Historian and Author Danielle Allen Headlines Slate of America 250 Activities Set for June 6

The Newberry will be continuing its commemoration of the United States at 250 with multiple events on Saturday, June 6. At 2pm, Harvard University professor and author Danielle Allen, whose guest essay appeared in the New York Times recently, will appear as part of the Colonial History Speaker Series with Scott Stephenson, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution. The discussion will feature a deep dive into the history, impact, and contemporary resonance of the Declaration of Independence. Registration is required for the event, which will be followed by a book signing of Dr. Allen’s latest book, Radical Duke. Register at this link.

The program is part of an exciting day of events at or near the Newberry. The library’s latest exhibition, Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words That Made the United States, will be on view in the Hanson Gallery from 10am to 5pm. The exhibition includes a 1776 broadside of the Declaration, Thomas Jefferson’s copy of The Federalist, and John Jay’s handwritten drafts of the Federalist Papers. Following the Colonial History Speaker Series program, curator Eric Slauter (University of Chicago) will be on hand to answer questions in the Free and Independent exhibition.

There will be additional free programming available in Washington Square Park, directly across the street from the Newberry, presented by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Illinois and the Museum of the American Revolution. The Museum’s hand-sewn replica of General George Washington’s dining tent will be on display in the park from 10am to 4pm. At 10am, Stephenson will appear in conversation indoors at the Newberry with Dr. Emily Sneff, author of When the Declaration of Independence Was News. Registration is not required for these partner-organized events.

Throughout 2026, the Newberry is providing a firsthand glimpse at the founding of the United States and an exploration of the themes that have been present from the late 1700s through today. The Newberry is proud to be a partner in Illinois America 250, an inclusive, statewide effort to bring together Illinoisans’ diverse perspectives about our history–and our future.

The Colonial History Speaker Series is cosponsored by the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Illinois, in partnership with the History Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.