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Join us at Illinois Wesleyan University for a culminating conversation! All throughout 2026, the Museum, our partners, and members of the community explored the Declaration of Independence together. Local scholars shared what phrases such as “All Men Are Created Equal” and “Consent of the Governed” meant when the Declaration was written, and how that language has evolved over our nation’s 250-year history. Participants came together for civil dialogue about what those phrases mean to each of us and what we hope the next 250 years will look like.But what comes next? On Wednesday, December 16, at 6 p.m., we invite you to a final panel discussion in the Hansen Student Center on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University. This program is free and open to the public. Parking will be available in lots A and B near the student center. Please visit iwu.edu/about/printable-campus-map.pdf to view a parking map.
Moderated by the Museum’s Executive Director, Dr. Julie Emig, the five-person panel will reflect on the founding principles discussed during each Dialogue session, explore how we can work together for the betterment of all who live in this nation, and answer your questions about our democracy and how to be civically engaged.
The panelists will be:
Dr. Matthijs Tieleman, Assistant Professor of History at Illinois State University
Erik Rankin, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University and President and CEO of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation
Dr. Meghan Leonard, Professor in the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University
Dr. Robert Bradley, Professor Emeritus of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Executive Director and CEO of Illinois Humanities
This series would not have been possible without the support and contributions of our partners: The Dirksen Congressional Center, Illinois State University, Not in our Town Bloomington-Normal, Prairie Pride Coalition, Illinois State University Center for Civic Engagement, YWCA McLean County, Bloomington-Normal YMCA, Heartland Community College, the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, League of Women Voters McLean County, and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Questions? Email [email protected] or call the Museum at 309-827-0428.
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Event venue
Hansen Student Center, 300 Beecher St, Bloomington, IL 61701-1719, United States
Tickets
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