Bringing Revolutionary Heroes to Life: Wedgwood Circle Wins America 250 Innovation Prize 

Before Gen. George Washington crossed the Delaware, a band of hardened fishermen rewrote the rules of the American military—and history nearly forgot them. 

But Wedgwood Circle, a collective of investors, patrons, and creative talent in the entertainment industry, did not. 

With the help of a $50,000 Heritage Foundation America’s 250th Innovation Prize grant, Wedgwood Circle is producing “Marblehead: The Untold Story of the Men in the Boat,” a 120-page graphic novel that brings to life the story of the Marblehead regiment—the first racially integrated unit in the American military during the American Revolution.

They were involved in several critical conflicts during the Revolutionary War, including Washington’s iconic crossing of the Delaware River.  

The regiment was responsible for many heroic acts throughout their time in the war, including when they provided Washington’s initial bodyguard when conspiracies to assassinate him arose in the early years of the war. 

The project was developed in partnership with MORE Productions and a team of experienced graphic novelists, educational consultants, publication experts, and promotional strategists to ensure broad distribution and impact.  

Mandi Hart, filmmaker and attorney who collaborated on the project through MORE Productions, told the Daily Signal in an interview at the time of the award: 

The Marbleheaders epitomized E Pluribus Unum—out of many, one. Their brotherhood was forged by necessity on the dangerous Grand Banks and solidified in combat during the grueling years of the Revolutionary War. We hope their example inspires current and future generations of Americans to pursue the same spirit of connection across distinctions. Told through rich visuals and narrative, the graphic novel aims to make this historically significant yet little-known story accessible to a wide audience of readers and to inspire interest in America’s revolutionary heritage. 

The Marblehead regiment is an inspirational tale that deserves to be told. Their courage and brotherhood show a necessary unity that, although uncommon, is desperately needed in America. 

“Creating content can be a lonely and risky exercise,” Hart said. “The opportunity to be with other recipients (upon receiving the award) allowed us to encourage one another, create a community of cause, and possibly collaborate in the future. Up to now, the Marblehead story has been largely unknown, but we look forward to sharing this amazing true story with the nation in December 2026,” which coincides with the 250th anniversary of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. 

The project plans to have a special release, which will distribute “Marblehead” to schools, libraries, and homeschool families. 

“We will develop educational resources and activity materials that coincide with the graphic novel to increase its impact and audience engagement,” Hart continued. “We also hope to exhibit in person at a handful of librarian events, comic cons, and homeschool conferences.” 

All of which predicts an exciting future for the story of the Marbleheaders. 

Wedgwood Circle’s award-winning work joins other America’s 250th Innovation Prize recipients whose projects use education, storytelling, competition, and media to promote civic engagement, constitutional understanding, and patriotism as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration.

Additional Round Two winners are:

• Harlan Institute
• Mountain States Policy Center
• The Moving Picture Institute. 
• Constituting America

Round One winners of the America’s 250th Innovation Prize:

• Creative Studio to Release Video Series for America’s 250th Anniversary 
• Faith Group Wins Innovation Prize for America’s 250th Celebration
• ‘A First of Its Kind’: Bestselling Author Crafts American Fable Collection
• Catholic Nonprofit Develops Resources to Inspire Patriotism
• Virginia Nonprofit Wins Prize to Create US History Documentaries for Nation’s 250th Anniversary