Ted Widmer, The Living Declaration: A Biography of America's Founding Text, with Brian Bergstein of The Boston Globe

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Two and a half centuries later, these words remain both familiar and provocative. What do they mean today, and how have their meanings changed over time?

Historian and former presidential speechwriter Ted Widmer joins Brian Bergstein of The Boston Globe for a conversation exploring the origins and lasting impact of the words and ideas that shaped America. Hosted by Revolutionary Spaces at the Old State House, the program celebrates the Boston launch of Widmer’s new book, The Living Declaration: A Biography of America’s Founding Text. This event is part of a season of programs commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Widmer revisits the Declaration’s origins and traces how its ideas have been interpreted, challenged, and redefined across generations. Through voices ranging from early revolutionaries to civil rights leaders, he explores how Americans have debated its promises and used it to push for change. Featuring figures like Noah Webster, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Abraham Lincoln, Widmer highlights how the Declaration has shaped conflicts, reforms, and movements in the United States and beyond.Bringing together diverse and often conflicting perspectives, this conversation reflects the enduring power of the Declaration as a foundation for ongoing debates about freedom, equality, and democracy.

The evening will include a Q&A with the speakers during the event, followed by a book signing after the program. The first 50 registered attendees will receive copies of Widmer’s book. 

This program is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of the Lowell Institute. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the program will begin at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be provided.Seating for this event is limited and priority access is available for Revolutionary Spaces members. For those unable to attend in person, this program will be livestreamed. A link to watch this program will be emailed to livestream registrants at a later date.