Partner Event to Bolster Civics Education and Informed Citizenry in Higher Education for America’s Semiquincentennial

Panelists, Including 2024 Carl M. Buchholz Lecturer Dr. Richard Haass, to Underscore Importance of History and Government Curriculum in College Classrooms 

The Museum of the American Revolution and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) will present an evening panel discussion on the role of civic education for an informed citizenry on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary, the panel will focus on the milestone opportunity to reinvigorate history and civics education in American college and university classrooms and across the public history sector.  

The keynote address will be provided by President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations Dr. Richard N. Haass. Haass and his recent book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, were the focus of the Museum’s 2024 Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture, a series created to explore the political thought of the American Revolution and its national relevance today. In the book, Haass warns that the very idea of American citizenship must be revised and expanded. 

"We, as Americans, need to take democracy consciously,” he said during his 2024 Buchholz lecture. “We've got to be ... intentional and purposeful about what our traditions are and handing them down." 

Additional panelists on April 30 include Dr. Michael B. Poliakoff, ACTA President and CEO; Anne D. Neal, Senior Fellow, American Council of Trustees and Alumni; and Dr. Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor in Education, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Each having served on ACTA’s National Commission on American History and Civic Education, they will join Haass in discussing how to raise the historic and civic literacy of rising generations. Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will moderate the conversation and Q&A. 

“The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) 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.” 

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. Tickets are free (though registration is required) and include access to the reception and program, as well as special exhibition access. 

This event is made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. 

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. 

About the National Endowment for the Humanities  

Created in 1965 as an independent federal agency, the National Endowment for the humanities supports research and learning in history, literature, philosophy, and other areas of the humanities by funding selected, peer-reviewed proposals from around the nation. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov. 

About 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.