Historian and former presidential speechwriter Ted Widmer joins Eric Slauter, deputy dean of the Humanities Division and master of the Humanities Collegiate Division associate professor at the University of Chicago, and Lucas Morel, John K. Boardman professor of politics at Washington & Lee University, for a conversation exploring the long afterlife of the Declaration of Independence and its enduring place in American life. Reflecting particularly on our nation’s first half century, they will discuss the Declaration’s ideas and ideals, the people and events that shaped how the first generations of Americans interpreted and sought to embody them, and the document’s continuing influence, from politics and public debate to culture and civic life. The conversation builds on Widmer's new book The Living Declaration: A Biography of America’s Founding Text (Library of America, 2026), which traces the Declaration’s remarkable history and evolving meaning across 250 years. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates.
Before the program, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., guests joining us at the Center will enjoy exclusive access to America's Founding, one of our new permanent galleries.
All guests attending the event in person must register using the form provided. Please submit only one registration and use your first and last name exactly as they appear on the valid government-issued photo identification you will present at event check-in.
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This program is presented in partnership with Library of America, with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
