Why We Remember the Founding

Join us for a presentation by a leading scholar of early America about the legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

In this talk, historian Michael D. Hattem asks: why have Americans developed such an emotional connection to the nation’s founding for nearly 250 years? He will discuss the importance of how generations of Americans have told the story of the Revolution, how politics have shaped how the Revolution has been remembered, and how Americans have fought over the meanings and legacy of the Revolution for nearly 250 years. In doing so, he will explain why the American Revolution has had such a unique place in the nation’s politics and culture.

Be sure to come early before the event to browse our special exhibition, Rebellious, which reflects on moments throughout Connecticut history when its people came together, pushed back, and sparked change to pursue their own visions of life, liberty, and happiness in America.

This event is presented in partnership with the Association for the Study of Connecticut History (ASCH) and is free to attend for ASCH members! To learn more about ASCH, visit their website.

$15 General Admission
$10 Connecticut Museum Members
Free for Connecticut Museum Member levels $150 and above

About Our Speaker:

Michael D. Hattem is a historian on early America, the American Revolution, and historical memory. He earned his B.A. in History from The City College of New York and his Ph.D. in History from Yale University. He is the author of The Memory of ’76: The Revolution in American History (2024), which was a finalist for the 2025 George Washington Prize, and Past and Prologue: Politics and Memory in the American Revolution (2020). His next book, The Declaration of Independence: A Concise History (2026), will be published in November. His work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME magazine, The Smithsonian Magazine, the Washington Post, as well as many other mainstream media publications and outlets.