Cabinet Conversations: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
April 22, 2026
The story of America’s founding remains one of contention, evolution and aspiration. President Lincoln considered the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as “an apple of gold” and “the picture of silver subsequently framed around it.” What do these documents reveal about the elasticity of our democracy, and what “unfinished work,” as Lincoln described, remains for us today?
Revisit the founding ideals of the United States and trace the complex path from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution in this thought-provoking conversation with leading scholars and experts. Together, we’ll explore how the framers’ ambitious yet imperfect vision for liberty and equality has been interpreted, challenged and expanded through the lens of constitutional law and how the arts shape and foster national memory.
Cabinet Conversations will take place in the Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership before the 7 p.m. Performance of 1776. Registration for Cabinet Conversations and performance tickets are sold separately. To purchase tickets for 1776, please click here.