liberty
will be so delighted.
Have they found another space?
No, but I'm working
on that right now.
They're lucky to have
you on their side.
I'm just picking up where
my grandmother left off.
Feel free to tell me
to butt out,
but if you don't mind me asking,
what happened between
you and Nate?
Frank said he's
never seen him so down.
"Dear Emily,
"I know I upset you
and I'm sorry.
"I just wanted you to know
my intention with the exhibit
"was to honour your grandmother
and help the Ladies of Liberty.
"If you come
to the preview tonight,
"I think you'll see that.
"Following the mystery
of the letters with you
"has pulled me
out of hiding in the past,
"and for the first time,
I have a vision of my future.
"Your ever faithful
servant, Nate.
"My dearest Mary,
"to you I must confess.
"I awaken each day
"in the hope of finding
my courage and fortitude
"arrive in the form
of your letters.
"Scarce have I found
such anticipation
"as when the postman brings
those precious pages forth
"and I find myself devouring
your words as sustenance."
"My dearest Jonathan,
"our great vision,
shared by many,
"calls upon you now to realize
That Washington's army
pulls you from my arms
"and with it tears
my breath from my lungs.
"Though I grieve for
our impending separation,
"I know that the devotion withn
your heart is the burning flame
"that once illuminated you to e
"and your cause
to my consciousness"
"My dearest Mary,
"the still of the night is
vast and chills my blood,
"so close to battle and yet
so far from your countenance.
"Divided from you,
my love, I am lost,
"adrift in a sea of apparition,
"ever receding from my reach,
"with only your notes
to bind me.
"Though I must leave you now,
"know I do so with
the heaviest of hearts."
Congratulations, Mr. Callahan.
Mr. Kent.
This exhibit will be
the talk of the town.
When I speak with the Board,
I'll be sure to let them know
who my pick is
for the opening in D.C.
Thank you.
But, uh, I don't want
a position in D.C.
No?
No, I want to stay
right here in Philadelphia.
But I do have
a favour to ask you.
Sure. Anything.
There's an application
for a historic designation
for a house recently submitted
by Emily Hollister.
Oh, Emily!
Yes. Such a lovely woman.
Is she here this evening?
I-I don't think
she's gonna make it.
But, um...
none of this would
have happened without her.
Could you please make sure
her application
gets due consideration?
Certainly will.
Thank you, sir.
Where are you off to?
Liberty Bell.
"Go, then,
"with my blessing
and my prayers,
"only promise that when
the war is done,
"you will return to me.
"You're ever faithful, Mary.
Excuse me.
Hey, Emily.
Hi, Linda.
Beautiful exhibit, isn't it?
It really is.
Nate's going to be
so upset he missed you.
Where'd he go?
He just left.
Said he was going
to the Liberty Bell.
Um...
He's been acting funny lately.
I think he's a little
sleep deprived.
Um, you know what?
I'm sorry, Linda.
I have to go.
Oh.
How many times are you going
to I'll try to light that thing?
As many times as it takes.
Here, let me help you
block the wind.
That's a good idea.
I read Mary's letters.
Jonathan and Mary's
love endured.
It did.
Do you think ours can?
I do.
Emily, Diane,
I still can't believe
we saved Beverly's home.
Welcome, guys.
Hello, welcome.
- Welcome, everyone.
- Come on in.
It's so good
to see you Miss Hollister.
Thanks for setting up
this sweet field trip to Philly.
Oh, you're welcome.
Do you have any questions?
Actually, yes.
Are you Miss Hollister fianc?
Oh.
That's a little off topic,
but that's okay.
The answer is yes.
We just got engaged
in front of the Liberty Bell.
I'm actually glad you asked,
because our engagement
is the perfect example
of how history
can inform the present.
Exactly.
Why don't you come inside?
Let me show you around.
We're gonna start the
workshop with a story
that starts way back
in the Revolutionary War.
And that actually starts
in this house right here.
Yeah.