A Hopeful Way to Brush Up on Your American History
Here at The Sunday Paper, we do a lot of reporting, writing, and thinking about what it means to live a meaningful life in the United States today. We learn from civic leaders and political advisors on how to stay grounded amidst national divisiveness and hopeful as our country faces change. In short, we do a lot of looking ahead. However, we can also find immense wisdom by looking back, especially when revisiting the United States' most essential documents, on which our identity and values as Americans are based—and this is why we were thrilled to learn about 'The Declaration Book Club.'
Part immersive guide, part community-focused discussion initiative, The Declaration Book Club is a three-part toolkit focused on the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization that owns and operates Monticello, collaborated with More Perfect, a national, bipartisan initiative that engages Americans in protecting and renewing American democracy, to create this learning experience.
What is fun about The Declaration Book Club is that it's organized in several sections, almost like a three-act play, making the rich (and dense!) history easier to digest and discuss: The first section focuses on 1776, our nation's moment of origin, and looks at the Declaration's text as Thomas Jefferson drafted it and Congress amended it. Then the second section spotlights the pivotal year of 1826, delving into all that came to be in the early days of the country, as well as the causes and controversies that emerged. And lastly, the third section examines the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, focusing on the broader impact of the Declaration and sparking the conversation around: What will we declare, as Americans, now and in the future?
Jane Kamensky, Phd, president and CEO of Monticello, says the experience of engaging with this series is a reminder that we are all, as Americans, still refining the rough draft of what America will become. "Think of it as a baton pass. The next lap is yours, mine, and ours," says Kamensky, "What do you, what do we declare? What does it mean to pursue happiness, not just as individuals, but as one people among the power of the earth?"
It's times such as these, when we're all craving steadier ground, that a deeper understanding of our constitutional democracy and its roots can build the ground for a stronger future—one of life, liberty, and happiness.
We see The Declaration Book Club not just as a hopeful way to brush up on your American history, but as a beacon for all that we can continue to build together.
Get Started with The Declaration Book Club
Learn more from inspiring speakers and download all the resources here.
Please note that we may receive affiliate commissions from the sales of linked products.
