250 Years Later – A Conversation about Patrick Henry’s Iconic Speech at Red Hill
Sydney Scotford / Red Hill – Patrick Henry National Memorial 
Patrick Jolly shared the "Liberty or Death" speech with the paper cutter. Courtesy of Patrick Henry National Memorial
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, history came alive as Patrick Henry’s Red Hill hosted “Liberty or Death: A Conversation with Patrick Henry,” an unforgettable event with Patrick Henry Jolly, the fifth great-grandson of the eloquent patriot, and Cody Youngblood, Patrick Henry National Memorial director of Historic Preservation and Collections. Before a captivated audience of 140 guests, they explored the fiery spirit, stirring rhetoric, and enduring influence of the man who dared to demand liberty or death.
What made Patrick Henry’s oratory so iconic in his time – and why does it still move us today? During their engaging presentation, Youngblood and Jolly explained how Patrick Henry truly exemplified a master orator, using every tool at his disposal to inspire Virginia’s patriots and delegates. Youngblood said, “Patrick Henry used all the skills of an orator – emotion, humor, anger, theatrics – to engage and convince his audience.” He added, “I think the most succinct description of Henry’s words came from Justice James Iredell of the U.S. Supreme Court, who declared, ‘Gracious God! He is an orator indeed.” Through his mastery of language, passion, and persuasion, Henry didn’t just command attention – he helped ignite a revolution that would change the course of history.
Patrick Henry’s immortal words still echo through time, igniting the spirit of freedom in every generation. But what do they mean to the man’s own family? Jolly, the orator’s fifth great-grandson, said, “For me personally, I am proud of my family connection to Patrick Henry. It’s given me the privilege of sharing the full context of his ‘Liberty or Death’ speech with audiences for 25 years.” He added, “Those words weren’t just rhetoric – they were a battle cry as the colonies stood on the brink of revolution. Liberty isn’t guaranteed. It demands vigilance, courage, and an unshakable commitment to protect what makes this nation extraordinary.”
For Jolly, the speech isn’t a relic of the past but a compass for the future. “Henry’s defiance reminds us that freedom is never free,” he said. “It’s a flame we must keep alive – one generation passing it to the next.”
The March event was full of powerful moments. When asked about their most memorable moment from the ‘Liberty or Death’ discussion, both actors shared their highlights – whether it was an audience member’s poignant question, an important historical detail, or the thrill of bringing Henry’s story to life on stage.
Youngblood said, “I enjoyed portraying Patrick Henry’s grandson the most. Researching Patrick Fontaine’s life and trying to understand his emotions and connection to his grandfather was something I had never done before. It made this long-dead historical figure come to life for me, and I’d like to think I helped make him come to life for others, too.” These words remind us how personal connections can bridge centuries, transforming history from facts on a page into living, breathing experiences.
Jolly said, “For me, the ‘Conversation’ program wasn’t about a single moment. It was about unraveling the full context behind those seven famous words. Patrick Henry didn’t just deliver a rallying cry – he built a meticulous case for liberty, laying out the reasoning that compelled Virginians to take up arms. That’s the legacy I want people to understand: the depth behind the defiance.”
This event proved that history’s most powerful stories emerge when we connect personally with the past, just as Youngblood did through his poignant portrayal of Patrick Henry’s grandson. This same transformative zeal animates all of our Red Hill experiences, where visitors don’t just learn about history, but understand its importance. Throughout the rest of the year, visitors can continue this journey, walking where Henry walked and discovering how his revolutionary ideals still speak to us today.
Don’t miss our exciting summer events that delve deep into Henry’s extraordinary life and revolutionary ideals – visit www.redhill.org/events to discover programs that will ignite your passion for history!
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