"Reflecting on the Past, Imagining the Future: American Democracy at 250"
Dr. Jane Kamensky and Melody BarnesJoin Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Monticello, and Melody Barnes, Executive Director, UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy and member of Monticello's Board of Trustees, for a panel discussion at the annual Tom Tom Festival.
As the United States gears up to hit its 250th birthday, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the bumpy road that got us here and, more importantly, the road ahead. This conversation will explore the foundations of American democracy with a local twist—looking at Monticello’s unique role in shaping our history—and a national lens, thanks to the Karsh Institute’s broader perspective. The aim? To dig into how the lessons we’ve learned can guide the next 250 years of democracy. Let’s dive into how we can build a more representative future while celebrating a bit of the past.
This presentation is part of the Civic Futures Track programming at the annual Tom Tom Festival. For a full festival schedule and ticketing, please visit the Tom Tom Festival website.
