Original subtitles

It was so lovely to meet you both.

I'm happy to see this piece

go to someone who'll appreciate it.

We're grateful to have found it.

What a treasure. Thanks again.

Sure.

Hi, Mom.

Emily, sweetheart.

It's so good to see you.

How was your drive?

- Oh, long but good. - Yeah.

I'm glad Abby was able to cover

the store while you're gone.

It'll be nice to spend this time together.

It will.

I pulled some storage boxes out for us to go through,

and I already started listing a couple pieces

of Mom's furniture to sell online already.

I can see that.

Let's get you settled in.

I took Grandma's room and I left the guest room for you.

Sounds good.

Grandma kept ticket stubs

from every special exhibit she took me to at the museum.

She'd never let you miss one.

Look at this.

Aww.

Two peas in a pod.

I think the gene for history buffs skipped my generation.

Oh, look.

It's Grandpa.

Oh, you didn't list Grandpa's writing desk for sale, did you?

I would never.

Look at this.

Oh, I love that picture of them.

Dad always used to say,

"Every joy I've ever known..."

"traces back to the day I met your mother."

I know. Mmh.

I think we've got some work cut out for us

to get this place ready to sell.

Oh, can't be too bad.

When's the last time you saw the attic?

I haven't been up here in ages.

Oh, I've always loved Grandpa's desk.

Oh, your grandma would sit at that desk for hours,

working on her history projects.

Oh, my.

I got this for Mom for Christmas 30 years ago.

I don't think

she even touched it.

Mom, you are the only seamstress in the family.

Grandma and I are all thumbs.

Oh.

Oh, I hope it's not that couple wanting a refund already.

Oh, no, I doubt it.

I'll get it.

Hello.

You must be Emily.

Yes.

- You're every bit as beautiful as Beverly said you were. - Oh.

I'm Nancy Roland, an old friend of your grandmother's.

She and I met through the Ladies of Liberty Historical Society?

Yes, I remember her mentioning your name.

Please, come in.

This is for you.

Oh, what's this?

Ooh, fresh mint. Smells amazing.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

It's from my greenhouse.

It was your grandmother's favourite.

You know, she was our most devoted historian.

And about the sweetest woman you'd ever meet.

Thank you.

She was.

Are you still teaching?

Yeah.

Well, at the moment, I'm taking some time off

to look for new teaching opportunities.

Beverly was so proud

you decided to follow in her footsteps.

Yeah, she was my inspiration.

Well, this is for you.

It was your grandmother's.

Oh?

I know she would have wanted you to have it.

What is it?

It's only part of Beverly's research,

and there's more of it at our office.

But those letters there

were her most cherished collection.

They date back to the Revolutionary War,

written by a soldier in the Continental Army

named Jonathan Ellis to a Miss Mary Rutherford.

My mom talked about those letters,

but I'd never seen them.

"Dearest Mary,

"your letter reached me as a most unexpected blessing

"amid these unsettled times.

"I scarcely deserve such kindness

"from one whose parents regard my devotion to independence

"with disfavour."

It's a fascinating love story,

but an unfinished one.

How do you mean?

Jonathan's letters are just one set.

It's clear Mary wrote him back.

Her letters have never been found.

What's this?

The report your grandmother was writing.

She was going to present it to the Board

at the Historical Preservation Society of Philadelphia

as evidence that the Ladies of Liberty

were still engaged in scholarly research.

Sadly, our non-profit status is at risk of being revoked.

Why?

We've run into some compliance issues.

All we want to do is preserve the legacy

of the brave citizens who helped found our country.

Well, do you know when a decision being made?

In two weeks.

Oh, that's soon.

Is there anyone who can finish her report?

Not to the level Beverly could.

She was the authority.

Well, I happen to know someone

who shares my mom's passion for history.

Oh, well, yeah, but no,

I couldn't take this on.

Why not?

We have to get this house cleaned up and ready to sell.

Plus, I'm taking a break

from teaching and history in general.

And like Nancy said,

Grandma was the authority on this, not me.

Hello, how can I help you?

Hi,

I was wondering if there was an archivist I could speak with.

Nathan Callahan.

He's our chief archivist.

Let's see if he's available.

Follow me.

Great, thank you.

Oh.

Ahhhh, no, no, please, stop, please, stop!

Oh, no, no, no, no, no!

Oh, come on, come on, come on. Stop, stop, stop, stop!

Can I ask why you're trying to break into the archives?

I, uh, I didn't mean to set off the alarm.

I was just browsing and thought I'd take a look.

The colonial archives are restricted.

How would I know that?

Right.

Clearly, I didn't see that.

Those documents are extremely valuable,

which is why they're restricted.

I am very sorry.

I was just curious.

Oh, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Something I can help you with?

I'm looking to speak with an archivist

about some old letters.

Well, you found him.

Of course.

How old are those letters?

Uh, Revolutionary War Era.

If they date back that far, they may need to be treated.

Otherwise, they could be deteriorating by the day.

Right.

Would you mind if I take a look at them?

Oh, that won't make the ink bleed, will it?

I don't know.

I've never done this before.

You're very witty for an archivist.

Well, archivists are witty people.

Really?

Oh, yeah.

You should come by Custodians of History conference sometime.

It is a barrel of laughs.

Okay, this letter was written on rag-based paper,

which was common prior to 1850.

I treated it with an alkalized buffering spray,

which neutralizes its acidification.

But they're very dry, so this process prevents cracking.

How long does it take?

I am dying to read these letters.

- What? You haven't read them yet?

Just the one I could see through the protective sleeve.

I was too afraid to touch them

without talking to an expert first.

Well, that was very smart.

I thought so.

Well, this process is gonna take about an hour.

Um, you could leave or...

Uh-uh. I am not leaving these letters.

Is there a place I can get coffee while I wait?

There is.

Um, I could use one myself. Do you mind if I join?

Sure.

Okay.

So tell me more about these letters.

They were given to my grandmother

from her grandmother.

My grandmother was a teacher and history buff.

Hmm.

She passed away a couple months ago.

I am so sorry.

Thank you.

She was a very special woman.

She was working on a project with the Ladies of Liberty.

Oh, what kind of project?

It was a report she was calling

Love and Liberty, Voices of the Revolution.

That is a great title.

But she was planning on presenting the report

at their non-profit review,

and that's right around the corner, so...

Hmm.

I decided to step in.

You know,

if those letters are authentic,

which at first glance they appear to be...

it's a remarkable collection.

The problem is we only have one side of the correspondence.

We have Jonathan Ellis' letters,

but we have nothing for Mary Rutherford,

the woman he was writing to.

My hope was that somebody from the National Archives

could help me dig a little deeper?

Maybe find clues as to where Mary's letters are?

It could get complicated going back that far.

Mmh.

But regardless, I can help you get started if you'd like.

I'd really appreciate it.

Okay, no problem.

Okay, here we go.

All right.

"Dear Mary,

"each moment in your presence

"awakens in me a love beyond measure.

"That you should risk so much,

"defying both the commands of your parents

"and their loyalty to his majesty,

"moves me profoundly.

"Know that even the briefest sight of you

"fills me with courage and hope."

"When whence we stood to witness our future as it were read,

"the words rang out clear and strong

"as the tolling of the bell from the tower.

"It is a song of freedom.

"Turning my head towards you then."

"In your eyes I saw my future.

"At once you are my shelter and my storm.

"With great endearment, Jonathan."

What do you think this is at the bottom here?

It's, uh, some sort of code.

It sounds like both families

were on opposite sides of the war.

They probably had some secrets to keep.

So you've seen this kind of thing before?

I have.

It wasn't uncommon during the war.

Nate, I'm so sorry to interrupt.

It's okay, Linda.

I just got a notification that Richard Kent is on his way here.

I didn't know he was in town.

Nobody did.

Okay, it's okay.

Uh, everything is in order.

Uh, he should be pleased with what he sees.

Okay.

I'll be back in my office in a minute.

Thanks, Linda.

Sorry, uh, Mr. Kent's my boss.

Um, kind of have to switch gears.

Yeah, of course.

I've taken up too much of your time as it is.

Would I be able to get some protective sleeves for these

so I can read them without having to touch them?

What do you think about leaving the letters here?

I-I'd rather keep them with me, if that's all right.

Well, it's important to make sure they're probably cared for.

This is my grandmother's project,

and it could be the key to saving the Ladies of Liberty.

I just can't let them out of my hands.

But I promise I will take very good care of them.

I respect that.

Um...

Here's my card.

Huh.

Old school.

I like it.

But, um...

call me if you need any advice,

or, uh, for any reason.

Maybe I will.

Richard Kent is here.

Okay, great.

Um, no,

he's already walking towards your office!

Oh, uh, buttoned or unbuttoned? What do you think?

Mr. Callahan!

Oh, Mr. Kent.

What a pleasant surprise, sir.

I'm just here for a quick meeting with a few donors.

Thought I'd stop in and see how things are going.

- Oh, it's going very well. Very well.

Um, let me take you around.

Ah, I appreciate it, but no need.

I know my way around.

I did start my career here, you know.

I am well aware.

Your career has always inspired me.

Well, there are opportunities in this field

for bright young people with curiosity and integrity,

and the ability to communicate well,

and not just with staff, with the public at large.

It's good to know, sir.

Mr. Callahan, when you think of archives,

what's the first thing that comes to mind?

- Well... - Exactly.

And that's the other reason I'm here.

I want to create an exhibit

unlike anything we've ever done before.

Something that shows people

that the archives aren't just a place where...

old documents are stored on shelves.

An exhibit that's...

interactive and exciting

and shows people the real value of what we do here.

And equally as important, if not more so,

something that excites the donors.

Okay...

I hear you're a storyteller.

Well, I, uh, minored in English Lit,

and I'm a pretty avid reader,

so, um, yeah, I think I got a decent grasp of storytelling.

Great! I want you to put that knowledge to use and come up

with an idea that excites the public and the donors.

An exhibit that people want to tell their friends about.

Okay, sure, um...

Any idea how we might make this exhibit exciting?

No, but I have faith in you.

Oh, I appreciate that, sir.

Um, when were you thinking this exhibit should be open?

Late spring.

Oh.

It's already spring, sir.

Well, then we better get to work.

I will check back in on you soon,

and you have a nice evening, Mr. Callahan.

Uh, looking forward to it... sir.

Okay.

My dearest Mary,

divided from you, my love,

I am lost,

adrift in a sea of apparitions,

ever receding from my reach,

with only your memory to bind me.

Though I must leave you now,

know that I do with the heaviet of heart and a sacred vow.

You will never be alone, dear one,

for each time you gaze up at the stars,

shrouded in their velvet abyss,

I so too will be at once gazing upon them such.

And in that moment we too shall be as one.

In your eyes,

I have seen the stars reflected

in the hope of a new nation forming.

"Hence, I am called to battle and fight I must,

but trust I take thee with me always.

If I shall never return,

know that your notes are forever safe.

Until we meet again, yours in eternity, Jonathan."

No wonder you stayed up all night reading these.

I couldn't put them down.

What Jonathan and Mary risked to follow their hearts,

it's unbelievable.

They really must have loved each other.

Yeah, but it's like Nancy said.

The story's unfinished.

Well, what does the last letter say?

Well, Jonathan's about to go off to war,

and he's professing his undying love to Mary.

But he's also trying to comfort her

because obviously she's worried he's not coming back.

And then that's it.

Oh, I wonder if that was Jonathan's last letter.

I don't know.

Breaks my heart to think about.

There's a few...

coded messages on the bottom of a few of the letters.

If I'm gonna do grandma's report any justice,

I'm gonna have to try to decode those messages

and track down Mary's letters.

What about that archivist who helped you with the letters?

Do you think he'd be willing to help you dig deeper on this?

I don't know. Maybe.

I think so.

What is that face?

What?

Something that excites the donors...

Hmm, no.

No, I don't think secret is a cipher either.

Hey, Frank.

Hey, brother.

Sorry to bother you at work.

I know you're probably busy

preserving our national heritage.

No, that's fine.

I just wanna make sure you're coming to the cookout.

Burgers, dogs, kids, chaos.

Be good fun.

Count me in.

All right, I'll have Sonya pick up a pack of cheddar brats.

Ooh, my favourite.

Hey, Sonya also wanted me to remind you

that your invite includes a plus-one.

You always gotta remind me I'm single, don't you?

It's not that you're single,

it's how long you've been single.

You made the leap from amateur to pro.

Oh, thanks.

Look, all I'm saying is if you do find someone,

we got plenty of dogs to go around.

Oh, I'll be sure to lead with that when I find someone.

Well, it's a good selling point.

Okay, well, I'll see you soon, brother.

All right, looking forward to it.

Bye.

I went through all of these boxes,

and there is nothing in them about

Mary's letters or the code.

Well, I'll keep an eye out as I clean out these closets.

If you see anything you like here, take it.

Some of these I might reimagine.

The rest I'm just gonna donate.

Okay, well, I'm gonna take these boxes

to the recycling place and have them shredded.

We're making some real headway.

On the cleanup, yes.

On the report, not so much.

Well, we're a little ahead of the game thanks to your help,

so why don't you take some time to work on it?

I know how important this is.

- Thanks, Mom. - Yeah.

Knock, knock.

Emily.

Hi.

Hi.

I'm sorry to stop by unannounced,

but I sort of misplaced your business card.

I'm glad you did.

I-I mean, if you hadn't,

you wouldn't have stopped by.

Um, let me get you another.

As much as I welcome a surprise visit,

I want you to be able to get a hold of me any time.

Thank you.

I'm sorry to pester you.

I was just wondering if you had any time

to look into the name Ellis and Rutherford.

I had started looking in the microfilm birth records,

but, um, I hadn't gotten too far.

Oh...

Because I was trying to decipher this code,

but I haven't gotten too far with this either.

Mmh. You know what?

I think...

we put our heads together, we can figure this out.

What...

You think so?

Are you kidding?

I am the Wordle champ.

All right. Okay.

Um, well, uh, usually,

there's a word that starts either

at the beginning or the end of the alphabet,

which moves the letters one way or the other.

Um, let's just say Mary, for example.

But I already tried that.

It doesn't work, but you get what I'm saying, right?

- Yes. - Yeah?

So this is...

just my best guess so far.

I haven't figured out what the cipher word is yet.

Okay.

Well, let's say that you are right.

The R is an E.

The most common letter in the alphabet is S.

So let's say the P...

is an S.

So S-E something 22.

It has to be a meeting place.

Like a location or a address?

Or the 322 is a meeting, date, and time.

Let's say, because it's a meeting place,

that this is...

house.

Right.

So the vowels here can't be O, U, or E.

They have to be A, I, or Y.

Hm, only sometimes.

OK, let's make this an A.

Okay. S-A-E house.

Pennsylvania...

State House!

So are we sure it's a cipher word?

It has to be.

I mean, Liberty was even capitalized in the letter.

That's how he highlighted the cipher word to Mary

so that she could decode the message.

Hmm.

Well, there it is.

Independence Hall,

which was once called the State House.

Now see the colonial era brickwork?

The pattern is characteristic of its time.

It's called Flemish Bond.

It's amazing to think

the Declaration of Independence was adopted here.

Imagine standing in a crowd of patriots

while those words were read out for the first time.

Gives me chills.

And I have a feeling that's what Jonathan and Mary were doing.

Remember what he wrote in his later letter.

"When whence we stood to witness our future as it were read,

"the words rang out clear and strong

"as the tolling of the bell from the tower."

Hmm.

If we could track down more evidence

to prove they were really here

and tie those letters to this monumental moment in history,

that would be huge for my report and for the Ladies of Liberty.

This is all so exciting.

Yeah, beats spending time in the records room.

Well, I got to go help my mom with a few things.

But I was going to grab lunch first.

You hungry?

- Uh, yeah, I am. What are you thinking?

Ever since I got here,

I have been craving a Philly cheesesteak.

Oh, me too.

Let's go.

- This way. - Yeah.

Okay.

- Mmh. - Mmh.

Whoa.

Philly cheesesteak is the perfect sandwich.

The steak is tender and sliced just right.

It's the king of steaks.

You get whiz on yours, don't you?

Ah, you better believe it.

I knew it.

So you ever gonna let me read the rest of the letters?

- Yeah, sure, you can read them. You just can't take them.

Not yet, anyway.

All right, understood.

But since you read them,

I'm curious.

What's your take?

Oh!

Well, first of all,

Jonathan has to be the most romantic man ever.

Really? How so?

In one of the letters he wrote to Mary...

there's this old legend where a man goes to a place of meaning,

and he lights a candle for the woman he loves.

And if the candle stays lit...

their fates are bound together forever.

Wow. He was a romantic.

Mmh.

I feel like men like that just don't exist anymore.

Sure they do.

I mean, if you really love someone...

and you're desperate for some kind of assurance

that the relationship would endure...

I could see doing something like that.

Hmm.

Mmh!

I found that in the linen closet today.

Pretty cool, huh?

This family tree must go back,

what, four generations?

Yes.

And all of them living in this house here on Maple Street.

So Agnes must have been born just after Independence.

No maiden name, though.

Hmm.

Maybe Grandma was trying to trace the history of the house

through the family tree...

but why?

You know, I'll show Nate.

He has access to all the genealogical databases.

Oh, I also have to get the rest of Grandma's research

from the Ladies of Liberty.

How about I do that first thing...

and then I promise I will be on cleanup duty

for the rest of the day?

A couple more days and we'll be ready

to put the for sale sign out front.

I know you're torn about this, Mom.

This house holds such deep roots for our family.

There's so many memories here.

It's gonna be hard to part with.

But my life is elsewhere.

You know, I have the alteration shop,

and I'm not ready to retire.

And I can't afford to keep this place in the meantime.

Hi, Nancy.

I just came to pick up the rest of my Grandma's files.

- Oh, hi, Emily. I'm glad you're here.

I was gonna call you.

What going on?

We have to move out.

What? Why?

Haven't you been here forever?

We have,

but we lost our lease.

We thought we'd be able to renegotiate with the new owner,

but it didn't work out.

What happened?

- He's asking much higher rent. - Oh.

And he's made it clear

he doesn't even think we'll be around

after the non-profit review.

Well, I'm working on that.

Once we know what happened to the other letters,

it's sure to help the review.

I know.

And we're so grateful.

I just wish I had more time.

Me too.

And I also wish your grandmother were here.

She always knew how to handle things.

Come with me.

I'll show you your grandmother's files.

Mom, I picked up Grandma's files.

I'll be upstairs.

Sounds good.

I'm just going to do some vacuuming.

Okay.

Mom, look at this!

Grandma's recipes.

Aw.

Why don't we take a break, pick one of those recipes,

and make a delicious meal in memory of Grandma?

I'll go to the store and get what we need.

You could even invite a guest if you wanted.

Oh, yeah?

Who?

Whomever you like.

Hey, Emily.

What are the chances?

Yeah.

Well, I'm just about to get some groceries,

but, uh, it looks like you beat me to it.

What are you stocking up on?

Don't tell me you ran out of cheese whiz.

Oh, never.

You should see my pantry.

I can only imagine.

Right next to the canned pasta.

Mmh, I'm so sorry for you.

I'll survive.

Just kidding.

I actually like to cook when I have some time.

Uh, my mom is cooking chicken pot pie tonight.

Pennsylvania Dutch style.

You're welcome to join us.

Unless, of course, you're craving your canned pasta,

in which case, I completely understand.

It is surprisingly tasty.

I'll let you read the rest of the letters.

Maybe we can look at some of the coded messages,

see if we can figure them out.

Oh, I see.

The dinner invite is just a ruse

to get me to help you move your project forward.

What? No.

Well, lucky for you, Pennsylvania Dutch

is my favourite style of chicken pot pie.

Okay.

Thanks for helping with the dishes, Nate.

Oh, you're welcome.

And thank you for dinner.

I appreciate it so much.

It was delicious.

My pleasure.

Okay, you two. Don't stay up too late.

Good night, Mom.

- Good night. - Good night.

Wow. What a cliffhanger.

- I told you! - Yeah.

Oh, if only we could find Mary's letters,

then we could know how the story ends.

Yeah.

You know, my grandma made a note

that maybe the letters are hidden somewhere.

Mmh.

Has anyone ever written you a love letter?

Oh, I think an email is the closest I've ever come.

Oh.

- How about you? Have you ever written one?

Uh, I attempted to.

Once.

- Really? - Mm-hmm.

Okay, now I'm curious.

How did that turn out?

Uh, forced,

to tell you the truth.

Hmm.

That's the thing about love letters.

Um, for the words to flow,

the feelings need to be real.

And they weren't real before?

When they're real, you just know.

Mmh, like Jonathan.

He knew.

Yeah.

He did.

Oh, boy.

Uh, I should probably get going soon.

- Yeah. Big day tomorrow?

Yeah.

Yeah, I have to get to the office early.

I've been given this big assignment,

but, um, I've been, uh, putting it off.

But don't worry, I'm gonna get back to this soon.

I've taken pictures of all the other codes of messages

and the family tree,

and when I got some time,

I'm gonna put all the names into the database.

It's my fault you've fallen so far behind.

I have been

a total distraction.

Yeah.

Yeah, you have.

But, um...

I don't mind at all.

Rutherford.

Rutherford.

Nope.

Hey, Nate.

Sorry to interrupt.

Hi, Linda.

I just spoke with Richard Kent.

What about?

He wants me to start making arrangements

for a "one-of-a-kind" exhibit.

He wants to start promoting it right away.

Did he give you a date?

Next Saturday.

Next...

Saturday.

That's not possible.

You want me to tell him

that you're gonna want to push the date?

No, no, don't do that.

Okay, great.

So what is this "one-of-a-kind" exhibit anyway?

It sounds exciting.

I...

haven't figured it out yet.

Oh, dear.

Uh... I'm gonna leave you to get to it then.

- Okay. - Okay.

Hi, Nate.

Catching up on all your work today?

Not at all.

But that's actually why I'm calling.

Let me guess.

You can't stop thinking about the coded messages.

I can't.

And you want to help me find Mary's letters.

You read my mind.

We gonna get together and try to figure this out?

Thought you'd never ask.

We need that second cipher word

if we're gonna find Mary's letters.

That's true.

This letter must have a different cipher

because Liberty didn't work for this one.

Mmh.

What about courage?

Hmm.

That does look slightly different

than the other words, doesn't it?

Yeah, it's the only word not slanted.

And all the other words are.

Let's try it.

Yeah.

We were right! The cipher word was courage.

But the secret message is mulberry and bread?

I think I know where we need to go.

Where?

Well, in 1854,

Mulberry Street was renamed Arch Street.

Maybe they're talking about the Meeting House.

No, couldn't be.

It was built after the war.

It has to be a meeting spot.

I mean, it has a date and time, too,

just like the first.

If it's Arch Street, just west of bread, then...

Look what we have here.

Betsy Ross House.

Wouldn't it be amazing if Jonathan and Mary

were somehow connected to Betsy Ross?

I mean, if we're right,

this is where they met.

Come on.

Betsy Ross was born Elizabeth Griscom in 1752.

Raised in a Quaker family,

she learned to knit and sew when she was young.

She married a man named John Ross

and started an upholstery business.

Sadly, John died in a gunpowder explosion

during the Revolutionary War.

According to legend, in May of 1776,

Betsy Ross was approached by none other than

George Washington about sewing the first American flag.

He wanted the flag to continue contain 13 stars and 13 stripes.

And when he asked if she thought she could do it,

Betsy's reply was, "I don't know, but I will try."

Do you remember any mentions of flags in the letters?

I don't think so.

Now, whether this story is fact or folklore,

Betsy Ross has secured a place in America's heart

and remains to this day a symbol of patriotism

and the powerful influence women had

in the founding of our nation.

Mmh. Another high-pressure assignment, huh?

Mmh, just like Jefferson, she knocked out of the park.

Yeah, she did.

I love that quote by Betsy Ross.

I so admire her courage and willingness to try.

It's quite a story, huh?

And the guide said

that she was approached by Washington in May of 1776,

and Jefferson was drafting the declaration in June of 1776.

Mmh. They would have been working

on these things around the same time.

Around the time that Jonathan was writing the letters,

right before he went off to war.

I wonder why...

he asked Mary to meet him there.

Well, let's look at the letters again.

Okay.

Look at this.

"In your eyes,

"I see those stars reflected,

"and the hope of a new nation forming."

Yeah, well, hold on.

He could have been talking about the stars in the sky.

Oh, come on!

The coded message literally puts them there

while Betsy was working on the flag.

And then the next message,

he talks about the stars reflected in Mary's eyes?

Jonathan was the exemplary patriot,

bringing the woman he loves to these places

to show her what their future could look like,

to show her what he was fighting for.

Well, if true...

it is rather remarkable.

I mean, the backdrop of their love story

is literally the birth of our nation.

It's the making of an epic.

Feuding families,

forbidden love,

a revolution.

That's why my grandma called them

the Romeo and Juliet of the revolution.

Huh, she did?

Yeah, it's at the beginning of her report.

That's a great hook.

I thought so.

You've got a compelling hypothesis.

But the scholarly standards

the report will be measured against

will definitely need proof.

And an ending would help.

Yeah, an ending seems important.

This is a lot to process,

and my head is spinning.

And the deadline for the report is getting closer by the hour,

and I don't even know if it's possible to get it done.

You know what? You were right.

Water Ice is exactly what I needed.

These are so good.

Excuse me.

Wooder ice.

Right.

Being here makes me realize

Philly has this gravitational pull, you know?

Yes, it does.

It's funny.

I spent a good part of my life here, but at some point,

I started overlooking all the amazing history.

Most historical city in America.

Mm-hmm.

Your grandmother clearly appreciated it.

Yeah.

I think she's guiding me in this journey.

Journey through the past.

It's more than just the past.

It's... a rediscovery of everything

that's been missing in my life lately.

Like what things?

My love of history and teaching.

That spark I used to wake up to every morning before school.

It started to dim.

I lost that connection to the passion that inspired me.

But these letters definitely had me thinking differently

about a lot of things.

What about you?

What did you take away from the letters?

Well, I think the letters are...

a great example of how to express your feelings.

To take risks.

To speak and act from the heart more often.

I agree.

I was so inspired by...

how Jonathan was so vulnerable and didn't hold back.

Hmm.

After my last relationship, I...

..kind of shut that part of myself off.

I think we can both learn a thing or two from Jonathan.

Excuse me.

Of course.

Hello?

Hi, Mom.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Slow down.

Oh, no. Okay, I'm on my way.

I'm sorry. I have to go, it's an emergency.

Well, what happened?

An electrical wire caught fire

and burned a hole in the attic wall.

Well, I'll come with you and see if I can help out.

Thanks.

Mom, what happened?

I don't know.

I-I was clearing out these trunks,

and I heard a pop

and a flash of blue out of the corner of my eye.

Oh, it must be an arc of electricity.

What kind of wiring do you have in this house?

Well, I know the first two floors were updated years ago,

but up here, it could still be knob and tube.

Okay, I should be able to tell by checking in the panel.

I'm gonna go to the basement, okay?

- Yeah. - All right.

- Thank you. - This is so dangerous.

I'm glad you're all right.

Yeah, we should turn the power off up here

until we can get an electrician in.

I'm afraid you're gonna have to find a new work area.

Oh, I don't mind.

I think that's only safe.

Yeah.

Listen, I can come back and, um,

help you out with whatever you need.

Oh, no, that's okay.

My mom's already on the phone

with an electrician to fix the wiring.

Okay, well, if you need anything,

don't hesitate to call.

Thank you.

Of course.

I'm sorry to ask, but, um, where are the letters?

They are in a drawer in my room in the house.

Are you sure they're okay?

Yeah, I checked.

Because Emily, you know,

letters that fragile are important, they need to...

I know, Nate, I know.

Just let me photograph them again.

The images I have are dark and they need better lighting.

Well, I can get them professionally digitized.

I just need my own copies for my own peace of mind.

But I'll do it tonight and then I drop them off to you tomorrow.

Okay, great.

And don't forget, no flash.

I'm aware.

I'm sorry.

If it feels like I've been pressuring you into this.

No, no, you're right.

The letters need to be somewhere safer than the house.

I don't think we're going to find Mary's letters anyway.

Well, we can still finish off the family tree,

see if there's connections,

and we still have, you know,

coded messages to figure out.

Yeah.

Yeah, we can work on that.

Yeah.

Okay.

Thank you for coming by and helping us.

Don't mention it.

You know, my, uh, brother and his wife

are having a cookout this weekend.

Nothing fancy.

Kids will be running around, probably screaming,

but it should be fun.

You feel like coming with?

I would love to.

Great.

Okay.

I'll see you soon.

- Bye. - Bye.

Flemish bond?

Just like the State House.

Here they are,

safe and sound.

You made a good decision, Emily.

We'll take good care of them.

I need you to promise me

that I will have access to the originals.

I am talking priority VIP access.

I promise.

You can have access to the letters anytime.

We can even list the collection under your name, if you like.

No.

Let's list them under Beverly Chandler

and the Ladies of Liberty.

Done.

Also, I found some brickwork in the walls of the attic

that looked a lot like the brickwork at the State House.

Seriously?

I need to do a little bit more research on the house,

but if I can prove that it has any historical significance,

then I might be able to pull everything together.

I'm impressed by your determination.

You don't give up.

Nope.

I'm going to finish what my grandmother started

and help save the Ladies of Liberty.

Which is exactly why I want you to meet Sonya,

my sister-in-law.

You're gonna love her, and she might be able to help.

As for my brother Frank...

I'll let you be the judge.

Boys, not in the house!

Nate, I got you your favourite.

Thank you, Sonya.

Emily, how do you like your cheese brats?

Butterflied or natural?

Oh, natural, please.

Ah, let the casing do the talking.

Oh, I know how you like them, little brother.

Split and blackened.

Yep.

We are opposites in a lot of ways.

Mmh. Might not be a bad thing.

So, Sonya, how did you and Frank meet?

We met in college.

We had a class together, and I thought he was cute.

And I knew she was cute.

Good answer, buddy.

He texts me one night to see if I wanted to study.

We met at this all-night diner

and stayed up talking until the sun came up.

That's all it took.

I fell for him right away.

Hey, boys, hit me.

Frank.

A little bit of the duck, but not bad.

- Oh, okay. - All right.

Whoa!

- Hey! Wow. Where did that come from?

So, where have you been applying

for teaching jobs in Philly?

Oh, a number of schools.

But I'm looking for other opportunities in education too.

I want to find something that allows me

to reach more students than I could

if I were just teaching one history class at one school.

I thought about teaching when I was younger.

I ended up in law school.

What kind of law do you practice?

I'm an advocacy lawyer.

I work mostly with non-profits.

Ah, I know why Nate wanted us to meet.

I could actually use your help.

Would it be okay if I called you sometime?

Of course. Anytime.

Okay.

What are you sewing?

Oh, I didn't see you there.

I thought I'd try making a quilt.

A little personal project of my own while I'm here.

It's beautiful.

I feel like I've seen this one before.

You have.

These are all Grandma's fabrics.

Her linens, her clothes.

I thought it'd make us something to remember her by.

Each square is a piece of our past.

Oh, Mom, I love it.

Who's the history buff now?

How was the cookout?

Oh, it was so fun.

Nate's brother's family's really great.

And his sister-in-law is a non-profit attorney

and might be able to help the Ladies of Liberty.

- Oh, wow. - Mmh.

Mom, I'm sorry I've been so in and out.

I've just been really preoccupied

with Grandma's project.

Preoccupied with Grandma's project or with Nate?

Grandma's project is my priority.

I don't know.

What do you mean you don't know?

Since you've met him,

you've had a...

A lightness about you, Emily.

A glow.

A glow?

Please.

You don't think I notice the way you look at each other?

It's nice to see.

I've been worried about you

since your last relationship ended.

Yeah, well, Nate is handsome

and charming and funny and smart.

But I've learned my lesson.

I'm more guarded now.

I don't think that's the right approach.

I mean, think about those letters

of what Jonathan and Mary were going through.

The uncertainty?

Jonathan risked everything to tell Mary how he really felt.

And from his letters, it sounds like she did the same.

There's something really beautiful about that.

About believing in love enough to take a chance.

Hello, Mr. Kent.

Mr. Callahan.

Just wanted to let you know

I'll be back in town for a couple of days.

I'm hosting a dinner for a few patrons of the archives.

I'd love it if you could be there.

Oh, thank you for the invitation, sir. I'll be there.

Now, bring a plus-one if you'd like.

Great, um...

I have one in mind.

The people invited, there's a select group of donors

I've approached about funding our expansion.

Thought you could catch us up n the, uh, status of the exhibit.

I assume it's coming along?

Um, yeah.

I've been, uh, putting a lot of thought into it.

It's, uh, it's gonna be one-of-a-kind.

That's for sure.

And... exciting.

Oh, and exciting.

Love it.

I'll send you the details, and we'll see you soon.

See you soon, sir.

Hi, Sonya.

It's Emily Hollister, Nate's friend from the cookout.

- Hi, Emily. What can I do for you?

Well, yeah, if you have a minute.

A non-profit my grandma was a part of

has run into some trouble with their 501C3 status.

The Ladies of Liberty?

- Yes, I love their work. I'd be happy to advise on that.

Have them send me all their supporting documents.

- Oh, I am so grateful. Thank you.

It's my pleasure.

And how's Nate? Have you seen him lately?

Yeah, Nate's great, actually.

I'm on my way to see him right now.

I found the third cipher.

Hi.

Um, what is it?

Love.

Um...

what's the message?

First Masters, High Street, Nightfall.

Mary Masters built a house on High Street

that would go on to become the presidential home.

Perhaps Mary Masters was an ally of the revolutionaries

and provided a safe place for Jonathan and Mary to meet.

Mmh.

Oh, and I got some other news.

There's a fourth coded message

on the back of Jonathan's last letter.

On the back?

Yeah, it's so faint you can hardly see it,

so I had to put it up on the board and try to figure it out.

And then something else came up.

And now I'm pulling you away from that

to help me with something else.

I can come back later...

No, no, no, no, no, it's okay.

I can, I can multitask.

You can?

No. Not at all.

I didn't think so.

The presidential house doesn't really exist anymore,

so I don't think we're gonna find anything

by retracing Jonathan and Mary's steps there.

But what about the code?

Let's look at the letter again.

I didn't see a word written in a different style

like the others were.

Yeah, neither did I.

Okay, he going off to war, his future is uncertain.

What would his cipher word be?

This line stands out to me.

"Your notes are forever safe."

Notes.

And perhaps what he means by forever safe

is that he hid them somewhere not with him,

so that Mary wouldn't get found out.

And if he never returned, maybe that's a hidden message.

The location of the letters!

Attic wall, ma-ple...

Maple!

The brickwork in the attic!

Like at the State House!

I have to go.

I'll call you.

Wait, can I come?

If you hurry!

I'm hurrying!

We need to tear all of this down.

Are you sure that's okay?

Okay...

Light?

Yeah. What have we got here?

Wait!

That brick looks like it's sticking out a bit.

Can I open it?

Very carefully.

Mary's letters.

My grandma thought they were hidden.

You know, I think she may have had a hand in that fire.

You know she did.

You better send me those letters

the second that you get them scanned.

I am dying to find out what happened

to our Romeo and Juliet of the revolution.

Oh, please let it be a happily ever after.

We'll get it started tomorrow.

Who's we?

Well, uh, these letters are fragile

and should be handled by the best.

Our chief conservator needs to be involved.

Uh, he's handled documents in Europe far older than these.

Okay. Well, as long as I have time to read them

and get the report done by the deadline.

Yeah, we should have 'em treated

and scanned by the weekend.

Okay.

Well, you should get some sleep.

Yeah, I have a big day tomorrow.

I just seem to keep falling farther behind in my other work.

Yeah...

I think that one's on me. I feel awful.

- No, no. - Yes, I owe you one.

If there is anything I can do to make it up to you.

Well, um, actually, uh,

my boss has invited me to this dinner.

He asked me if I wanted to bring anyone.

And do you want to?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think I would.

I don't know, I was thinking about this smart, cool,

really attractive woman I know.

Hmm.

She sounds like a keeper.

Mm-hmm.

Should hurry up and ask her.

- You know what? You're right. I should.

I'll get on that.

Emily, would you like to be my date at my boss's dinner?

It's at a really fancy restaurant.

Oh, well, I'm glad you threw that in there.

I was a little bit on the fence.

Oh, were you.

I wouldn't miss it.

Okay, great.

- Good night. - Bye.

Hey, Emily, I got your favourite scones

to celebrate the discovery of Mary's letters,

and I want to let you know I finally got the house listed.

What?

Yeah, I got an agent and everything.

I just put the for sale sign in the front yard.

Mom, you have to take that down!

Why?

Why did you do that?

I think I found a way to keep the house.

How?

I am confident this place has enough of a legacy

to get a historical designation.

What does that mean?

It means the city's Historical Society would purchase

the home for a fair price

and the grant would go toward maintenance and restoration.

Emily, that's wonderful news.

That's not the only piece.

I want to propose that it be run by the Ladies of Liberty.

That way they have a permanent home.

Grandma's home.

And then, we could develop a youth education center

where we host field trips

and really make the history come alive for the students

in a way that really resonates with them.

The way Jonathan's letters did.

And how long would this all take?

Well, it'll take them some time

to consider the application,

but I'm working on it right now.

Oh, Emily.

You've always been so thoughtful.

Ever since you were little.

It's what makes you such a wonderful teacher,

that and your passion for history.

I know you've been in a bit of a rut,

but seeing your excitement over the letters and this house,

it shows that the passion still burns inside of you.

Thanks, Mom.

I feel reinvigorated by all of this.

And you think it could also have to do with Nate?

Okay.

Maybe a little bit.

I'm glad you're finally admitting it.

"Dear committee,

"we respectfully submit this proposal to request support

"for the acquisition and preservation of the home

"at 231 Maple Street.

"Residence of exceptional historical

"and cultural significance to Philadelphia."

Did you work on the report all day?

I did.

I think I'll be able to finish the application

by the end of the weekend.

I just need the scans of Mary's letters.

And what's the status on that?

Nate has an expert working on it.

Oh, speaking of Nate,

isn't tonight your big date?

It is.

But I don't even have anything to wear.

What's the attire?

I need a dress.

Stay right there.

Your grandmother has got you covered.

Oh, that's beautiful.

That was Grandma's?

She had style.

This is one of the pieces I was gonna keep for myself,

but you should have it.

Mm.

She looked gorgeous in it, and I know you will, too.

Cheers, everyone.

Improvements were made to the archives.

It's great.

You guys will really enjoy the new exhibit.

Mr. Callahan.

Please, let me introduce you to our guests.

This is Nate Callahan, our chief archivist.

Pleasure to meet you all.

Mrs. Langford and the Pembrokes.

They have been generous patrons of the archives over the years,

and both families have contributed significantly

to our collection.

Yes,

the Langford Revolutionary Pamphlet Collection.

Oh.

And the Pembroke Portraits of Independence,

which includes a painting of Washington's trusted general,

Nathaniel Green.

One of my favourite portraits.

Oh, mine as well.

Mr. Callahan, if I may put you on the spot,

could you please fill us in on what we can expect

from the archives' upcoming one-of-a-kind exhibit?

Of course.

Um, but you're not putting me on the spot at all.

I mean, we started working on this, what, a week ago?

It is important to present something new and exciting

to the public and our generous donors.

After all, the archives have something to say.

They hold the origin stories of this great nation.

Is that not right, Mr. Callahan?

Absolutely.

Which is why this newest exhibit,

which is being billed one-of-a-kind...

is just that.

It's a new collection.

A collection of Revolutionary War era letters.

Oh!

Love letters, as a matter of fact.

Ah!

From the Romeo and Juliet of the Revolution.

Fascinating.

So how does this love story end?

Yes, I'm dying to know.

Hopefully not as tragically as Shakespeare?

Let's hope.

Well, you're just gonna have to wait and see.

Suspense. I love it.

Did I not tell you

that Mr. Callahan was an exceptional storyteller?

Oh, please.

But the credit for this exhibit,

um, it must go to...

This is gonna be amazing.

I, for one, cannot wait for the opening.

Yes. We'll be going.

We will, too.

Thank you. Thank you.

Um...

Excuse me.

You look...

breathtaking.

Oh, you look very handsome.

This tie really brings out your eyes.

Glad you noticed.

Um, listen, I, um,

I found something that's gonna help your application.

Oh, what?

It turns out that your house was actually owned

by Stuart and Mercy Ellis, Jonathan's parents.

Mercy was a seamstress.

She made coats for the Continental Army.

That might have been the connection to Betsy Ross.

- Who was also a seamstress. - Mm-hmm.

Oh, wait till I tell my mom.

And Stuart Ellis was a bricklayer

employed by Edmund Woolley.

Who built the Pennsylvania State House.

Exactly.

It's amazing how connected your grandma was to all of this.

I mean, there's a high probability

you're a direct descendant of the Ellis family.

- Agnes Ellis. She's the link.

So that house has been in our family

since America's independence.

Most likely.

Anyway, I emailed you the report so you can use it

for your historical designation application.

Oh, thank you, Nate.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Grandma would have been so happy.

Um, let me introduce you to some people.

Yeah.

Miss Hollister.

Oh.

It was such a pleasure meeting you this evening.

Oh, thank you so much for including me.

This was lovely.

Can we expect to see you

at the opening of Nate's new exhibit?

I... You might.

I certainly hope so.

The Romeo and Juliet of the Revolution.

It's just...

brilliant.

We'll see you then.

Um...

Emily, no, just wait.

You... you are claiming

my grandmother's project as your own?

No. No, not at all.

We can all benefit from this exhibit.

Yeah, but no one more than you.

How are the Ladies of Liberty

supposed to make claim to those letters

if the National Archives are putting them on public display?

- Emily... - I should have known

there was an ulterior motive

behind all of this.

Emily, look...

I trusted you, Nate.

This project, yeah, is the kind of thing

archivists live for,

and maybe it'll help my career...

but it doesn't hold a candle

to my feelings for you.

Nate,

all I still need from you now the scans of Mary's letters

so that I can finish what my grandmother started.

You know, it's ironic.

We don't know how Jonathan and Mary's story ends...

but we know how ours does.

"Dear Jonathan,

"I recall with vividness the first occasion

"upon which I beheld you from afar.

"So dignified and handsome.

"The undeniable fondness we share for one another

"is a bridge over the rift

"that others say should divide us.

"You have awoken in me a passion within my heart,

"not only towards your person, but...

"...for the dream of that nation drawing nigh."

"My dearest Jonathan,

"our great vision shared by may calls upon you now to realize

"that Washington's army pulls you from my arms,

"and with it tears my breath from my lungs.

"Though I grieve for our impending separation,

"I know that the devotion within your heart

"is the burning flame that once illuminated you to me

"and your cause to my consciousness.

"Go then with my blessing and my prayers.

"Only promise that when the war is done, you will return to me.

"You're ever faithful, Mary."

"My beloved Jonathan...

"...I read of the terrible battles being fought

"and my heart grows weary with fear.

"It has been well over a month

"since I last held your words in my hand

"and the silence grows heavy upon my heart.

"Sleep eludes me and I can scarcely eat.

"How often I recall the blessed moment before the State House,

"where you once lit a candle for me,

"and where at last you knelt to ask for my hand.

"When will I see you again, my love?

"But one word,

"one scrap of paper from you,

"and I may breathe again

"with the knowledge across such fibres,

"your own breaths did flow,

"and now kisses the tips of my fingers.

"Your beloved, Mary."

"My beloved Jonathan,

"I cannot but contain my happiness

"upon receiving word from Officer Borne

"that you are safe and healing in an army infirmary.

"My heart leaps with joy that in the weeks to come

"we shall no longer communicate through letters,

"but share a single life together.

"Until that day, my love,

"the moments between will pass as if an eternity.

"How I long to behold your face and take your hand within mine.

"Still know that I am with you now in spirit.

"My quill had never flowed with such elation across the page,

"yet I know that, with sincere emotion,

"the words unfold of their own natural will.

"Yours eternally, Mary."

Hi.

Hi, Sonya.

So, 501C3 filings can get complicated

with the new regulations.

We've seen a lot of non-profits lose their status.

I'm glad you brought this to me.

All the compliance issues have been addressed.

Oh, thank you so much, Sonya!

And the ruling on the historical merit

of your report will be made any day now.

But between you and me,

the senior board members on my PTA,

she loves your work, I have no doubts.

Oh, this is amazing news.

The Ladies of Liberty will be so delighted.

Have they found another space?

No, but I'm working on that right now.

They're lucky to have you on their side.

I'm just picking up where my grandmother left off.

Feel free to tell me to butt out,

but if you don't mind me asking,

what happened between you and Nate?

Frank said he's never seen him so down.

"Dear Emily,

"I know I upset you and I'm sorry.

"I just wanted you to know my intention with the exhibit

"was to honour your grandmother and help the Ladies of Liberty.

"If you come to the preview tonight,

"I think you'll see that.

"Following the mystery of the letters with you

"has pulled me out of hiding in the past,

"and for the first time, I have a vision of my future.

"Your ever faithful servant, Nate.

"My dearest Mary,

"to you I must confess.

"I awaken each day

"in the hope of finding my courage and fortitude

"arrive in the form of your letters.

"Scarce have I found such anticipation

"as when the postman brings those precious pages forth

"and I find myself devouring your words as sustenance."

"My dearest Jonathan,

"our great vision, shared by many,

"calls upon you now to realize

That Washington's army pulls you from my arms

"and with it tears my breath from my lungs.

"Though I grieve for our impending separation,

"I know that the devotion withn your heart is the burning flame

"that once illuminated you to e

"and your cause to my consciousness"

"My dearest Mary,

"the still of the night is vast and chills my blood,

"so close to battle and yet so far from your countenance.

"Divided from you, my love, I am lost,

"adrift in a sea of apparition,

"ever receding from my reach,

"with only your notes to bind me.

"Though I must leave you now,

"know I do so with the heaviest of hearts."

Congratulations, Mr. Callahan.

Mr. Kent.

This exhibit will be the talk of the town.

When I speak with the Board,

I'll be sure to let them know

who my pick is for the opening in D.C.

Thank you.

But, uh, I don't want a position in D.C.

No?

No, I want to stay right here in Philadelphia.

But I do have a favour to ask you.

Sure. Anything.

There's an application for a historic designation

for a house recently submitted by Emily Hollister.

Oh, Emily!

Yes. Such a lovely woman.

Is she here this evening?

I-I don't think she's gonna make it.

But, um...

none of this would have happened without her.

Could you please make sure her application

gets due consideration?

Certainly will.

Thank you, sir.

Where are you off to?

Liberty Bell.

"Go, then,

"with my blessing and my prayers,

"only promise that when the war is done,

"you will return to me.

"You're ever faithful, Mary.

Excuse me.

Hey, Emily.

Hi, Linda.

Beautiful exhibit, isn't it?

It really is.

Nate's going to be so upset he missed you.

Where'd he go?

He just left.

Said he was going to the Liberty Bell.

Um...

He's been acting funny lately.

I think he's a little sleep deprived.

Um, you know what?

I'm sorry, Linda. I have to go.

Oh.

How many times are you going to I'll try to light that thing?

As many times as it takes.

Here, let me help you block the wind.

That's a good idea.

I read Mary's letters.

Jonathan and Mary's love endured.

It did.

Do you think ours can?

I do.

Emily, Diane,

I still can't believe we saved Beverly's home.

Welcome, guys.

Hello, welcome.

- Welcome, everyone. - Come on in.

It's so good to see you Miss Hollister.

Thanks for setting up this sweet field trip to Philly.

Oh, you're welcome.

Do you have any questions?

Actually, yes.

Are you Miss Hollister fiancé?

Oh.

That's a little off topic,

but that's okay.

The answer is yes.

We just got engaged in front of the Liberty Bell.

I'm actually glad you asked,

because our engagement is the perfect example

of how history can inform the present.

Exactly.

Why don't you come inside?

Let me show you around.

We're gonna start the workshop with a story

that starts way back in the Revolutionary War.

And that actually starts

in this house right here.

Yeah.