Remembering the Bicentennial: A Revolutionary History of 1976

Marc Stein is coming to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, November 4, for a lecture and panel discussion titled Remembering the Bicentennial: A Revolutionary History of 1976. The evening runs from 6:30 to 8 PM at the HSP's Boxton space, 1300 Locust Street in Center City.

Stein is the author of Bicentennial: A Revolutionary History of the 1970s, and that book is the starting point for the night. The whole thing centers on the 1976 Bicentennial, which turned out to be a lot more than just a party for the country's 200th birthday. Coming on the heels of Vietnam and Watergate, the celebration sparked a wide-open national conversation about where the U.S. had been and where it was going, and it opened a door for women to push for more equality and to champion the study of women's history.

That's where the local connection comes in. Right here in Philadelphia, the Bicentennial Women's Center put together programs and initiatives built around feminist education, advocacy, and community action. Stein's talk draws on his book, and he's joined by Carol Tracy and Dr. Cynthia Little, who'll share first-hand accounts of their own work with the Center. Between the historical overview and the personal stories from people who were actually there, the session looks at the Bicentennial as a political moment rather than just a parade.

The event is run by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and is offered as a hybrid, so you can catch it in person or join online. Tickets are $10, and it's free for HSP members. It runs from 6:30 to 8 PM on Wednesday, November 4, at 1300 Locust Street.