This Roundtable featuring public history scholars and leaders of state historical organizations will discuss the challenges of doing public history in our current political climate and share some possible solutions. Using the upcoming 250^th Anniversary of American Independence as a primary touchstone, but also considering other commemorations and public history events, the panelists will consider how recent histories and interpretations can be shared to increase the public’s knowledge about a more inclusive and complex past.

Bringing together Public History professionals from the Northeast, South, and West, the panel will examine how different states are engaging in the work of public history, with an eye toward how the upcoming anniversary of American Independence can serve as a useful anchor point to engage in these conversation. The panel also includes a look back at the United States Bicentennial in 1976, what useful lessons might be drawn from that experience, but also to consider the differences between that moment and now.

As a whole, we will seek to better understand how historians can build trust, engage the public, and be a part of this important anniversary.