Democracy360 kicks off with a powerful exploration of the ideals at the heart of the American experiment. Audiences will enjoy an exclusive advance screening from Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution, followed by a conversation reflecting on the nation’s founding and what it means today.   

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, a panel of experts—including some who appear in the film—will ask: What was the Revolution really about? And how do its virtues and contradictions carry into the future? 

This session is produced by the Karsh Institute of Democracy in partnership with VPM and the Virginia Film Festival.

Speakers will be announced soon. Learn more about attending other Democracy360 events this year.