Washington, DC – The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is honored to partner with the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to present Educating for a More Perfect Union: The Indispensable Role of Civic Education for Informed Citizenry, an evening panel discussion on the vital role of civic education in an informed citizenry as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
What: The panel discussion will focus on the urgent need to reinvigorate history and civics education at American colleges and universities, and across the public history sector. Registration for this event is free, and tickets include admission to the reception and program, as well as access to the special exhibition.
Prior to the 6 p.m. program, this free educational event will include a social reception and access to the Museum’s current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, presented by Griffin Catalyst. Following the public program, all guests are invited to view Washington’s War Tent in the Museum’s Alan B. Miller Theater.
Who: The keynote address will be provided by President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations Dr. Richard N. Haass. The panelists include Dr. Michael B. Poliakoff, ACTA President and CEO; Anne D. Neal, Senior Fellow, ACTA; and Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor in Education, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Each panelist serves on ACTA’s National Commission on American History and Civic Education and will join Dr. Haass in discussing how to raise the historic and civic literacy of rising generations. Museum of the American Revolution President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will moderate the conversation and Q&A.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South Third Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
Registration: https://www.goacta.org/event/educating-for-a-more-perfect-union/
“The American Council of Trustees and Alumni is deeply honored to partner with the Museum of the American Revolution during this Semiquincentennial year, located steps from where the Declaration of Independence was crafted and signed,” said ACTA President and CEO Dr. Michael B. Poliakoff. “Like our partners at the Museum, we seek to reinvigorate history and civics education for the public and in American college and university classrooms. On April 30, we look forward to a passionate discussion about ways we can ensure that America’s origin story comes alive and animates the minds and hearts of students for generations to come.”
“Deepening the nation’s understanding of American history and reigniting our fellow Americans’ engagement with our civic institutions should be a nonpartisan cause we can all get behind,” said Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson. “We are honored to support this effort to strengthen the teaching of these subjects in our college classrooms.”
This event is made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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About the American Council of Trustees and Alumni
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting academic excellence, academic freedom, and accountability at America’s colleges and universities. Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price. In 2024, ACTA established the National Commission on American History and Civic Education to remedy the long-standing failure of American colleges and universities to require a foundational course in U.S. history and Government. Learn more at www.goacta.org or call (202) 467-6787.
About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call (877) 740-1776.
Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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