08/26/2026
Join the USC Center for the Political Future on Wednesday, August 26 from 11:30AM to 1PM for a discussion entitled: What Would the Founders Say About America 250? A Conversation with Dr. Jane Kamensky of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Learn what America’s Founders might make of the nation at its 250th anniversary.
On July 4, 2026, the United States marked 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The milestone arrived amid sharp political divisions over the country’s past, present, and future. Drawing on her scholarship and her work at Monticello, Dr. Kamensky will explore what the Founders’ own debates about the unfinished project of American democracy can tell us about this moment - and the questions Americans still seek to answer as the country looks toward its next 250 years.
Panelists include:
- Bob Shrum (Remarks): Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future; Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics; Author of "Concessions of a Serial Campaigner"
- Jane Kamensky: President and CEO, Thomas Jefferson Foundation; Trumbull Professor of American History Emerita, Harvard University
- Bill Deverell (Moderator): Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences, USC Dornsife; Professor of History, Spatial Sciences and Environmental Studies; Founding Director, Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West
Run of Show:
- 11:30AM - 12:00PM ... Lunch
- 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM … Moderated Discussion
- 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM … Audience Questions
IN-PERSON REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whawhat-would-the-founders-say-about-america-250-with-dr-jane-kamensky-tickets-1998284976156?aff=oddtdtcreator
LIVESTREAM REGISTRATION: https://usc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MC6Eo6mqTqiZ9HGUtFZRjA
