The History of America's First Whistleblower Law
“Resolved, that it is the duty of all persons of the United States, as well as all other inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or any other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds, or misdemeanors committed by any persons in the service of these States, which may come to their knowledge.”
First U.S. whistleblower law, unanimously passed on July 30, 1778 by the Continental Congress
The History of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day
The celebration of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day began in March 2011, sparked by the release of The Whistleblower’s Handbook by renowned whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn. The book featured groundbreaking historical research based on documents from the National Archives, the Library of Congress, the Historical Society of Rhode Island, and the Continental Congress. These findings brought to light a little-known but significant moment in American history: the passage of the first whistleblower protection law—arguably the first of its kind in the world.
The story dates back to the height of the American Revolution. In 1777, ten sailors and marines petitioned the Continental Congress, exposing serious misconduct by the Commodore of the U.S. Navy. One of them, Mr. Grannis, was selected to “jump ship” and personally deliver the petitions. In February 1777, Grannis testified before the Continental Congress Marine Committee—just six months after the Declaration of Independence had been signed.
Rather than punish the whistleblowers, Congress took their concerns seriously and suspended the Commodore. This early display of accountability set a powerful precedent: whistleblowing was acceptable and a civic duty that should be protected, not punished.
However, the Commodore sought revenge, charging two whistleblowers—Third Lieutenant Richard Marven and Midshipman Samuel Shaw—with criminal libel in Rhode Island. Both men were jailed under high bail. From their Providence jail cell, they appealed directly to Congress for help.
Their plea was heard.
On July 30, 1778, the Continental Congress took decisive action. It passed the first U.S. whistleblower protection law and publicly released the whistleblowers’ petitions—despite the sensitive information they contained. Moreover, Congress agreed to cover the legal expenses for Marven and Shaw, marking a landmark moment in American legal and moral history.
When Stephen Kohn uncovered this forgotten history, he recognized its national significance. He shared his findings with Senator Charles Grassley, a longtime advocate for whistleblowers. Grassley immediately grasped the importance of the event and led the charge to officially recognize July 30 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.
In 2013, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the date. Since then, the Senate has renewed this resolution annually, calling on every federal agency to honor whistleblowers’ contributions, educate their workforce about whistleblower rights, and promote a culture that supports accountability and transparency.
- 2023: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2022: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2021: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2020: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2019: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2018: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2017: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2016: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2015: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2014: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
- 2013: Senate Resolution Honoring The Day
These annual resolutions are more than symbolic—they come with a clear directive: federal agencies must actively raise awareness about whistleblowing, foster understanding of legal protections, and promote a supportive culture for those who speak out.
Each year, the National Whistleblower Center hosts a celebration on Capitol Hill to bring together whistleblowers, government officials, members of Congress, and advocates to recognize the critical role whistleblowers play in upholding democracy and integrity.
Since Kohn’s rediscovery in 2011, the story of America’s first whistleblowers has been retold in books, academic papers, news articles, and legal commentaries. Local governments—including those in Arkansas and Washington, D.C.—have also passed resolutions recognizing the day.
The NWC continues campaigning to make National Whistleblower Appreciation Day a permanent, nationally recognized observance. Whether through legislation, executive order, or administrative action, KKC, the National Whistleblower Center, and the broader whistleblower community continue to push for lasting recognition.
Join the campaign and help us honor those who speak truth to power.