Please Note: This is a free program; registration required.
The 250th anniversary of the United States marks a milestone, representing two and a half centuries of upholding democracy, building communities, defining freedom, and working to become a more perfect union. In celebration, the Smithsonian Institution created a new book, The Promise of a Nation: Commemorating 250 Years of Patriotism, Resilience, and Aspirations from the National Collection, in which curators reflect on how objects and people have shaped the national identity, bringing the country’s past to life and personalizing its history.
During this free evening presentation, Smithsonian curators are joined by members of the editorial committee to share the story of how the publication came together, reflect on its themes, and highlight selected decades from the 1770s to the 2020s.
Moderator
- Rebecca Roberts, deputy director, Library Events Office at the Library of Congress
Welcome and opening
- Lisa Sasaki, deputy under secretary for special projects at the Smithsonian Institution
Curators
- Barbara Clark Smith, curator in the division of political history at the National Museum of American History
- Damion L. Thomas, sports curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator, National Air and Space Museum
Editorial Committee
Support of this program provided by the Secretary of the Smithsonian and the Smithsonian National Board.
General Information
- This program includes a reception plus book sale and signing in the Potomac Atrium at the National Museum of the American Indian.
- Registration for this program will end by 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
