Initiative

A More Perfect Union: America at 250

Together with the National Endowment for the Humanities, Oklahoma Humanities “A More Perfect Union: America at 250” initiative catalyzes community engagement with the humanities and American history as we as a nation explore what is means to strive for “A More Perfect Union” and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Initiative

A More Perfect Union: America at 250

"A More Perfect Union" Programs and Events

Get involved in your community through local libraries, schools, and community centers.

Programming for this initiative includes reading and discussion groups, Oklahoma National History Day programming in conjunction with the Oklahoma Historical Society, and more!

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Let's Talk About It Reading and Discussion Groups

One aspect of this initiaitive will be 10-15 in-person or virtual reading and discussion programs through the established council-led Let’s Talk About It program, with themes that center our nation’s quest for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society. Let’s Talk About It is a nationwide reading and discussion program developed by the American Library Association and the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1982. If you are interested in hosting a reading and discussion program, please contact Program Officer Sarah Olzawski for more information. Themes include broad humanities topics such as American experiences from diverse perspectives, Oklahoma-specific narratives, and key moments in American history. Three new themes developed for this special project include:

Memory, Memorials and Painful Pasts: A More Perfect Union theme
Native American Identity From Past to Present: A More Perfect Union theme
Of Shadows and Light: Stories of African American Resilience: A More Perfect Union theme

Apply to host a discussion group in your community!

View The Full "More Perfect Union" Themes and Books List

Initiative Media

BrainBox

How do public monuments and memorials express the values and concerns of their cultures? What makes an effective monument, and how can its planning and development be an example of public discourse at work? Listen now to find out more. ...Start Listening

What does it mean for half a million Oklahomans to be citizens of both the United States and of their tribal nations? Listen and learn with Cherokee scholar Jay Hannah about the history and meaning of tribal citizenship within American democracy. ...Start Listening

What is the Electoral College and why do we use this system to elect U.S. presidents? Our guests, Dr. Aaron Mason and Dr. Eric Schmaltz discuss this hugely consequential quirk of our electoral system and how it has affected American democracy. ...Start Listening View All

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Initiative Media

Oklahoma Humanities Magazine