The Thomas Paine
Historical Association
The TPHA is the oldest historic association for a Founder, established in 1884. We are the authority on the life, works, and legacy of Paine, and have been assisting scholars and authors for decades.
A Life Worth Celebrating!
Thomas Paine was a man with nine lives and then some! He was a great humanitarian, a supreme statesman, and a bold visionary. He was also a staymaker, privateer, excise collector, magazine editor, pamphleteer, inventor, war correspondent, and poet.
Paine was a man who belonged to three different worlds—England, the newborn United States, and revolutionary France—a man who went from being showered with praise to being reviled for his brave beliefs in what freedom and equality truly meant.
Today, more than ever—in the times that try all our souls—his works must be shared widely so that all can learn from them and be inspired by his brilliance and vision. We invite you to explore this site and consider joining us as a TPHA member.
Upcoming events
Celebrate Thomas Paine Day
Sunday, June 8th, 2025 3–6 pm
Thomas Paine Memorial Building
983 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY
3:30–4:30
THOMAS PAINE: PROSE AND POETRY—Advancing the Cause of Democracy
- Brian Carter Jazz Quartet
- Refreshments
- Gary Berton – A Preview of the new Collected Writings of Thomas Paine
- A few words from invited elected officials
- Scott Cleary—Selected Poems of Thomas Paine
- Tutti Bravi Production Company—Selections from the Musical: Common Sense
The Thomas Paine Historical Association is headquartered at the Thomas Paine Memorial Building, located at 983 North Avenue in New Rochelle, New York. Constructed in 1925 under the leadership of TPHA President William van der Weyde, Vice President Thomas Alva Edison, and Treasurer Cyril Nast, the Memorial Building is a lasting tribute to Paine’s freethought ideals and the preservation of his memory. It now serves as a museum, library, and community gathering space for those who share the vision of a more just world.
We welcome visitors every Saturday from 1 to 4pm. Entry is free with an optional donation supporting the work of the TPHA. If you are interested in group or private tours or booking the space, please email [email protected] to schedule a day and time. While you’re here, we encourage visiting other Paine sites in the area to continue learning about the life and legacy of this preeminent champion of democracy.