Bernardo de Gálvez (detail) by José Nicolás de Escalera, 1781 (Iberdrola Collection)
Please Note: This is a free program, registration required.
Spain provided essential support to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, with Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, leading the charge to provide supplies, troops, and military leadership. His campaigns against British forces along the Gulf Coast helped secure vital territories and weakened British control in North America.
Historian Larrie D. Ferreiro, author of Brothers at Arms: American Independence and the Men of France and Spain Who Saved It, shares the story of these tumultuous times and sheds light on the importance of Spain’s contributions to American Independence.
Robyn Asleson, a National Portrait Gallery curator, highlights a painting of de Gálvez by 18th-century Cuban artist José Nicolás de la Escalera. On loan from the Iberdrola collection, the work will be displayed in the exhibition “Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900.”
The event at the Embassy of Spain includes a musical performance, an exhibition of the works of 12 Spanish artists, and a light reception.
About the Enduring Power of International Exchange series
Hosted in partnership with Smithsonian's Office of Global Affairs and with embassies that have built strong, lasting relationships with the United States, this series honors the vital role diplomacy, cultural exchange, and mutual respect have played in shaping our nation and its place in the world. From the earliest days surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence to contemporary collaborations in science, art, and global affairs, embassy relationships have helped advance dialogue and deepened understanding. In this milestone year, these programs underscore how international friendships—nurtured through history, culture, and creativity—continue to strengthen the American story. Each program is free, requires registration, and includes a reception.
The Enduring Power of International Exchange is organized by Smithsonian Associates as part of the Smithsonian's "Our Shared Future: 250."
Additional Enduring Power of International Exchange programs
General Information
- Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
