What can America’s defining moments teach us about the challenges of today? During a weeklong visiting speaker series, the Jefferson Educational Society will welcome nationally recognized historians, best-selling authors, White House chiefs of staff, and more to examine the people, decisions, and events that continue to shape the nation’s story.
As the nation recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The Moments That Shaped America, is a reminder that it’s the people on the frontline of history every day who make a difference and have the power to shape the future. The series kicks off on July 27 and continues through July 30, including:
- 9/11 25 Years Later: WH Chief of Staff Andy Card’s Eyewitness to History on Monday, July 27— Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card offers a firsthand account of one of the most consequential days in American history. From informing President George W. Bush that the nation was under attack to helping guide the White House response in the hours and days that followed, Card provides a rare insider perspective on leadership, crisis management, national security, and the lasting impact of 9/11 on America and the world.
- From FDR to Trump: Life in the Modern White House on Tuesday, July 28 — From the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to that of Donald Trump, the White House has served as both the center of American government and the stage for history. Former White House Chief Usher of the Executive Residence Gary Walters and presidential historian Stewart McLaurin share remarkable stories from behind the scenes of America’s most famous residence, exploring how presidents, first families, staff, and traditions have shaped life inside the modern White House across decades of change, crisis, and celebration.
- ‘We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America’ on Wednesday, July 29 — In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, co-author Kate Andersen Brower explores the remarkable stories of the often-overlooked women who helped shape the nation’s history. From Revolutionary-era patriots and abolitionists to suffragists, service members, and civic leaders, “We the Women” shines a light on the courage, resilience, and determination of women whose contributions transformed America, often without recognition. This conversation offers a powerful new perspective on the people and stories that helped define the American experiment.
- Against All Odds: Front Line Stories From World War II on Thursday, July 30 — Bestselling historian Alex Kershaw joins World War II veteran David Yoho for a powerful and deeply personal conversation on courage, sacrifice, and survival during history’s greatest conflict. Drawing from Kershaw’s acclaimed works chronicling the heroism of American soldiers and Yoho’s firsthand experiences in wartime service, this program brings audiences to the front lines of World War II through unforgettable stories of combat, resilience, brotherhood, and duty. Together, they offer both historical insight and living testimony to the generation that helped preserve freedom in one of the defining struggles of the modern world.
Events will begin at 7 p.m. nightly at the Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St., Erie. Week passes are available for $50/each or $90 with a guest, while individual events are $15/each or $25 with a guest.
To find more information about these events, see our full summer lineup, or to make reservations, call 814.459.8000 or visit JESErie.org.
