The 38th season of the E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will reflect on 250 years of U.S. history with five mainstage speakers and a storytelling show.
The 2026-27 season is organized around the theme “We the People: America at 250” and will explore the ordinary and extraordinary people, ideals and global forces that have shaped the first 250 years of the American experiment. The season is co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska College of Law and Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation.
All events are free and open to the public. Events are general admission, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The season opens with “A Conversation with Sarah M.S. Pearsall: A World History of the American Revolution” at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 in Sheldon Museum of Art, 12th and R streets. Pearsall, professor of history at John Hopkins University, will discuss her new book “Freedom Round the Globe: A World History of the American Revolution.” Most international histories have considered the effects of the American Revolution on the world; Pearsall instead focuses on the effects of the world on the American Revolution. She uncovers the insurgents in the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, Europe and North America who shaped the foundations of the United States. The talk will be moderated by Margaret Jacobs, Charles Mach Professor of history at Nebraska. A reception and book signing will follow. The event is presented in collaboration with Sheldon and the university’s Department of History. Register.
Other events in the series include:
- “A Conversation with Nathaniel Philbrick: Revolutionary Ambition — America at 250,” Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th St.: Philbrick is the author of eight bestselling works of American history, including “Mayflower,” a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for History. He will speak on the American Revolution, the topic of three of his books. The event, presented by Humanities Nebraska, is also the 31st annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities. Register.
- “A Lecture by Darius Wallace: Frederick Douglass’ Expanding Notions of Freedom,” Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Johnny Carson Theater, Lied Center: Wallace is a historical interpreter, educator and actor praised for his portrayal of the iconic abolitionist. The talk will explore Douglass’ support of equal rights, fairness and dignity for all people.
- “A Lecture by Rebecca Nagle: First America — How Indigenous Nations Shaped U.S. Democracy,” Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m., Swanson Auditorium, Nebraska Union, 1400 R St.: Nagle is an award-winning journalist, Cherokee Nation citizen and author of “By the Fire We Carry.” The event is presented with Vision Maker Media and the Center for Great Plains Studies.
- “A Storytelling Show with Greg Jackson: The Unlikely Union — America’s First Century of Revolution, Reform and Resilience,” March 2, 6:30 p.m., Lied Center: Jackson is an associate professor of history at Utah Valley University; creator, host and head writer of the podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck”; and author of “Been There, Done That: How Our History Shows What We Can Overcome.” The event is presented with Civic Nebraska.
- “A Conversation with Steve Inskeep: People, Power and America’s Stories,” March 30, 6:30 p.m., Lied Center: Inskeep is the host of NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “Up First” and author of “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America.” The event is presented with Nebraska Public Media and the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
The E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues is a cooperative project of the Cooper Foundation, Lied Center and University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The series was established in 1988 with the purpose of bringing a diversity of viewpoints on international and public policy issues to the university and people of Nebraska to promote understanding and encourage discussion. For more information, including ticket registration, visit the Thompson Forum website.
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