Fennell Forum: 'The American Revolution at 250'

In July 2026, Americans will commemorate the 250th anniversary of their nation’s Declaration of Independence. They will do so at a time when the meaning and founding principles of their country are being contested as never before in its recent history. At the moment, Americans are engaged in a prolonged debate over the meaning and purpose of their country—and whether they can even continue as a nation with a shared history and identity.

The 2025 Fennell Forum will bring together leading historians of the United States in a dialogue to discuss the meaning of the American Revolution and the country's future as it approaches its 250th birthday. The panel will comprise Professor Annette Gordon-Reed, Carl M. Loeb University Professor and Professor of History at Harvard University; Professor Eliga Gould, Professor of History, University of New Hampshire and 2025-26 Harold Vyvan Harmsworth Professor of American History, Oxford University; Professor Patrick Griffin, Madden-Hennebry Family Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame, and Dr Meg E. Roberts, the current Fennell Fellow for the History of the Americas at the University of Edinburgh.

This event will also be available as a livestream (free), but without the Q&A. Please choose the livestream option when booking tickets.

The Fennell Forum is possible due to the generosity of History alumnus, Simon Fennell. You can find out more about Simon and previous Fennell events at the link below.