Our American Story: A Conversation
At the heart of the American experiment lies a powerful, hidden connector: the spirit of service. When we commit to something greater than ourselves and work toward the common good, we transcend our differences and build stronger, more united communities. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sarah Botstein, and former U.S. Representatives Bob Inglis, Donna F. Edwards, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen join host Brian Baird in an uplifting and deeply inspiring conversation exploring how this shared civic duty has shaped our nation’s history—and how it continues to light our way forward into the next 250 years.
You are invited to tune into the video conversation broadcast, join the live interactive Q&A, and learn more about our distinguished panel by reading their speaker profiles. We also invite you to explore our accompanying engagement resources and download our comprehensive toolkit. Inside, you will find everything you need to spark this same unifying dialogue, celebrate local heroes, and make the spirit of service visible and valued in your own community.
View the video
About the speakers
Hon. Brian Baird
Former Democratic representative,
Washington 3rd district and founder, National Museum and Center for Service
Brian served for twelve years in the United States House of Representatives (WA-3, 1999-2011). Brian holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming, practiced clinically for twenty years, has written three books, served as a university president, and was an advisor to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Hon. Donna F. Edwards
Former Democratic representative, Marylands's 4th district
The first African American woman to represent Maryland. A Wake Forest and UNH Law graduate, she co-founded the National Network to End Domestic Violence, helping pass the Violence Against Women Act. She previously worked as a systems engineer at Lockheed for NASA. In Congress, she championed Science, Space and Technology.
Hon. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Former Republican representative, Florida's 27th district
A native of Cuba, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen served for almost three decades. As the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress, she chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee, championed freedom and democracy, and fought for LGBT equality, leading on acts like the Respect for Marriage Act.
Sarah Botstein
Co-Director & Producer, PBS's The American Revolution
Sarah has produced some of the most widely-watched and acclaimed documentaries on PBS. Her work, in collaboration with directors Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, The Vietnam War (2017), Prohibition (2011), The War (2007) and Jazz (2001). In addition to the television broadcasts, Sarah works on digital and education initiatives, in collaboration with PBS Learning Media and WETA-TV.
Hon. Bob Inglis
Former Republican representative, South Carolina's 4th district
Following his time in Congress, he committed to promoting free enterprise solutions for climate change. He launched the Energy and Enterprise Initiative, which later became republicEn.org. His efforts earned him the 2015 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
Engagement and discussion guide
This discussion guide has been developed to facilitate conversation and engagement around the topics explored in 250 & Beyond: Our American Story such as civic engagement, democratic ideals, and the balance between self-interest and the common good.
Designed for families, schools, libraries, and communities, it provides activities and prompts to spark meaningful dialogue around our nation’s history. Use it to host screenings or public events that celebrate everyday heroes and inspire the next generation as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
"The founders did not know they were gonna be the founders... they were a spunky, fierce bunch of great, fierce debaters and philosophers and lawyers trying to wrestle some big things to the ground."
— Sarah Botstein
Civic Learning Week - Q&A
Join acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sarah Botstein (co-director of The American Revolution) and former U.S. Representative Brian Baird for a compelling Q&A exploring the soul of American democracy.
In this follow-up to the "250 & Beyond: Our American Story — A conversation about communities, service and democracy" video special, Botstein and Baird answer audience questions on the role of service in our nation's founding, the vital importance of civic duty to a working democracy, and how ordinary citizens can cement the legacy of service as a core American value for the next 250 years.
Educator discussion guide
Educator discussion guides have been designed to spark dialogue and conversation around the themes of civic engagement, service, history and democracy in middle and secondary school classrooms as a follow up resource for 250 & Beyond: Our American Story conversation. Download the free discussion guides below.
Host an event in your community
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we invite you to bring this important conversation to your own hometown.
You can partner with your local public TV or radio station, a nearby college, or your public library to host an event just like this one. Together, you can explore how the spirit of service—people helping people—can bridge our divides and bring communities closer together.
Using the free 250 & Beyond: Our American Story Engagement and Discussion guide linked below, you will find everything you need to start a great community discussion, including instructions on how to invite a former member of Congress to speak at your event.
In this guide you will find:
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Event ideas, tips and resources
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Further reading list
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Family service activities
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Coloring pages
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Classroom activities, worksheets and reflection questions
OPPORTUNITY: If you’re interested in bringing former members of Congress to your event, you can reach out to the Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) at https://www.usafmc.org/contact-us for assistance. In your email, please include when and where the event is being held, as well as a description of the event or panel you’d like a Former Member to participate in. FMC will forward your request to Former Members of Congress who may be interested and confirm them based on availability.
FMC does not share contact information for any of its Members without first obtaining their permission. Additionally, please keep in mind Former Members of Congress donate their time pro-bono, and FMC cannot guarantee a Former Member will be available to participate.
Stay in touch
Join the conversation, and stay up to date on the 250 & Beyond celebrations. Be the first to hear about webinars, communities of practice, stories, new tools and resources to honor the American spirit of service.
About the organizing partners
The National Museum and Center for Service
A national organization developing a truly national museum and center dedicated to honoring and inspiring service in ALL its forms.
Independent Sector
The only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive.
WETA
Founded in 1961, WETA is the leading public broadcasting station in the nation’s capital and serves their community with educational, cultural, news and public affairs programs and services.
Partial funding for this project provided by
Collaborating partners
The National Museum and Center for Service and Independent Sector are registered 501(c)(3) organizations.
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