The American Revolution was shaped not only by iconic leaders like Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson but also by countless lesser-known heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and vision paved the way for a new nation. Too often, these figures remain hidden in the shadows of history books. Tom Hand, founder of Americana Corner and author of An American Triumph and America Victorious, has dedicated his “Power of After” chapter of life to changing that narrative. His mission combines patriotic storytelling with entrepreneurial vision, creating both a legacy business and a platform for preserving America’s history.
This article explores Tom’s journey and highlights how his work reflects larger principles of entrepreneurship, storytelling, and purposeful legacy building.
Establishing a Legacy Business With a Well-Defined Purpose
Tom Hand’s career is a testament to reinvention and purposeful redirection. After successfully running and later selling a cheese business, Tom entered a new chapter of life—one not driven by financial gain but by impact. In 2020, he founded Americana Corner, an educational platform dedicated to telling America’s story in engaging and accessible ways.
This move was deeply intentional. Instead of retiring or pursuing unrelated ventures, Tom chose to invest his resources and creativity into a mission he believed in: rekindling patriotism by highlighting America’s founding era. He views this as his “Power of After”—a phase where life experience, business acumen, and personal passion align to create something enduring.
The foundation of Americana Corner rests on purpose. By blending education with storytelling and funding with outreach, Tom has created not just a business but a legacy enterprise, one that will continue to impact future generations long after individual projects are complete.
Telling a Story - Patriotic Storytelling and it's Importance
Storytelling is at the heart of Tom’s mission. Through Americana Corner, he publishes books, produces videos, and writes articles that highlight both well-known and forgotten figures of the American Revolution. His most recent book, America Victorious, shines a spotlight on lesser-known patriots and overlooked events, ensuring they are remembered alongside icons like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
The book is beautifully illustrated with maps and images, combining scholarly rigor with readability, making it a resource for students, teachers, and lifelong learners alike. Despite its high-quality production, Tom made sure the book was affordable—a conscious choice to maximize its reach.
Why does this kind of storytelling matter? Because history shapes identity. Patriotic storytelling is not about glossing over flaws or rewriting the past—it’s about remembering sacrifices, learning from choices, and honoring those who contributed to America’s freedoms. As Tom notes, many of the revolutionaries were wealthy landowners who risked everything—status, fortune, and life itself—to pursue liberty. Their example underscores that freedom came at a cost, one that should never be forgotten.
Expanding a Mission with Grants and Programs
Tom’s mission extends well beyond books and videos. Recognizing that historical preservation requires resources, he created the Preserving America Grant Program. Each year between November 15 and December 15, this initiative awards $10,000 grants to historic sites. In addition, he launched the Preserving America Partners program, providing larger $25,000 annual grants to prominent sites like Washington Crossing and Fort Ticonderoga.
The vision is clear: preserve the places where history happened so future generations can experience them firsthand. But Tom didn’t stop there. He also launched the Preserving America Conference, an annual gathering where 20 organizations come together to share best practices on running charities, sustaining growth, and amplifying impact. This conference blends historical preservation with entrepreneurial strategy—ensuring these sites don’t just survive but thrive.
By funding programs and providing practical education, Tom is multiplying his mission’s impact. He’s not only telling stories himself but also empowering others to carry the torch.
The Role of Media and Promotion
A core strength of Tom’s work is his embrace of media, which has also proved to be extremely enjoyable. His video content has become a cornerstone of Americana Corner, with more than 250 episodes produced and weekly viewership ranging between 200,000 and 250,000. These videos distill history into digestible, visually engaging lessons that resonate far beyond a traditional classroom setting.
His process is systematic: research and scriptwriting, voiceover recording, sourcing images, and outsourcing editing. This combination of authenticity and professionalism has allowed him to maintain quality while expanding output.
Deborah noted how these videos reignited her own interest in history, making it more engaging than dry textbooks or lectures. This reflects a key entrepreneurial lesson: meet people where they are. By choosing platforms like YouTube and focusing on shareable content, Tom ensures that history is not only preserved but also promoted widely.
The role of media goes beyond education; it builds community. Whether discussing George Rogers Clark’s overlooked contributions or examining Benedict Arnold’s dramatic fall from grace, digital storytelling is used to connect past sacrifices with modern audiences.
Applying Principles of Entrepreneurship
Although Tom’s work is rooted in history, it is fueled by entrepreneurial principles. Transitioning from idea to execution is never easy, whether launching a business, a podcast, or a grant program. Both Tom and Deborah compared their journeys—her in podcasting and content creation, him in historical education—and agreed that business fundamentals like budgeting, reconciliation, and selective sponsorships remain essential.
One key entrepreneurial lesson Tom highlighted is the importance of learning from others. His conference on best practices for historical sites showed how eager people are to exchange ideas about sustainability and impact. Entrepreneurship, in this sense, is not just about innovation but also about collaboration and community-building.
Entrepreneurship is a cycle of risk-taking, experimenting, and refining. Just as Tom transitioned from cheese entrepreneur to historian-educator, many professionals face “after” chapters where reinvention is possible if grounded in purpose and guided by entrepreneurial skills.
Americana Corner: Patriotic Storytelling in Action
At its core, Americana Corner represents the fusion of all these elements—purpose, storytelling, media, and entrepreneurship. Since its founding in 2020, it has grown into a multi-faceted platform with books, videos, grants, and conferences. Its central mission remains consistent: to rekindle patriotism by remembering the sacrifices and stories of America’s founding generation.
In America Victorious are stories of the overlooked heroes of the Revolution. Figures like George Rogers Clark, who secured western territories, remind us that victory depended on far more than the efforts of a few famous leaders. Similarly, the discussion of Benedict Arnold shows how personal choices and flawed character can alter history’s course.
This focus on “forgotten heroes” is both a historical service and a cultural contribution. It expands our understanding of independence beyond the headlines of history and helps us appreciate the depth of courage that birthed a nation.
The Broader Significance of Revolutionary History
Understanding the American Revolution is not simply about memorizing names and dates—it’s about grasping its larger significance. Unlike many post-colonial transitions that descended into violence or dictatorship, the United States experienced a peaceful transfer of power, laying the foundation for stable democracy.
Remembering these lessons is vital today. History gives perspective, humility, and gratitude. It also helps us recognize that liberty was not inevitable—it was won through sacrifice, vision, and unity. Patriotic storytelling, then, is not nostalgia but a form of cultural stewardship.
Looking Ahead: Onward America
Tom’s journey is far from over. His next book, Onward America, will cover the period from Reconstruction through 1876, focusing on figures like Chief Justice John Marshall. Like his earlier works, it will emphasize story-driven history, making complex events engaging and accessible.
Importantly, Tom continues to make his resources free and widely available through YouTube and his website. He is committed to ensuring that education is not restricted by cost, further reflecting his mission-driven approach.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Stories and Sacrifice
The story of is about more than history—it’s about entrepreneurship, purpose, and legacy. By blending patriotic storytelling with innovative programs and entrepreneurial strategies, the platform not only preserves America’s past but also inspires its future.
From grants that support historic sites to videos that engage modern audiences, Tom’s work reminds us that forgotten heroes deserve to be remembered—and that preserving freedom requires ongoing effort. Projects like these are labors of love, fueled not by profit but by passion and conviction. That conviction drives a strong purpose and mission that can have an impact on generations to come.
In the end, making history engaging and accessible is itself an act of service. It ensures that the sacrifices of America’s founding generation are not forgotten and that the entrepreneurial spirit that built a nation continues to inspire generations to come.
Additional Resources
Books by Tom Hand: America Victorious and An American Triumph
Power of After: What’s Next Can Be Your Most Purposeful Chapter by Deborah Johnson
- about tom hand
Tom Hand created Americana Corner in 2020 to share informative stories of the momentous events, significant documents and influential leaders that helped create and shape our country. Through compelling articles and captivating videos, Tom hopes to rekindle a spirit of patriotism in his fellow Americans and remind them of our nation’s incredible past and why our founding era still matters today.
Patriotic storytelling is about remembering sacrifices, learning from choices, and honoring those who contributed to America’s freedoms.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
1,145 words
