The Wisdom Bar – "Freedom, Justice, and Democracy"

Expert-led lectures in bars and creative spaces across NYC.
About this Event

💡A smarter night out in NYC—fascinating speakers, craft beer, and real conversation. 💡

https://youtube.com/shorts/eK6wN_xbCf0?si=mWORZjQ5P5EAcq_i

Here's what to look forward to during this groundbreaking lecture:

When the Civil War ended, the United States faced an enormous question: What kind of country would it become? Congressman Thaddeus Stevens believed the nation could not simply rebuild what had existed before the war. Instead, he called for radical changes to dismantle the South's old social and economic system, protect the rights of formerly enslaved people, and create a country built on a foundation of legal equality. This talk explores Stevens' bold vision for Reconstruction, the fierce opposition he faced, and why the questions he raised about freedom, justice, and democracy remain just as relevant today.

Stephanie Townrow is the Director of Interpretation and Exhibitions at the Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, a new museum she has had the privilege to build from the ground-up. A Ph.D. candidate in American history at the University of Delaware, she specializes in bringing the past to life through storytelling, artifacts, and the occasional deep dive down a historical rabbit hole. She has spent the last several years immersed in the world of Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith—and promises that Stevens was far more interesting (and important) than most history textbooks let on. She's excited to share some of the surprising stories behind one of America's most fascinating and fearless politicians.

We'll explore:

• The reconstruction of the United States post Civil War
• The radical changes that occured during this period which have led to the state of the country we live in today
• The role that Thaddeus Stevens played in shaping our nation

This might be for you if you...

• Are curious about unknown figures in our shared history
• Are intrigued by the steps taken by the government during the Reconstruction era that have directly impacted where the US is today
• Enjoy lecture-based and conversation-focused events of any kind — think Ted Talks in bars, Lectures on Tap, or micro learning meets dinner party
• Want to switch up your usual weeknight. Why not make it interesting? 🤓

Agenda

🕑: 06:30 PM
Doors Open
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Grab a Drink!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
Lecture Begins
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Meet the Speaker & Mingle