Liberty Lives Here: Stories of Courage and Patriotism
Liberty Lives Here!
is a yearlong blog series celebrating 250 years of American liberty. Every two weeks, throughout 2026, we will be sharing stories of men and women whose lives helped shape the nation we call home. Some are well known. Others are easy to overlook. Each story invites us to slow down, look closely, and remember that liberty has always been built through faith, courage, and everyday faithfulness.
But first, meet Miss Liberty the Mouse
“This friendly, little mouse character has lived in my imagination for a number of years. As the 250th birthday of America has drawn closer, I knew it was time to share her with you. As I worked out the character sketches, it was amazing to see her come to life in front of me. I hope you enjoy my little friend, Liberty!” Angela O’Dell
Miss Liberty has a way of making friends wherever history is unfolding, quietly listening and paying attention to moments others might overlook. Through her eyes, children learn that even a small, courageous voice can take part in something much bigger than themselves. As we mark 250 years of American liberty, Miss Liberty will be joining us throughout this blog series. From time to time, she’ll pause the story to point out something small but important in the lives of those who helped build, protect, and pass on our freedoms.
Miss Liberty also has her own brand NEW book series (for 8-13 year olds) coming in 2026! (Book 1 releases March 15th!)
Abraham Baldwin
We’re beginning our 2026 blog series with a man whose story is often overlooked, even though his influence was lasting. His name was Abraham Baldwin.
Abraham Baldwin was born in 1754 in Connecticut, more than 20 years before the American colonies became a nation. He grew up in a world shaped by hard work, faith, and close-knit communities. Education mattered in New England, but it was not something to be taken lightly or wasted. From a young age, Abraham loved to learn. He loved books, and ideas stayed with him. He was thoughtful by nature and seemed content to observe, listen, and think carefully before speaking.
As he grew older, that love of learning only deepened. He worked hard and eventually attended Yale College, where he studied theology. His education shaped not only his mind but his heart. Abraham Baldwin became a pastor and a teacher, believing deeply that faith and learning belonged together. He saw education as a way to shape character and prepare people to live responsibly in a free society.
After the American Revolution, the new nation faced an uncertain future. Independence had been won, but unity was fragile. Some states had strong schools and established institutions. Others were still struggling to build the foundations of everyday life. Georgia was one of those places. Opportunities for education were limited, and the state needed leaders who could help shape something lasting.
When Abraham Baldwin was invited to travel south to help establish a college in Georgia, he accepted the call. It was not an easy decision. Georgia was far from the place he had been raised. The climate, the culture, and the challenges were unfamiliar. But Baldwin believed God was leading him there, and he followed.
In Georgia, Baldwin poured his energy into education. He helped establish what would become the University of Georgia, the first state-chartered university in the United States. He taught students, mentored young leaders, and helped shape a vision for education that reached beyond any single classroom. His influence was steady and quiet, built over time through service and commitment.
Although he had not been born in Georgia, the people came to trust him. They saw his dedication. They recognized his wisdom. When the time came for Georgia to send representatives to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, they chose Abraham Baldwin. They chose a teacher. They chose a man shaped by faith, learning, and careful thought.
By the time Baldwin traveled north that summer, his character had already been well formed. Years of teaching, studying, and serving far from home had prepared him for the work ahead. The Convention would be filled with debate, disagreement, and long days of difficult decisions. Baldwin was not known for dramatic speeches or bold gestures. He listened closely. He thought carefully. And when it mattered most, he helped support solutions that allowed the Convention to move forward.
Later, Abraham Baldwin would sign the United States Constitution and serve as a United States Senator. His name would appear on important documents, but his greatest contributions were rooted in habits formed long before he entered Independence Hall. His life reminds us that courage often grows quietly through obedience, patience, and trust in God’s direction.
Our story continues in Book 1 of The Chronicles of Liberty…
Long before Abraham Baldwin noticed her, a small observer had taken an interest in his calm presence and thoughtful ways. Her name is Miss Liberty the Mouse. She has a way of noticing details others overlook and remembering moments that help explain the bigger picture of history. When she first encountered Abraham Baldwin, she recognized something familiar—a steady faith, a listening heart, and a willingness to serve wherever God placed him.
That meeting is where our story will soon continue. For now, it’s enough to remember this: before Abraham Baldwin helped shape the future of a nation, he was once a curious boy, a devoted student, and a young man who followed God far from home. Those early choices mattered more than he could have known.
And that is often where liberty begins.
This interactive activity packet is designed to help families connect more deeply with the Liberty Lives Here blog series. Through hands-on activities, thoughtful discussion prompts, and creative learning, children explore the lives of Americans whose stories shaped our nation. Each packet encourages families to read together, talk together, and reflect on how faith, character, and everyday choices have played a lasting part in the story of American liberty.
