America’s first PR professional: Sam Adams
The author argues that Sam Adams, the man who helped incite the Boston Tea Party, behaved like a true communications professional. Read about his eight attributes.
Selfishly, I would like to think he picked up this love from me. It’s not unusual for us to watch a documentary on the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, or World War II.
Recently, when offered the chance to attend numerous camps this summer, he jumped at the opportunity to attend the Atlanta History Center “From Pilgrim to Patriot” summer program.
When I picked him up after his first day of camp, he was giddy. He could hardly contain his excitement about reenacting the Boston Tea Party later in the week.
This got me thinking.
At a time without smartphones, televisions, radios, or Facebook, how did the Sons of Liberty rouse so many people for the Boston Tea Party?
The answer might be Samuel Adams, a statesman, philosopher, founding father and, perhaps, PR pro.
Not only did he orchestrate efforts for the Boston Tea Party, but also Adams was at the forefront of supporting the Revolutionary War. Like communicators today, Adams wrote editorials, designed advertising, spearheaded speaking events, and engaged key influencers. He even created and built a brand by naming and designing the logo for the Sons of Liberty
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