Arcadia Library Lecture: Archiving Independence

Arcadia Library Lecture: Archiving Independence examines how Americans have used major anniversaries to interpret the nation’s past and envision its future. Drawing on archives and examples from the 1876, 1926, 1976, and 2026 commemorations, Justina Barrett considers how world’s fairs, public-history projects, commemorative objects, and protests have shaped ideas of national unity and American identity.

The lecture also highlights how women, African Americans, immigrants, and other communities influenced public memory despite often being left out of official planning. Barrett connects the hopes, tensions, and cultural priorities of the recent Semiquincentennial with themes that have recurred throughout the country’s milestone anniversaries.

When: Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Perelman Building, Perelman Auditorium.

Tickets: Free registration required. Museum admission is not included.

Format: This is a hybrid program. Attendees may register for the in-person lecture or to watch live via Zoom.

Speaker: Justina Barrett.

Run time: The program is scheduled for one hour.

Q&A: A question-and-answer session will take place at the end of the lecture.

Recording: The program will be recorded, and everyone who registers for the virtual component will receive a link to the recording.

Accessibility: Questions or accommodation requests may be sent to [email protected].