As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, educators are being called to help students make sense of a past that is richer, more complex, and more interconnected than many have been taught. This keynote panel brings together leading scholars for a dynamic conversation with the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Education to explore how we understand and teach the American story today.

Together, they will explore the many perspectives that shaped early America and diverse communities whose histories are essential to a fuller picture of the nation’s origins. The discussion will highlight new insights from historical research and offer practical approaches for bringing these stories into classrooms in ways that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and strengthen students’ civic awareness.

It’s a conversation designed to inspire, challenge, and equip educators as we move toward a more perfect union.