The Great Experiment? Creating a Nation. Americans tend to think about the nation's founding as inevitable -- a series of "of courses." But, in truth, it was a series of improvisations on a big scale; like the present day, no one knew what would come next. How did this shape their thinking? Join us to find out.

Joanne B. Freeman is a U.S. historian and tenured professor of history and American studies at Yale University. She has published multiple books as well as articles and op-eds in newspapers including The New York Times, and magazines such as The Atlantic and Slate. She specializes in early American political history.

Joanne Freeman’s visit to Alaska is part of the Alaska Historical Society’s Critical Issues Lecture Series designed to raise the level of civil discourse. Her trip was underwritten by the Atwood Foundation and in partnership with the Cook Inlet Historical Society and the University of Alaska Anchorage. In addition, the University of Alaska Anchorage has provided support through its “Big Reads 250th program” grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. These presentations are virtual, free, and open to the public via Crowdcast; the same link can be used to review the recorded event after the program conclusion. Those attending in person should use the 7th Avenue entrance to access the auditorium.

Joanne Freeman. Beowulf Sheehan, photographer

ALASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY & COOK INLET HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENT: CRITICAL ISSUES LECTURE SERIES THE GREAT EXPERIMENT?: CREATING A NATION